36. Epilogue

laurie

Icouldn't believe we'd actually reached this point. We'd worked for months on designs and having them turned into garments and accessories we could auction off. We'd chosen to produce several one-of-a-kind pieces, and all the profits would go to our new charity benefitting survivors of domestic abuse. With Worth's connections and his knowledge of charitable foundations, we were able to get our creation off the ground quickly.

I was nervous as hell. Worth wanted me to give a speech, but he was ready to talk instead if my nerves failed me. Either way, I would need to be up on stage with him.

I'd never done anything like this, never even imagined it. I had grown more comfortable with the world Worth came from, but I didn't think I'd ever feel as comfortable as Worth did around people with millions or billions of dollars, people who could snap their fingers and have whatever they wanted. Even if I now technically had that ability too. I insisted on doing as much of the work with our designs and the set-up of the charity as I could. Anytime Worth suggested we delegate a task, I insisted on doing it myself. I wanted to know I had put in enough energy to truly call this project mine.

Worth was at a final meeting with the catering company and the facilities management team, making sure everything was set up so the evening would go perfectly. He would be home soon, and we would need to finish getting ready so we could head over to the venue together.

I'd stayed home, knowing that being in the space would make me even more nervous, but somehow, being here alone was nearly as bad. I headed up to the roof. The garden had become a place for me to go whenever I needed to think something through or when I was having a rough day. It was so peaceful, such a perfect retreat.

Even though it was much colder now than when I'd first come to New York, I didn't mind. I grabbed one of the blankets we kept in a storage ottoman and wrapped it around myself as I settled on the couch. Tonight was going to be amazing. We were going to see people purchasing things we'd designed together. According to Worth, they were going to pay tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands a piece for the items, and all that money was going to be funneled into helping men and women who were stuck the way I had been; people who needed a way out, a way to be able to support themselves and get on their feet so they could go after their own dreams.

We were going to be giving people their freedom, their lives. I couldn't be happier about that.

I heard the door open and turned to see Worth step out onto the roof.

"I thought you'd be up here, but you worried me for a minute. I thought you might've panicked and taken off."

I shook my head. "No. This is too important. No matter how nervous I am, I'm going to get up on stage for the sake of all the people we can help. I was so incredibly lucky. I got away and fell into this amazing life with an amazing man and ready-made friends. I want other people to have a chance at happiness."

"I know, and I love you for that. I love you for everything. I know the last six months have been a whirlwind as we threw ourselves into this project, but once we've launched it, I want to take you back to Aruba. Or if you'd prefer, we could sail on our yacht since we never got the chance."

"I'd love to go back to Aruba and to be on our yacht. I'll be happy either way as long as I'm with you."

"Good, but we won't leave until we have a chance to celebrate some more good news with our friends."

"What is it?"

"The cartel's power has been fully destroyed. The few people with any connection who are still alive have fled Columbia, and they won't be rebuilding."

"That's fantastic. We're really free of it?"

"Yes, and I have one other thing to say." Worth moved closer. I thought he would sit beside me. Instead, he pushed my legs open and knelt in front of me. "It's been six months since I came up here, afraid I wouldn't be able to convince you to stay. I am thankful every day that you did."

I didn't think I'd ever been happier. "Me too."

He shifted to one knee and pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.

"Worth, what's happening?"

"Laurence Murphy will you marry me? We can finally put to rest all the chatter from people who think this is a phase, and that I'm going to get over it."

"Are there people who still think that?"

"I'm sure there are." He held up the ring, and it hit me that I hadn't answered him.

"Yes. Absolutely yes. I'll marry you. Oh my God, this day is too much. It's too good."

He slid the ring onto my finger, then took my hands and pulled me to my feet. He kissed me, softly at first, with such tender care, then harder as our hands began to explore each other's bodies. When I started to undo his pants, he shook his head and pulled away. "We don't have time. As it is, we might be late."

"Worth—"

"We'll have time later." He pulled me against him, rubbing his hard cock against mine. "When we get home, I'm going to fuck you until you can't breathe. I'm going to make sure you won't want to get out of bed all day tomorrow."

"How on earth am I supposed to focus tonight when that's all I'll be thinking about?"

"I have a feeling you'll do all right. Also, I have another surprise."

"Another one?" I didn't know if I could take much more.

"I know you didn't want me to confront Tommy myself."

"Worth—"

He held up a hand. "Just listen. I found a way to keep my distance and still make him pay."

"Oh my God, did you have him killed?"

"As much as I wanted to, no, because you said not to. I did some digging with Carter's help and discovered that he'd been embezzling from his employer. He's in jail on a bond he can't afford, and I'm assured he'll be going to prison."

"You bribed the court?"

Worth grinned. "Maybe, but the crime is very real."

"And he's going to be locked away."

"For a very long time, and if you ever change your mind, more steps can be taken."

I imagined Tommy sitting in jail, with no one to bring him food or take care of his needs. I pulled Worth into my arms. "Thank you. That's perfect. It's…the best surprise except for your proposal. I…This is all too much."

"No. It's exactly right."

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now come on, we've got to get ready."

A laugh burst out of me as I followed him. "We're getting married."

He turned around, grinning. "That's right. I'm going to give my princess whatever kind of wedding he wants, and we're going to be together forever."

"I really am living a fantasy."

"True, but there are a lot of very real people waiting on us."

We hurried down the stairs to our bedroom.

worth

We arrived at the auction venue far later than we should have but before the scheduled start time. I had a chance to speak to several of my friends. Eudora Weeks had come with her good friend Robert and a few other members of the knitting circle Ford, Jay, and Ben attended at her house. She'd been a friend of Miles's family for decades, and she was a major supporter of charities in the city. She'd agreed to publicize our new foundation and bring her friends, which meant major donors would be in attendance.

It made me so happy that she'd taken to Laurie immediately. She was going have him knitting before long, I was sure of it. Not that I minded in the least. The idea of wearing a hat, a scarf, or something else he'd made for me warmed me all over. I didn't care what he made or how I would look in it. I'd wear anything for him.

"I'm so excited about tonight," Eudora said. "I may have to have a piece for myself."

"Have you taken a look at everything?"

She nodded. "I have my eye on a few items."

Laurie gave her a hug. "Thank you again, so much. Your help has been invaluable."

"I'm happy to do it. This is a wonderful cause."

"I'm just excited we're going to be able to help so many people," he said.

My friends and I had had already contributed large amounts to the new foundation, but the more we brought in, the more people we could help, and our auction would also raise awareness about the issue among people who had the means to help.

When it came time for the evening to begin, Eudora took the stage to a roar of applause. The attendance was everything we'd hoped for.

She introduced me and Laurie, then stepped aside, returning to her table to sit with our friends.

I started to adjust the mic, but Laurie shook his head.

"I've got this," he whispered.

I'd wanted him to be the one to give the introduction, but he wasn't sure he could, so I was prepared. The fact that he felt ready made me want to grab him up, spin him around, and kiss him. That would have to wait. My fiancé needed to make this speech.

"Hello everyone." Laurie's voice was steady and confident. "Thank you for being here tonight. This project has a very special meaning to me. I myself have been a victim of domestic abuse. I'm one of the lucky ones. I was able to find a way out, and thanks to some very special friends, I've been able to not only put my life back together, but to follow a dream of mine, two dreams really. One as an artist and designer of unique clothing, and one as the co-founder of this charity. I want everyone who is stuck in a horrible situation like I was to be able to get out and have a home, clothes, and other necessities, and the resources to find a job. I want to give these men, women and children as much support as possible. Your purchases and donations tonight are going to help with that. Please consider the importance of the situation as you bid on the pieces we have on offer tonight."

Applause exploded across the room. Miles was the first person to stand, then everyone followed suit. Tears began to run down Laurie's cheeks, and I wrapped my arm around him.

"Thank you all," I said. "We sincerely appreciate this turn out. Now, let the festivities begin!" As I helped Laurie down the steps, I whispered, "I'm so proud of you."

He grinned. "They responded. They liked it. We're really doing this."

"That's right." I took his left hand in my right and felt the ring on his finger.

He glanced at me and smiled. "I'm going to marry you. I'm going to be your husband."

"Yes, and I'm going to be yours."

"I'm going to love you forever."

I grinned at him. "I might just love you longer than that."