Epilogue Did Someone Say Wedding?
Ash
Mina rushes over the second Ori and I walk into Rum & Ruin , her bright smile bordering on exasperated. “Where the hell have you two been? We’ve been waiting for hours.”
Braden laughs, lifting his beer in greeting. “I know exactly where they’ve been.”
Raising my hands in mock surrender, I shoot my brother a smirk. “I’m not saying a damn word.”
“Well, I will.” Ori holds out her hand, flashing her engagement ring. “The world has officially shifted on its axis. Hell has frozen over. And somehow, I managed to get lucky enough to land Asher Hammond as my husband.”
Our friends admire the ring, each offering us heartfelt congratulations. They witnessed the battles we fought to get here.
They know we deserve this happiness.
But it’s the joy on Ori’s face as she snuggles into my arms that makes it all worthwhile.
“So, how did we do on the carriage house renovation?” Eddie asks, giving Ori a quick side hug.
Ori waves her hands, her excitement palpable. “It’s perfect. Actually, no. It’s better than perfect. Although I have a serious question for you two. What are we going to do with all the space in the main house?”
She’s right. The carriage house is more than enough space for our little family, but I have a few plans for the main part of the Dean Estate.
Hopefully, she’s on board with my ideas.
“I figured I might set up a private studio there, if that works for you.”
Ori nods, her eyes lighting up. “Brilliant idea. Plus, you could use a couple of rooms for photo shoots, too.”
A wicked grin spreads across my face. “Now that you mention it, I could go for a photo shoot with you in that lingerie from last night.”
Mina groans at my candid remark, while Braden sputters his beer, laughing.
“You’re unbelievable, Ash,” he says.
“Hey, my woman—my wife—is gorgeous,” I reply, unapologetic. Plus, that burgundy lace number she wore last night didn’t hurt, either. It hugged her curves like it was created especially for her.
Lucky for me, the little siren wore it again today.
And I took full advantage.
Which is why we’re two hours late.
Am I sorry? Not one fucking bit.
I always said Ori’s pussy was magical, but the truth is, she’s magical.
More importantly, she’s mine.
Zane resumes his unofficial role as bartender, sliding a celebratory mocktail into Ori’s hand.
“Only seven more months until I can have one of these delicious cocktails with all the alcohol,” she says, releasing an exaggerated sigh.
“Unless I knock you up again,” I tease, leaning on the bar beside her.
She arches a brow, her lips quirking. “I don’t think so.”
My grin widens. “Sounds like a challenge, and you know I love a good challenge. Haven’t lost one yet.”
“This little one,” she says, pointing at her belly, “was a happy accident. Now you’re planning a sequel?”
“Beautiful, when the original is that good, you can’t leave it at just one.”
She reaches her hand up, gliding her nails lightly across my chest. “I hate how good that sounds. Stop stirring up my pregnancy hormones.”
“You don’t hate how good I am, though.”
“No,” she says, her voice softening. “I love it. I love every damn thing about you.”
And I know, as I steal a kiss from her pouty lips, that Oriana Thorne hasn’t just pieced my heart back together. She gave me a life. A purpose. A future.
I’ll make damn certain she never regrets that fact. Judging by her hands creeping further up my leg, teasing me with the promise of a second round, she’s as ready for this wild ride as I am.
“So, tell me, does anyone else have news?” Ori asks, her eyes bright with excitement.
But all eyes swing to Mina as she walks back into the room, her earlier smile replaced by a scowl.
Ori rests a hand on her shoulder. “Mina, are you okay?”
“Too much marriage talk?” I tease. “We can switch to football chat if you’d prefer.”
“Apparently not enough marriage talk,” Mina mutters, her gaze on the floor.
“What?” The single word echoes through the room, spoken in unison by me, Ori, and Braden.
Mina squeezes Ori’s hand, offering her a thin-lipped smile. “I’m thrilled for you and Ash. Really, I am. But ... I have a situation. Never mind me, we can talk about it later.”
“Or we can talk about it now.” Concern etches Ori’s face as she looks at her friend. “What’s going on?”
Mina rolls her shoulders and meets our gazes, determination flickering behind the tension. “My great-aunt has offered to sell me her dance studio in town.”
“That’s amazing,” Ori exclaims, clapping her hands together. “Mina, you can go back to dancing now. That’s your dream.”
Mina wrings her hands, pacing the area in front of the bar. “Yeah, but it’s not that simple. See, my great-aunt has attached a stipulation to the deal.”
“What kind of stipulation?” Braden asks, his brows furrowing.
Mina hesitates for a beat before exhaling sharply. “She wants me to settle down. As in, be married , before she’ll sign over any of the paperwork.”
“Whoa,” Braden murmurs, taking a long pull of his beer.
“Crazy, right? Ridiculous, especially in this day and age.”
“So, it would be a business deal?” I ask, hardly able to believe her great-aunt’s offbeat request is real.
Mina nods. “I guess so, though she couldn’t know that. But, it’s always been my dream to own a studio, so … um, do any of you happen to know someone who might want to marry me?”
THE END