Page 261 of Instinct

Because Lev appears first, walking slow and steady, his arm linked with Lily’s.

And Lily…

Lily is glowing. She steals my fucking breath away with a single glance.

White dress flowing around her, hair down in soft waves, her bump the sweetest curve beneath the fabric.

Her eyes are shining.

Not with fear.

With love.

With joy.

With life.

Lev walks her down the aisle, and it’s the perfect moment for them both.

And I feel it.

How hard he fought to be here. How hard she fought to get him back. How hard we all fought to deserve this.

By the time she reaches me, I swear my heart is outside my chest.

Lily turns her face and kisses his cheek. “Thank you,” she mouths to him, and I see Lev’s jaw clench like he’s trying not to cry in front of everyone.

Then Lily turns to me, her eyes locking onto mine. And the world narrows to her.

Only her.

She steps close enough that I can breathe her in. “I love you,” she whispers, like it’s just for me.

I swallow hard, my eyes burning. “I love you more,” I tell her back.

Hallie appears beside her, sniffling, and takes the blue bouquet from Lily’s hands. And goes back to sit with the rest of the girls. Even Roxy is here with tears streaming down her face.

Lily’s fingers slide into mine.

And as I look at her—my wife-to-be, my future, the mother of my child—I feel it in my bones.

I shouldn’t be standing here. I shouldn’t have survived the life I lived. I shouldn’t have been chosen.

But she chose me anyway.

And I’ve never felt luckier in my entire damn life. I’ll do everything I can to protect this peace. To spend the rest of my days worshipping her like she deserves.

Because Lily saved me.

And I’ll make sure I’m worthy of her love until the day I die.