Page 121 of Dylan

“In the right corner, in the blue robe and black trunks, weighing in as an ethereal presence, we have Donny ‘Killer’ Walsh.”

I break down and begin to cry even harder. It’s my dad. They have a surreal image of my dad stepping into the ring like he’s truly alive. Laki is even in the ring to remove his robe.

I know Ciarán helped to make this happen, which only makes this that much more special to me. Cole and Logan each rub my back as I continue to cry.

I wipe at my eyes so I can see what’s going on. Dylan and the image have an actual bout. In this moment, I believe in every promise Dylan has ever made to me.

This was the one promise I wasn’t expecting him to keep because it was impossible. I should have known better. This is Dylan.

The boy who waited nearly thirteen years for me. As the round ends, everyone cheers. I glance around to see there isn’t a dry eye here.

“Ciara, I made you a promise when you were eight years old. I didn’t know then how hard it would be to keep that promise, but I knew I would.

“I’ve asked your uncles and Ciarán for your hand, but I needed to fight your da just like I said I would. I hope you can accept this version of a fight. Ciarán did say he would come out here and fight me in the flesh if this wasn’t enough for you.” He laughs and winks at me. “Come here, baby.”

I stand up on shaky legs and head to the ring. Logan and Cole open the ropes and Jamie helps me inside. Dylan pulls me into his arms and dips his head to place his forehead to mine.

“I love you more than anything in this world. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I’ll be here to protect you, love you, and take care of you. Will you marry me, Ciara?”

“Yes, I promised you I would. Yes.”

EPILOGUE

Another Promise

Brooklyn

We’re sittingon one of the cliffs around the Black castle. I have DJ sitting between my legs as my chin rests on the top of her head while we look out over the water.

I’m proud of my little brother. He promised he would do something, and he held to it. No matter how impossible it was.

I’ve done things all out of order, but I love this woman just as much, if not more. Am I happy? I guess you could say that, but I want it all. For once, my role in the Alliance isn’t breathing down my neck.

We can all take steps toward things in our personal lives. After all we’ve been through, we deserve more. It’s our time.

“What are ya thinking about, Cole? It sounds like yer trying to start an engine with all that thinking,” DJ says, breaking into the silence.

“I’m thinking about when ya took yer bat to my car.”

She pulls away to turn and look back at me. Pursing my lips, I try not to laugh. She narrows her eyes at me.

“Are ya thinking about making me have to again?”

“Ach, no, love. I’m thinking about how I knew that night that I loved ya.”

“Um.”

I peck her lips and tighten my arms around her. She turns back to look out at the water. I inhale deeply. The plan is for me to be next.

This is going to be good. I promise it will.