“What do you mean?”
“That same man paid me and your daughter a visit with the same ultimatum.”
My dad’s eyes dart back to me, and I tell him, “I told him not to hurt you and to kill me instead.”
“You sacrificed your life for me?”
I nod.
“Sweetheart . . .”
“It’s okay, Dad,” I assure him. “Can I ask you something though?”
“Anything.”
“What was your biggest wish when you were living?”
The corners of his mouth lift. “You,” he says. “I always wished to have you in my life.”
My heart floats like a feather. “And my wish was always you, Dad.” My eyes mist over in pure delight. “Our wishes came true.” I turn to face Declan and tell him in amazement, “This is my every wish come true.”
The three of us look at one another as the truth crystallizes. We are a web of wishes come true. We no longer have to creep in the shadows of those who wish us harm. We are finally free from all that has ever haunted us. I know Declan and I would have never been able to find this kind of freedom among the living. It only exists here.
I look around at the magnificently colored flowers that wisp in the breeze above us, I see Pike riding on the back of a dragonfly—happy and whimsical, and then there’s Carnegie, who never has to be alone again because he has us now. I laugh as he watches in merriment at my brother flying around. And my dad, overflowing with boundless mirth as he kisses the top of my head.
“This is all I ever wanted,” he tells me.
I then turn to face Declan—amazed that our love was so powerful that not even death could part us. And then we kiss a kiss that’s never existed until now. It’s serene and vivacious and loving and entirely magical.
This is everything dreams are made of.
This is my fairytale.
Thank you for reading Hush book #3 in the Black Lotus series. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a spoiler-free review on Amazon.com.
Want to join other E.K. Blair fans for book talk, giveaways, and inside peeks into Blair’s upcoming books?
Join The Little Black Hearts fan group!
EK BLAIR’S LITTLE BLACK HEARTS
THIS SERIES WAS a labor of love, and this book in particular! It took many people who love and support me to help me see this story come to fruition. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it weren’t for the following people.
To my fans, I cannot thank you enough for continuing to love my characters and support my stories. Your loyalty means the world to me. The greatest joy is being able to cut my heart open, pour my blood on the pages, and hand it over to you.
Sally Gillespie, you are one of my biggest blessings! The time you sacrifice for me is simply incredible. Thank you for helping me in the creation of this story. I had a blast working with you on the book. We’ve blushed, we’ve laughed, and we’ve cried more times than I can count, but we did it! You are my backbone, and I’d fall to pieces without you.
Bethany Castaneda, thank you for all the little things you do that are huge things for me! You save me so much time and so many headaches. Whenever I call, you are always there for me. And no matter what, I can always count on you for a good laugh. You keep this boat afloat, and I am so grateful to have you as part of my team.
Jennifer Juers, thank you for your honesty and time. I love that you don’t sugarcoat anything! You never try to appease me; you only want to help me even if it means telling me the cold, hard truth. The time you put in to making this book the best it can be is invaluable! You are my secret weapon.
Mary Elizabeth, damn Daniel! Thank you for inspiring me to be a better writer. Your support, guidance, and friendship are so precious to me.
Ashley Williams, wow! Just WOW! How do I even thank you properly? The hours upon hours you have devoted to this book are downright incredible! You make my words strong, even though you bust my balls to do so. From the early mornings to the late nights, and everything in between, you have been there with me every step of the way through this book. I am looking forward to sharing this experience with you for many books to come. You are an amazing editor and friend!
Lisa Lisa Lisa, my partner in crime, there’s no one I’d rather fight with than you! I cannot say it enough, you are truly a gem. Thank you for always believing in me, for always pushing me to be a better writer, and for not beating around the bush. You give it to me honestly, and even though I dig my heels in the ground because I’m stubborn, I really appreciate all that you do for me. I love you, and I miss you, and you should totally move next door to me so we can always be together!
Thank you, Denise Tung, for working your magic and organizing all the promos and reviews. I couldn’t do this without you!