His lips came down on mine once more, our tongues meeting for a passionate kiss that left me lightheaded.

“Jude.” One word. I whispered, “My Jude.” I wrapped my body around his, remembering the feel of his body and how well he fit mine. Yes, I had loved and was loved by two men. Two very different men.

I lost Dylan in body, but never in my heart. I was learning that there was room for both of them. Jude was here; he never really left, and as he held me in his arms, I realized even more about his love for me.

He loved me enough to let me be loved by someone else. He loved me enough to stick around when I wasn’t very loveable, and to be present in my darkest hours. Not once, but twice. He saved me once, and after I lost Dylan, he did it yet again. I couldn’t think of a better man to experience my second chance at love than Jude.

I’m doing it, Dyl. I’m loving again, just like you wanted. Thank you for bringing Jude back to me.

I sent up a silent prayer of gratitude to the man who was still watching over me, healing me from the inside out.

I rubbed my nose against Jude’s in an Eskimo kiss, our breath mingling, hands coaxing and caressing. “I love you, Jude.” My words came out in a sigh. “Please don’t break me.” I kissed him again.

“Never again, Haven. I will love and cherish you always, just like you deserve.”

Yes, I was damaged. I had eaten from the forbidden fruit and I was suffering the consequences. The scars I bared on my soul were a reminder. They were a reminder of both a tortured and treasured experience.

I took a moment to think of my family, my friends. Their own lives and love had been that of sorrow and sometimes chaos. I’d often wondered why they hadn’t given up, why they’d fought so hard? I finally understood. Love was worth the heartache and the pain.

When the broken parts of my tattered heart eased, I knew I’d look at those scars and smile. Knowing that even after we least expected it, there was a happily ever after, even if it stemmed from a forbidden love.

Haven

“I’m sweating!” I whined, dabbing my armpits with a tissue.

“Oh, stop being a baby,” Scarlett retorted, handing me a bottle of anti-perspirant. “Everyone sweats on their wedding day. Get over it. Jude doesn’t care what you smell like anyway.”

“Nope. He just wants to find the closet cloakroom and bang your brains out.” Teeny laughed, handing me my bouquet of roses and baby’s breath.

“Here,” Scarlett called out before diving under my cream lace-layered dress.

“What are you—oh, my God!” I screamed, startled by the cold spray. “What the hell, Scar?” I asked as she inched out from between my legs, holding up a spray bottle of Febreze.

“Just making sure it smells good under there. You don’t want to be hiking up your dress and smelling like a tuna sandwich do you?” She was so matter-of-fact in her argument; I was lost for words. Teeny stood off to the side, doubled over in laughter.

“You two are horrible bridesmaids, you know that?” I shot at them, trying not to crack up laughing.

“Yep,” they both sung in unison.

“Let’s go. I want to marry my fiancé and I’m afraid to be in a room with you two any longer.” I started for the door and took a long deep breath, touching Dylan’s charm on my bracelet with my fingertips.

Thank you, Dylan. You gave him back to me. You’re always in my heart. I sent my silent thanks up to the heavens and opened the door that led out to the church.

Truth be told, I cried a little when Jude looked into my eyes and promised in front of all our family and friends that he’d forever be mine. I never thought the day would ever come for me, but there I was, holding my husband’s hand and walking into the beautifully decorated reception room. Jaxson and Jordan walked just in front of us with Javerio holding each of their hands and giggling as he stumbled with them. Off to the side stood Scarlett wrapped up in Mace’s arms and beside them, Teeny stood beside Trip, her head resting on his shoulder, smiling brightly up at him.

They all found their place in the world and I couldn’t be happier for each of them. They’d fought a hard battle to get there and they deserved their happiness.

I walked in to the room with Jude holding my hand in his, and sighed. This was it. This was my happily ever after. It turned out my forbidden love was not so forbidden after all.