Someone Like You (The Ever After Agency #4)

Epilogue

SEPTEMBER THE FOLLOWING YEAR

‘Do you see them?’ I ask Raff. I’m standing on my tiptoes, peering around other people, but the crowd is too dense. I can’t see who’s coming through the doors at Arrivals.

‘Not yet.’ He tightens his grip on my shoulder.

‘They landed an hour ago,’ I say, impatient.

‘I know. It’s so bloody annoying how long it takes, especially for Americans.’

I look up at him and he’s smirking at me. ‘Are you teasing me?’

‘I wouldn’t dare.’ He smacks a kiss on my head.

‘And now you’re patronising me,’ I say, pretending to be annoyed.

‘I would say placating , rather than— That’s them! They’re here.’

‘Where? Where?’

‘Come on.’

He takes my hand, leading me through the crowd, offering polite apologies as we go – typical Raff. When we reach the end of the walkway, there they are – Mom, Dad, and a newly divorced Issy.

‘You’re here!’ I shout, my arms out wide .

Issy squeals and throws her arms around me, and I squeeze her back. I cannot believe my sister is moving to London!

‘Great to see you, sweetheart,’ says Dad. ‘But we should…’ He motions that we should get out of everyone’s way.

‘Good call, Dad,’ I say, because everyone else is here for the exact same reason – to welcome loved ones.

Dad pushes the cart loaded with luggage – mostly Issy’s, I’d say – and we find a small clearing thirty yards away, then go back to our reunion, Dad hugging Raff while Issy looks on, and Mom giving me a tight hug. She draws back, regarding me with tears in her eyes. ‘You look beautiful.’

‘Thanks, Mom. You too.’

‘Liar. But give me a decent night’s sleep, then tell me.’ I snigger, and she leans closer. ‘And you and Raff together…’ she says, looking at him over my shoulder. ‘I’m so happy for you, hun. It sounds like you two are making quite the life together.’

‘I love it, Mom. I love him . I never realised it could be like this.’

She squeezes her eyes shut for a second, a huge smile on her face, as if she can’t believe her luck. That makes two of us.

‘Hi again, sweetheart,’ says Dad.

‘Hi, Dad. I missed you.’

‘I missed you too.’ He hugs me close, and my arms wrap around his middle. He kisses the side of my head before releasing me. ‘It’s gonna be hard with both you girls over here.’

‘I know, but it’s one plane ride now – not two – so you get to see both of us at once. And Issy needed this – a fresh start.’

‘Well, that’s true.’

‘Plus, CiCi gets to add a communications whiz to the team.’

He smiles, but it’s bittersweet and we both know it.

‘Your mom and I are really proud – of both of you.’

‘Thanks, Dad. ’

Issy reaches for my hand, and I turn to her. ‘So, you ready to see our new apartment?’ I ask her.

‘So ready.’

‘You’re going love it,’ says Raff. ‘It’s even closer to mine than Gabs’ old flat – lovely building, new kitchen and bathroom, leafy aspect…’

‘Aren’t you taking the baking world by storm? You sound like a real estate agent,’ Issy teases.

‘One should always have a back-up plan,’ he says with a wink. ‘Right, the car’s this way, everyone,’ he says, taking over the cart and leading the way.

As we walk out of the terminal towards CiCi’s borrowed car, I look around me. I am so fortunate to have this much love in my life, to be here with my favourite people in the world. Mom and Dad are only staying for ten days to help Issy get settled and to visit me and Raff, but we are going to squeeze every precious moment out of that time.

And once Issy is settled, both in our apartment and her new role, I’ve promised to introduce her to Poppy. Because Issy deserves a happily ever after too.