Epilogue Casey
Istretch my legs with a satisfied groan. My feet ache from wearing heels all day. “Did that narco asshole seriously have to walk us all the way around his compound?”
Declan raises his eyebrows. “You didn’t like the exotic animals?”
“Honestly, not really. It’s kind of creepy and sad.”
“Diego was just trying to impress us.” Declan pats my leg lightly.
In front of us, the sun’s setting behind a stand of palm trees.
The pool is quiet and empty. Most of the families are staying in the lower-end resort.
Other adults lounge around the pool as a waitress walks around taking drink orders and delivering food.
“At least he didn’t insist we stay in the guest house.”
“He tried that, but I made it clear we prefer our own accommodations.”
“Like a five-star hotel.” I roll toward him and smile to myself. “Where I get to see my stuffy husband in a bathing suit.”
“I’m not stuffy.”
“You are, but it’s okay. I love you anyway.”
He scowls and looks like he wants to say something when the waitress appears with a tray. She puts a glass of whiskey down for him and what looks like a mojito for me. “Will there be anything else, Mr. Whelan?”
“That’s everything, thank you.” He tips her, and she hurries off. He raises his glass to his lips and takes a long drink. “Much better. This is the only way I can wash away the taste of Diego’s menagerie.”
I don’t touch my drink. Instead, I watch the pool, feeling lazy and content. “Do you think he’s going to accept the terms?”
“We discussed them long enough. I doubt he called us down here just to back out at the last second.”
“Still, you never know.”
“He’ll do it.” He glances at me, frowning slightly. “Do you want something else? Wine or maybe a margarita? I hear they’ve got a good spicy version.”
“No, this is great, thanks. I’m just not in the drinking mood.”
He looks thoughtful but changes the subject.
There’s a lot to talk about. This is our first business trip abroad together, and so far, it’s going well.
When I first became his assistant, I never imagined I’d end up visiting Mexico to seal a drug-smuggling deal with a powerful narco kingpin, but here we are.
It’s actually kind of fun.
Dangerous though. Seamus brought about half the Whelan family strength with him just to make sure we’re fully protected. The resort is practically housing an army of soldiers right now. I wonder if they know or even care.
The evening wears on. Declan drags me into the water for a short swim.
I mostly float around in his arms and let him kiss me.
I love the way he looks at me in my bikini.
It’s flattering and intoxicating, and I can’t wait to go back to the room with him.
But instead, he sits back in the chair and glances at me.
“Still not drinking?” he asks casually.
“Just not in the mood.”
“Interesting. I noticed you haven’t been in the mood at all the past couple of days.”
I shrug it off like it’s no big deal. “You know me. I’m just—”
He sits forward and takes my hand in his, staring into my eyes. “No more lies.”
My heart skips in my chest. Even after everything, sometimes he can still scare me. Declan’s terrifying and beautiful in ways I’ll never get used to.
“I was going to tell you tomorrow… after I took another test, just to be sure.”
“Casey.”
“It can’t really come as a surprise, right? I mean, we haven’t exactly been careful.”
“Casey…”
“This is good. It’s really good. I mean, I think it’s amazing. And you totally agree, right?”
“Casey!”
I flinch and frown at him. “What?”
“Just tell me.”
I take a deep breath and blow it out. “I’m pregnant.”
He immediately pulls me into his arms and hammers my mouth with a kiss. His eyes are shining with pure excitement. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this before. Declan’s not the type of man who shows big emotions, but right now he’s practically brimming with joy.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my life. We’re going to have a family together. We’re having a fucking baby.”
“Easy there, big guy. It’s early days still, so don’t go calling your mom or anything, alright? Once we’re in the clear, you can scream it from the rooftops all you like.”
“That doesn’t matter.” He shifts over to my chair and tugs me into his arms. “I’ve got you. That’s what I care about.”
“Do you care enough to stop drinking during my pregnancy? You know, out of solidarity?”
“That’s something we can discuss.”
I laugh and lean into his chest. “God, you’d totally do it too.”
“You’d have to ask very nicely.”
“I always do. But it’s okay. Have your fun.”
“We should get back to the States. You need to see a doctor. We have to be extra careful with you now.”
I shake my head and lightly touch his cheek. “Let’s just enjoy this. The hard stuff’s on the way. But this is good right now.”
He doesn’t seem happy about that, but he kisses me and nods. “Whatever you want.”
“Ah, my favorite phrase. Now how about you order me a mocktail and take me up to your room?”
“Right away, Mrs. Whelan.”
“Oh, nice, I like that. Keep it up.”
“Is there a reward involved?”
“Just my undying love and affection.”
“Good enough for me.”