That penetrated my fog. “What?” I glanced over my shoulder at my friend and classmate Bernice. Bernie and I were both older freshman at Edinburgh College of Art and had gravitated to each other almost immediately when we started a few short months ago. I stared around at the empty classroom. “Damn.” I put my brush down. “I’m supposed to be at Joss’s book launch in an hour.”
“You can make it if you hurry.”
I nodded, grabbed my bag, and rushed past her. “Thank you! See you tomorrow.”
* * *
“You’re covered in paint,” Cole said without preamble as soon as I stumbled into our apartment. He grabbed my hand. “Shower.”
I felt a rush of anticipation but tried to squash it considering we didn’t have a whole lot of time. “I can’t shower with you. We’ll be really, really, really late.”
He pushed open the door and shrugged out of his shirt, revealing the stylized “S” he’d had tattooed on his chest. Just like Stu had predicted, Cole had not heeded Steely’s warning about getting a woman’s name tattooed on him. I’d talked him out of getting my entire name scripted onto his skin, and we’d agreed on the initial. “Then we’ll be really, really, really late.”
Laughing, I followed him, tugging off my own shirt and leaving it behind on the floor beside his. “If anyone asks, I’ll blame you.”
* * *
“You’re late,” Hannah whispered as Cole and I pushed through the small crowd in the bookstore to stand with our family.
“Cole’s fault,” I whispered back.
“What was it this time?” Marco muttered. “Testing the weight of the kitchen table?”
I grinned, staring straight ahead at Joss, who was talking about the inspiration behind her latest character. “Nope. The effectiveness of our showerhead.”
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
I laughed softly at the familiar grumble and looked over my shoulder. Logan stood behind me, dressed smartly in a dark blue shirt and black jeans.
He grimaced at me. “Do me a favor—look around the room before you share those kinds of details.”
Trying to stem my giggling, I nodded and turned back to listen to Joss.
A few minutes later she’d finished her introduction, signed some books, and was now heading toward us. She took in my still-damp curls and the high color on my cheeks. “First you’re late and then you talk through my intro. You owe me another painting.”
“Sorry. It was all Cole’s fault.”
“Stop.” Logan held up a hand. “What did I say?”
“What did you say?” Braden came to a stop beside him.
Logan frowned at his boss. “I can’t discuss it.”
“It involves me, Cole, and a shower.”
Braden winced. “Oh, don’t go there.”
My brother groaned. “I need a drink.” He wandered off toward the drinks table and I watched him lift a glass of champagne. A pretty brunette reached for one at the same time and smiled flirtatiously at him. Logan gave her a cocky smile and leaned in to speak quietly to her. I knew not to get my hopes up about anything serious happening there. My brother had made it clear he was not interested in developing any kind of meaningful relationship with a woman anytime soon. I thought that was a shame. I was convinced the right woman would help rid him of the hard aspect prison had put in his eyes.
“He’s doing well.” Braden drew my attention back to him
Logan had gotten out of prison a couple of months ago and Braden, true to his word, had given him a job as security at his nightclub, Fire. In a few short weeks Logan’s natural air of authority and leadership became quickly apparent. Braden was impressed with the changes he’d suggested for the club’s security, as well as creative ideas he had for the club itself.
“I’m really proud of him for starting over.” And as for my guilt . . . it’s nearly all gone.
“You should be.”
“Shannon!”
I turned around and caught sight of Elodie waving at me. She was standing with Jo, Hannah, and Liv and there was a very obvious pile of wedding magazines in her arms.
“Seriously?” I shot a look at Joss. “It’s your night.”
Joss laughed. “Hey, wedding trumps book launch, and this long engagement is starting to kill Elodie and Ellie.”
“We haven’t even set a date yet.”
“Exactly. If I were you, I would. The faster you get it over with, the quicker your life will return to normal.”
“No more bridal magazines, dress samples, and venue selections,” I mused, and then, mind made up, I whipped around, searching the room for Cole. I found him standing in the corner with Marco, Cam, and Nate. “Cole!”
He raised an eyebrow at my shouting.
“We’re setting a date!”
“Finally!” we heard Ellie cry happily from the other side of the bookstore.
Cole and I burst out laughing along with the rest of our family.
* * *
Later that night as we lay snuggled together in bed, Cole murmured, “How was school today?”
“Good. Work?”
“Good. I miss you during the week, though.”
Since I started art school, Stu had hired someone to work part-time during the week, and I worked the weekends. “I miss you too.”
“So we’re setting a date?”
I smiled and pressed my lips to his chest. “It’s time, don’t you think?”
“I’ll marry you whenever you want, Shortcake. You know that.”
Warmth spread through my whole being as I curled up against him. “I spoke to Dad yesterday and he said Mum wants us over for dinner at the end of the month.”
“Another dinner?” he teased. “I think she’s starting to like me.”
I chuckled. “It’s killing Amanda.”
“Good.”
Smiling at his dry reply, I closed my eyes.
For the last few months it really felt like my life was finally finding balance. What with Cole, school, Logan, and now my parents coming around to the idea of my fiancé, I felt more at peace than I’d ever felt before.
Suddenly our conversation all those years ago on Scotland Street came to me.
“So, are you a hero, Cole Walker?”
“What is a hero, really?”
“I suppose it’s someone that saves people.”
“Yeah, I suppose it is.”
“So, do you save people?”
“I’m only fifteen. Give me a chance.”
“I’m so glad I did,” I murmured drowsily as Cole’s arm tightened around me.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Ever since Cole first appeared in the On Dublin Street series, readers wanted him to grow up so I could share his love story with them. I want to thank all those readers for being so passionate about this series and its characters, and I really hope Cole is the kind of man you all hoped he’d grow up to become. I know I’m proud of him.
I want to also say a massive thank-you to the team of people around me who help make each book develop into the best story it can be: my agent, Lauren Abramo; my editor, Kerry Donovan; the entire team at NAL; my readers; the passionate bloggers I speak to on a daily basis; my friends and family; all the musicians on the On Dublin Street series playlist that inspire me; the delivery woman from Domino’s who sees way too much of me when I’m nearing the end of a manuscript; and my author buds, Tammy B and the Indie Hellcats.
All of you support me and encourage me and challenge me in the best way possible and there’s not a day that passes when I don’t appreciate every single one of you.