Chapter 34
CHAPTER 34
S ix months later…
They got married under the ancient oak tree.
It was a small wedding, just as they had wanted. Pat walked her down the aisle, his arm solid and reassuring beside hers. The rest of the Blackthorn team was there too—Hawk, Anna, and a couple of the guys from the unit who had become more than just colleagues; they were family.
Damian’s side was smaller, just a few close friends from the boat club and one or two buddies from his academy, people who meant something to him. Damian was rebuilding his company and had committed to spending more time on his charitable foundation, giving back and helping talented kids make something of their lives.
Thorn wore a different dress this time, one made especially for him . It was a delicate, flowing gown of ivory silk that clung to her figure. The bodice was simple yet elegant, with a sweetheart neckline that framed her collarbones, the thin straps resting gently on her shoulders. The back dipped low—just the way he liked it—decorated with intricate lace detailing that added a touch of romanticism.
The look in his eyes as she walked up the aisle on Pat’s arm was everything.
“You look stunning,” he breathed, reaching for her hand. “But then I’ve always loved you in a wedding dress.”
She laughed, her heart fluttering at his words.
They said their vows under the cobalt blue Californian sky, the air tinged with the scent of the sea and the rustle of the oak’s ancient branches above them. There was no one else—just the two of them, promising forever.
“I do,” she said, entwining her fingers with his.
God knows I do.
When it was his turn, his gaze never left her face.
Damian slipped the ring on her finger, the birds sang a melody, and they kissed beside the koi pond.
It was perfect.
Afterward, Anna hugged Thorn tightly, whispering something about how happy she was that they’d found each other. Doug, the best man, clapped Damian on the back, grinning widely. “I’m happy for you, man. I mean it.” Thorn had gotten to know him over the last few months and liked him a lot. He was the kind of guy who told it like it was and had a heart of gold.
Pat had given her the best wedding present ever. “I’m opening a West Coast branch of Blackthorn Security,” he’d told her. “So you can relocate to California.”
“Really?” She’d hugged him then, much to his acute embarrassment. Pat didn’t do emotion.
“It makes good business sense,” he‘d said, gruffly.
The FBI still hadn’t apprehended Alek Markov, who was rumored to be living off the grid in Panama or somewhere, but they had rounded up a whole bunch of bad guys, thanks to Damian’s help, and so his record had been officially expunged. He was finally free.
That’s when they’d decided to get married.
They had a small, intimate reception on the patio. Fairy lights twinkled above them, casting a warm glow over the gathering. They danced in each other’s arms like there was nobody else around. The world faded away, leaving only the two of them, locked in a moment they would cherish forever.
Finally, one by one, the guests left, drifting away into the night until they were alone.
Damian smiled, and she recognized that gleam in his eye. “How does it feel to be Mrs. Damian Clayton, for real this time?”
She laughed. “It’s how I always dreamed it should be.”
“No regrets?”
She glanced up at the stars beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky and thought about Jaden. Nothing would diminish what they’d had, but she sensed his presence now, shining down on her. He’d be happy for her, of that she was certain.
“No regrets,” she whispered.