Epilogue
EPILOGUE
T wo months later
Esme
I continued brushing my hair, studying the reflection of a woman I honestly no longer recognized. She had joy in her eyes just like she did in her heart. As I heard the sound of Zorro’s tail whooshing back and forth across the comforter, I glanced toward his reflection in the mirror.
The fluff ball had been the best present I’d ever received, other than Hunter’s safe return, of course.
I’d heard very little about how the mission had gone other than it had been a success. I had noticed in the news that Italy was in a bit of a disruption, members of a highly dangerous crime syndicate rounded up by the Italian police.
In two months, everything had changed. There were no more threats, no talk of missions. Although there had been a visit from someone in the Pentagon. There was talk of medals being awarded to all three men.
In a surprise for the family, Dexter was not only hanging on, but still thriving. The organization that he’d worked for had been in a sense brought to their knees, several of the members arrested. With all three Fox brothers deciding not to take the helm, the unnamed organization remained in chaos.
At least according to Dexter.
His sons would remain in Danger Falls, a place they now called home.
My home.
A house shared with the man of my dreams.
And there’d been no additional nightmares for either of us.
Maybe that was because the little furball usually tried to weasel his way in between us while we slept. He’d added so much to our lives, including laughter.
If he missed the action, I couldn’t tell given he’d taken a bigger share of control at the resort. With a smile on his face. How had that happened?
I pulled the lipstick off the dresser, rolling the bright color across my lips. On this gorgeous day, I wanted to look more beautiful than ever. Maybe because I also had to compete with my bestie, who’d shown up wearing a sexy red dress. Damn her. I rubbed the corners, checking to make certain everything looked perfect.
Woof!
“I’m not ignoring you. Come here, you little monster,” I said just before cooing. Zorro liked it when I cooed. With the brush still in my hand, I twisted and reached down, scratching the huge fluff ball under his chin. He was going to be a big boy. At this point, he took up most of the bed already.
We needed a bigger bed.
Maybe that’s what I’d demand as a wedding present.
“You’re cooing again,” Hunter said as he swept into the room, closing the door behind him.
My God, the man looked handsome. In his black jeans and white shirt, his face still beardless, I had a feeling I’d have difficulty making it through the engagement party.
“I have it under advisement that you happen to adore when I make that sound.”
“You heard it wrong. I prefer to hear you moan.” He took three long strides closer and had me in his arms. “And I assure you I’ll make that happen later.”
“Promises. Promises.”
As soon as Hunter spun me around, Zorro woofed and jumped on Hunter’s legs.
We both laughed. “You have him trained to come to your defense all the time. Don’t you?”
“Well absolutely. You’re tough to handle, but I’m learning to control you.”
He popped me on the bottom and I jumped. “Be careful, little woman. I’m the man of the house.”
“But I’m the woman. That means I’m in charge of the house.”
“You just think you are.” He wrapped one arm around me, his grin turning practically evil.
“What do you have up that sleeve of yours?”
“Only a tattoo.”
“Uh-huh. You’re up to something mister.”
When he took the brush from my hand, I slid my arm around his neck. “I’m not up to anything. I’m only taking back full control of my woman.”
“Like a big caveman would do?” I planted my bright red lips on his cheek. “There. I’ve marked you.”
“Uh-huh. Mountain man. Remember?” he asked playfully.
“You don’t qualify because you don’t have your sexy flannel shirt on.” I tweaked his nose and he growled.
As he spun me around, bending me over the edge of the dresser, I did my best to kick him in the shin. I failed.
“What are you doing? We have guests downstairs.”
“Family and a few friends. They can wait.”
“Your brothers and parents are waiting, and this is Bella’s engagement party too.”
He ripped up my dress, immediately yanking down my thong. I’d be damned if he didn’t still have the brush in his hand. “They can wait. Besides, you need a round of discipline to remind you that I am the man of the house and completely and absolutely in charge.” He wasted no time bringing the wooden brush down on my sensitive little butt.
“Ouch!”
“Get used to it, sweetie,” he said with far too much joy in his voice. “Once we’re married, this will become a weekly thing.”
The moment he brought the brush down four times, I yelped. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“You should know better than to dare me to do or not to do anything.” He kept his eyes on me in the mirror as he shifted from side to side, the hard thudding sounds coming in a monotonous rhythm.
The pain was sharp, threatening to bring tears to my eyes. Nope. I refused. Yet as he smacked my bottom a few more times, I almost lost the battle. The truth was I’d never been happier than I was right now.
Woof. Woof!
As Zorro jumped up on Hunter’s legs again, I burst into laughter. “Get him, Zorro. Get him.”
After bringing the brush down two more times, Hunter tossed it onto the dresser. “You are one bad girl.”
Before he could grab my arm, I backed away, fixing my clothes. “Get used to it, cowboy.”
When he acted as if he was coming after me, both of us laughed. Zorro barked. But in the end, he swept me off my feet, spinning me around several times.
“I’ll tame you.”
“Not a chance, buster.”
The sharp knock on the door brought an instant expression of annoyance on his face. “Go away!” we both said at the same time.
“Um, I think you’re going to want to come downstairs.”
We looked at each other from hearing the odd tone in Shephard’s voice.
Hunter put me down and shrugged his shoulders before opening the door.
Shephard was scratching his head. “You have a special guest. An uninvited one, but something told me I should let him inside. And that shade of red looks good on you.”
“Who are you talking about?” I asked, grabbing a tissue from the box and wiping Hunter’s face.
“Prince Abdallah?”
Hunter laughed. “You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not. He showed up with two SUVs and a contingency of six people. He asked to meet with both of you.”
Hunter glanced in my direction, his eyebrows lifted. “What do you think, darlin’? You ready to receive royal company?”
“Why not. The more the merrier.” I knew about the prince and everything that had occurred since the mission where the prince’s daughter had been killed. Why he was here piqued my curiosity.
Hunter took me by the hand and the three of us walked down the stairs. Zorro followed us, eager to meet a new friend. The lovely spring day had taken almost everyone outside, but the prince was standing in the living room, his men flanking the entire room. He looked regal in his attire, but more modern than I would have thought.
Prince Abdallah immediately noticed when we walked in and approached. He was also much taller than I’d anticipated.
“Hunter Fox?” he asked in perfect English.
“Yes. You’re not what I was expecting.”
The prince laughed. “I was educated in England. I prefer the more modern ways, which is why I love your country so much.”
Hunter grinned. “Good to hear.”
“And you must be Esme Dreyfuss.” The prince took my hand.
Zorro barked and the prince laughed.
“I am and I apologize for Zorro. He’s just a baby.” I had no clue what to say.
The prince took the time to pet our pup’s head. “Indeed, he is.”
“Welcome to our home.” Hunter was just as perplexed as I was.
“It’s my pleasure coming and I understand I’m interrupting an engagement party. I promise I won’t keep you long.”
“Of course. What can I do for you?” Hunter asked.
Shephard remained in the room as if for moral support.
“I wanted to offer my thanks for bringing justice to myself and my people. You managed to do what I could not. For that, I am eternally grateful.” He offered his hand as a gesture of friendship, a very English tradition. “You have no idea how many hardships that man brought to my country and my family. He always seemed one step ahead.”
Hunter remained as confused as I was but accepted, the two men shaking hands. “I only wish I could have saved your daughter.”
“I know what you did and how your mission failed. Please know I am not and haven’t been angry with you. You performed an act of heroism and many women were saved and subsequently kept from a fate my daughter suffered. For that you should be commended. And please,” the prince said as he gestured to one of his men. “I come bringing a gift of my appreciation.”
“That’s not necessary,” Hunter told him.
“In my country, it is a mere gesture, and I hope will bring you some happiness.” As soon as a box was placed in his hand, he moved directly in front of me. “Please. It would be my honor if you would accept this, Esme.”
I was taken aback and when I opened the box, I then became shocked. The necklace was diamonds and rubies, all huge gems in a stunning setting. “This is too much.”
“It is for your wedding. You have a good man by your side and I hope you two share in the joy of family.” He dropped his head, still wearing a smile on his face. “Now, I will leave you to enjoy your party.”
“Would you like to join us?” I asked on a whim.
The prince seemed surprised. “I must admit I would love to stay.”
Hunter nodded to Shephard. His brother continued to have a look of amusement on his face.
“Please, allow me to show you to the bar. If that’s acceptable,” Shephard told the man.
“Oh, indeed. After a long flight, I could use a drink.”
As the prince was guided to the French doors and outside, I turned toward Hunter. “That was… unexpected.”
He glanced at the jeweled piece, shaking his head.
“A beautiful bobble for my insanely gorgeous bride to be.” He wrapped his arm around me and we both headed toward the open doors, peering out at the ongoing party.
The day was perfect, the skies blue and trees already starting to bud. Almost everyone from town was here, accepting the invitation while ignoring both Bella’s and my plea not to bring presents. They were everywhere, covering every table.
Poppy noticed us standing in the doorway and waved. She had a stunning young man on her arm. I waved back, laughing as she pointed toward him. “You go, girl.”
Hunter laughed. “This town is not what I expected.”
“It’s funny. I was going to say the same thing about you. Look at your mom and dad. They look so happy.”
He pulled me around to face him, shaking his head. “You are an amazing woman.”
“You know what I was thinking? That we should get married in a couple weeks. I’d love to have your father walk me down the aisle.”
I had never shocked Hunter as much as I did at that moment. “He would be honored.”
I could feel my parents looking down at me with such happiness in their hearts.
“I never noticed you have dimples.” I ran my finger under his chin, but he caught it, pulling the tip into his mouth “You bad boy, you.”
After sucking for a few seconds, he allowed me to pull it out. “Yes, I am and never forget that.”
There was no way I could, just like I would forever be thankful for deciding to move to a little town in the mountains.
A place that I hoped we would always call home.
The End