Epilogue
EPILOGUE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – FOURTEEN DAYS LATER
“I’m sooooo ready for this trip.” Sydney smiled at Levi’s words as he tossed his hands into the air, pumping his fists. “I’ll miss Lucy, but I’m looking forward to the next two weeks. Especially since you guys are coming.” Levi peered at McKenna and Miles on the couch at their condo, where McKenna had just finished reading a book to her brother.
“You sure you don’t mind we’re crashing your family trip?” McKenna rose from the couch and smoothed her hands down the sides of her pale pink sundress.
“Hey, I mean,” Levi said with a shrug, “I feel like you’re kinda on your way to becoming family already. It makes sense we test out the whole traveling-together thing.”
“And if I fail the test?” McKenna smirked, a bit of sass in her tone that Sydney admired.
Levi laughed. “Eh,” he responded while swiping a hand through the air, “I’ll tutor ya on the flight over. Teach you how to navigate dealing with my grandparents.” He peered at Sydney. “Mom is totally cool. No need to walk on eggshells around her.”
“Well, thank you.” Sydney playfully tipped her head, grateful at how fast her son was taking to the idea of having McKenna and Miles in his life. “Beckett should be here soon, and we can head to the airport.”
“Did he decide yet if he’s going to work with Metro PD or Arlington?” Levi asked.
“Because Dad is Dad, and he’s super overprotective, he chose Metro,” McKenna answered before Sydney could. “Since I’ll be going to school in D.C., he wants to work near my school,” McKenna added, tossing in a perfectly timed teenage eye roll.
“I don’t blame him. If I had a daughter, I’d want to . . .” Levi shook his head and squinted. “Did I just say that? Where’d that come from?”
Sydney laughed. “Channeling Beckett already, and you’ve spent less than two weeks with him.”
The past two weeks were giving her one week in Mexico a run for its money in the massive-life-changes department. After their X-rated sleepover, Beckett had told Sydney about his plans to resign as sheriff of Walkins Glen and move to D.C.
McKenna would be able to go to school with her best friend, and Miles would be there with her since their private school covered kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Sydney had been worried about all he’d be giving up just to be with her, but Beckett reassured her that he was gaining everything instead.
A.J. and his wife had a second house near Quantico, where she taught a few times a year, so Beckett and the kids spent the last two weeks there.
And now we’re all going on a family trip together. She almost had to pinch herself to believe it all.
They’d had dinner with her parents a few nights ago to warm them up to each other, but her dad was stubborn, which made her wonder how the trip would go. Fortunately, her parents were only staying the first week. Her dad was too much of a workaholic to take more time off.
“Must be him now,” Levi said at the sound of the doorbell. “But why is he ringing the bell?”
Sydney followed Levi to the door and checked the security app on her phone because no, Beckett wouldn’t ring. She’d given him a key. Not that they’d spent the night together when Levi was at her house, but during the school days, he’d popped in for some good-morning and good-afternoon sex.
“Oh. It’s Elaina,” Sydney said once the feed loaded.
McKenna joined them with Miles glued to her side. “She must want to say bye before we leave.”
Levi opened the door at Sydney’s okay and froze, blocking everyone’s view of Elaina. What was that all about?
“I’m Elaina. I think I saw you at Savanna and Griffin’s wedding, but we didn’t officially meet.”
Sydney peeked over her son’s shoulder—due to a recent growth spurt, he was now a head taller than her—to see Elaina offering her hand while Levi stood speechlessly staring. Maybe Levi wasn’t as “in love” with Lucy as Sydney had thought.
McKenna nudged him in the back and muttered, “Dude.” Sydney grinned, happy to see how quickly McKenna was adapting to the role of sister to two brothers. “Elaina.” McKenna maneuvered around Levi and hugged her friend since Levi was still in a trance.
“I wanted to see you before you left.” Elaina tossed a thumb over her shoulder where Emily was walking up behind her, holding her son Jackson’s hand.
“Liam and A.J. had to spin up this morning, as I’m sure Beckett told you, so it’s just us,” Emily shared.
“Hey, nice to see you as always.” They’d hung out a few times since Chile, and Sydney had a feeling she’d become fast friends with Emily. It’d be nice to have another close friend besides Mya.
Sydney gestured for everyone to gather inside, and the kids all hung out in the living room while she and Emily found space to chat alone in the kitchen. Jackson was younger than Miles, but when they’d introduced the boys last week, they quickly took a liking to each other. Miles was doing surprisingly well, given everything that had happened, but she’d suggested counseling when they returned from their trip, and Beckett had agreed.
“Beckett should be here soon. Not sure what the hold-up is. He said he only had to run an errand first before we left for the airport.” Sydney went to her Nespresso machine and popped in a capsule, assuming they were both in need of caffeine.
“I just can’t tell you enough how happy I am that Elaina will now have McKenna here,” Emily said with a sigh. “Have you two thought about where you might live? Together or wait a bit?”
“Levi’s okay with us all living together. I know that seems super-fast, but he likes Beckett and the kids. And he wants me happy.” Thank God for that. She couldn’t begin to imagine Levi not liking Beckett. Then again, the chance she’d fall for a man Levi wouldn’t approve of now that he was “so wise” at thirteen was slim. “Maybe we’ll have something built somewhere between Arlington and D.C.”
“And that’s not fast, by the way.” Emily shrugged. “Liam and I drunk-married in Vegas. So we skipped right past all the dating parts. Who accidentally gets married like that?” She pointed a finger at her chest. “Me, that’s who. But it more than worked out. It will for you two as well.”
“Beckett’s here!” Levi announced, walking into the room, spinning his finger in the air like the blade of a helo. “Time to roll out.”
Sydney caught Beckett’s eyes when he showed up behind Levi. He hooked his sunglasses in the collar of his black tee as she spoke her thoughts aloud, “You have a mischievous look there, Sheriff.”
“Not a sheriff anymore,” he reminded her before drawing her in for a hug, then winked. “And mischievous? No clue what you’re talking about, Miss Archer.”
WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND – ONE WEEK LATER
“Now that they’re gone, we can loosen up. Relax a little.” Levi turned up the music the second his grandparents’ limo pulled away from the sprawling castle-like estate. They were all gathered at the back of the property, and she was pretty sure her parents leaving was about to become a celebratory party for the kids.
Meeee too. Not that she didn’t love her parents, but they were a lot to handle. And they didn’t see eye to eye on much. But overall, the trip had been amazing. She’d always loved Castle Combe, the village and parish within the Cotswolds area where they were staying.
McKenna had also adored the English countryside. They’d spent most of the week traveling around, and Sydney had loved showing Beckett and his kids everything the Cotswolds had to offer, from the honey-hued stone architecture to the quaint pubs.
But now, Sydney had her own plans for the day. She had the archery targets set up and a custom-made bow for McKenna inside a large gift box tucked under her arm. She wasn’t sure if McKenna was interested in learning, but she was about to find out.
Beckett began throwing the football with Levi, and Sydney spied Miles tuckered out, fast asleep on the hammock, shielded from the afternoon sun by an umbrella overhead. He was curled up with one of their staff’s cats, a chubby, gray, and surprisingly vocal cat with a round, flat face and the softest fur she’d ever felt.
Raising a five-year-old hadn’t been on her agenda at this stage in her life, but she’d quickly grown attached to him, and she knew Beckett had as well. Miles didn’t need to share blood to become a son. Family didn’t work like that.
Sydney paused for a moment, her nerves getting to her, and she lifted her eyes to the sky, wondering if Matt was watching over them now. Savanna believed her husband, who’d died in the line of duty in 2015, had guided Griffin to her as a second chance at love and life, and maybe Levi’s father, Matt, had been pulling a few “fate strings” to work Beckett her way?
She smiled at the idea and found her confidence renewed in her mission to share her passion for archery with McKenna.
“Hey, uh, Mom?” Levi stopped her on her way to McKenna. “Question.” He tossed the ball back to Beckett and held up a finger, requesting a second. At that, Beckett went over to check on Miles in the hammock.
“Sure, what’s up?” She kept hold of the gift and shoved her sunglasses into her hair to look her son in the eyes in case this was a serious question.
Levi scratched his chin, pursing his lips as if he was toying with how to share what was on his mind, a look she knew all too well from him. “Do you think you can get me into McKenna’s new private school too? I was thinking it’d be better if we all go to school there.”
“Don’t you love your school in Arlington?”
“I only go there because of your job. So I can be right by Dad’s,” he reminded her. “But if you and Beckett are planning to live together, then I’ll have him if you’re traveling. I think it’s best if I’m in school with McKenna and Miles to keep an eye on them. Plus, McKenna’s a young thirteen for high school like I was this past year. She could use a big-brother type watching out for her.”
“Levi.” God, her son was so sweet. “But what about Lucy? Sure, you can see her anytime, and she lives near your dad’s place when you’re there, but I?—”
“I feel bad about this, but we broke up. Last night over the phone. I should’ve waited and done it at home, I suppose. But how can I date her when I’m thinking about someone else?”
“What? You broke up?” She almost dropped the gift. And yet, he seemed completely okay. “Wait, who are you thinking about?” And why did his words remind her of something Beckett had said back at that bungalow in Mexico. He hadn’t gone home with his date from Savanna and Griffin’s wedding because he’d been thinking about Sydney. “It’s not McKenna, right?” Her eyes widened, a wave of panic about to set in.
“Whiskey-tango-foxtrot, Mom. No, just no.” Levi shook his head. “I’ve always wanted a sister, and if you and Beckett become family, like, on a permanent basis, I think it’d be awesome to have her in only that way.”
“Phew.” She let go of a sigh. “Okay, then who?”
“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled. “So, will you try and get me into the school?”
“I won’t have to try. I can get you in, no problem. I’ll have to ask Seth first, but if it’s what you want, he’ll be on board.”
“It’s what I want.” Levi tossed a look toward Miles and then over to McKenna. “I always wanted a big family.” He returned his focus to her. “Thanks, Mom.”
She shielded her eyes with her glasses before she ruined her mascara with tears. Levi was already on the move when Beckett yelled, “Go long,” and Levi made the catch.
“McKenna,” she called out once she managed to move again. “I have something for you, and since you’re eyeing the archery targets, you probably know why I asked you to meet me here.”
McKenna accepted the gift with a broad smile and opened the box.
“I had it custom-made for you. It’s a starter bow, and we can upgrade you if you enjoy archery and want to?—”
“I love it!” McKenna nearly smashed the gift box between them when she went in for a hug. “You’ll teach me to be a badass like you, right?” She slapped her free hand over her mouth. “Sorry. Language.”
“It’s okay. And yes, I will absolutely teach you to be a badass archer.” Sydney’s heart squeezed as she went through the motions of helping McKenna set up and frame her stance. “My grandfather taught me right here when I was young. I’m honored to have a . . .” Daughter? Not officially, true. And maybe she and Beckett were still in the dating phase, but her gut told her everything would work out. That McKenna would become her daughter one day. And Miles her son. “I’m happy to pass down this tradition to you.”
“Thank you.” McKenna nodded with tears in her eyes. She shook them free and declared, “Okay, let’s do this.”
After an hour, McKenna really had the hang of it. Beckett and Levi had gathered to watch McKenna send arrow after arrow. And once Miles awoke, Beckett brought him over to watch as well.
“You’re a natural, sweetie,” Beckett said to McKenna, who looked to Sydney and declared, “I want to be like you when I’m older.”
“Well,” Sydney said, too choked up to manage anything else.
“She’s kinda cool, right?” Levi smirked, coming in for the save.
“That she is.” Beckett hooked his arm around Sydney, pulling her to his side as Miles chased the cat, and Levi took over for Sydney in helping McKenna learn.
Was this what it felt like to be part of a family? She didn’t remember having such a complete feeling when she was with Seth. Not ever. And her parents weren’t the warmest of people. In a matter of weeks, Beckett had changed her whole life.
“Dad, I think you should go ahead and do the thing,” McKenna said about ten minutes later, and Beckett slapped his free hand to his chest as if he were choking on the fresh air.
“What thing?” Sydney quirked a brow and turned toward him.
“The thing ,” McKenna said with an exaggerated nod. Yeah, she’d get along well with Levi, that was for sure.
“Well, um, McKenna thinks this house,” Beckett began, pointing toward the massive gray-brick mansion in the distance, “is like a castle.”
“And you’re the princess of the palace,” McKenna spoke up, rolling her wrist and twirling her finger like an urgent reminder to remember his lines. “And he should be your prince,” McKenna went ahead and said. “What do you think?”
Sydney chuckled and played along. “I mean, sure, that works for me. But does that make you kids the mice? And which one of you will turn into the pumpkin?”
Beckett scrubbed a hand down his face, then looked up at the sky for a moment before returning his focus to her. “How about we do this my way?” He peeked at McKenna, and she smiled, then he shoved his sunglasses into his hair. “I’m old fashioned, what can I say?” He slid his hand into his pocket, then lowered to one knee.
Oh my God.
“Sydney, I’d be honored if you’d spend your life with me as my wife,” Beckett began, his voice rough with emotion. “It’s fast, I know. But will you marry me?”
Sydney glanced at her son. Based on the huge smile on his face, she had a feeling he already knew this was going to happen. Because, of course, a man like Beckett would ask him first.
And oh wow, this is real. “Absolutely,” she whispered when finding Beckett’s eyes again. “Yes.” She dropped to her knees, and he slid the simple but perfect solitaire diamond, set in a thin white gold band, onto her ring finger.
He brought his lips to hers and kissed the hell out of her as the kids cheered. “I love you,” he said. “I think I skipped that part. A little nervous.”
Right. They’d never even said that before. “I love you too,” she cried before kissing him again, doing her best to keep it PG-13 given the audience.
Beckett helped her to her feet and kissed her once more.
“This is why you were almost late for the airport last week?”
He nodded. “I already had the ring. Bought it in Bama before my birthday. Levi had to use his stealth skills and help me get your ring size, so I was waiting for it to come back from the jeweler. Almost didn’t get it before our flight.”
“You had this planned since Alabama? The proposal?” She stared at him, a bit stunned.
“When you know, you know, Mom,” Levi spoke up, and Beckett smirked.
“Kid has a point.” Beckett tipped his head her son’s way. “He gave me his blessing back in D.C., but you’re going to have to be a rebel one more time.”
“Just the one?” She narrowed her eyes. “And why is that?”
He winced. “Your dad told me no when I asked him for your hand two days ago.”
“He’s just seeing if you’re man enough to ignore him and do what you want,” Levi answered for Sydney that time, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
“The kid has a point,” she repeated what Beckett had said, and Beckett gathered her back into his arms and brought his mouth to her ear.
“And am I man enough for you?” he whispered, lighting her body up with the need for him. When’s bedtime?
“You know the answer to that,” she murmured, then turned her face, drawing her lips near his. “But I’ll let you show me just how much tonight,” she teased before he slanted his mouth over hers again.
“Okay, okay. Let’s leave these two alone,” Sydney heard Levi say, and she allowed Beckett to continue kissing her.
When their mouths finally parted, they were both panting like they’d sprinted a 5k. And just when she grabbed his hand to start dragging him inside, her phone rang. The one ringtone she didn’t want to hear.
“I’m not answering that,” she told him. “It’s work.”
“And what if it’s an emergency? Like that time you got pulled away from your girls’ weekend to save my ass?” Beckett placed a quick kiss on her cheek. “It’s okay. Answer.”
She blew out a frustrated breath, knowing Carter wouldn’t disturb her unless it was important. “Horrible timing. He better have a damn good reason to call.” Sydney went for her phone and placed Carter on speakerphone. “Did someone die? Or will they die? Otherwise, I’m hanging up.”
“No to the first question. Yes to the second. But we’re on your side of the pond,” Carter shared. “We’re in London, and we need you. Just for tonight. Someone needs saving connected to one of those damn secrets that fucker, Jorge, was guarding.” He cleared his throat. “Also, sorry to interrupt. I should have led with that.”
Elaina said we’d save more lives because of those secrets. But the timing. “Beckett just proposed to me. I can’t leave.”
“Ohh.” Carter went quiet, and she wasn’t sure what he’d say next, but Beckett set a hand over the phone and held her eyes.
Beckett gestured toward the kids playing catch in the distance. “I’ve got this. I’ll be with our family, and we’ll celebrate when you get back.”
Our family. How could she leave them now? “No.” She shook her head.
“Carter, she’ll call you right back.” Beckett took the phone and ended the call. He angled his head and studied her. “The timing does suck, but if someone might die without your help, you won’t forgive yourself. That’s who you are, and I need the love of my life happy.” He reached for her cheek with his free hand. “I need my woman to go be the hero she is and not feel bad about that,” he rasped. “I’ve got your back while you’re gone. I have them with me, and we won’t do anything too fun without you, I promise.” He grinned and pulled her in for a soft kiss.
God, she was already so overwhelmed by emotions, and now for him to say that? For him to support her. Love her. Stand by her in every possible way.
But he just proposed. “I can’t?—”
“I won’t take no for an answer. I can be stubborn too.” Beckett eased his face away from hers and winked. “Trust me, okay?”
“I do trust you. But I love you and our family, and I don’t want to walk away.”
“You’re not walking away. You’re stepping out for a second. You’ll be back.” He gave her a stern look along with a nod. “I will spank your ass when we’re alone if you keep arguing with me. Go save the day.”
“Okay,” she agreed. After a few more passionate kisses, she phoned Carter for the details, and then they made their way to the kids to share the news. “I’m so sorry,” Sydney added at the end of her explanation of what was going on. “Do you hate me for leaving?”
When McKenna began to run away, Sydney slapped a hand to her heart at her reaction.
“She’ll be fine,” Levi said. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll tell her about some of your heroic stories when you’re gone. She’ll understand.” He patted her on the shoulder.
“Beckett, I can’t go now. Not when she’s so upset.” She faced him, and he was scratching his beard, his eyes on McKenna.
“She’s not upset,” he said matter-of-factly.
“She took off,” Sydney reminded him, but when she followed Beckett’s gaze, her heart skipped a good five beats. What was McKenna doing?
McKenna’s cheeks were red and flushed by the time she returned. “Here.” McKenna extended Sydney’s bow. “A badass needs her bow. Just didn’t want you to leave without it. We need you to come back safe, you know? We just found you.”
Sydney couldn’t stop the tears this time, and she handed the bow off to Beckett before pulling McKenna in for a hug. She squeezed her probably too tight, and they were both wiping away tears from their cheeks once they parted. She spied Beckett turning his head to hide the fact he was doing the same.
“See, told you.” Levi lifted Miles into his arms and hoisted him up onto his shoulders. Miles threw his hands into the air with little adorable fist pumps of excitement.
Beckett handed her the bow and swatted Sydney’s ass when the kids had turned their backs. “Go, sweetheart. Go be that hero our daughter admires.” He grinned from ear to ear before gently tugging her wrist, drawing her close, holding her captive with his dark, deep gaze. “Go be mine too.”