Epilogue
New Year’s Eve
It was five thirty on New Year’s Eve, and she’d finished her last style of the day.
It seemed as though every single guest had been through the salon over the last two days, getting their hair done just so for tonight’s big New Year’s Eve party.
The resort usually only allowed guests and staff to the exclusive event, but this year, they’d extended the invite to the Hudson Security group.
She’d been looking forward to going with Xander, but truth be told, she was exhausted.
Her feet ached, and right now, soaking in the hot tub sounded better than a party that would be going until past two in the morning.
Luckily, she hadn’t moved back into her apartment after the incident, so the drive to Xander’s place—their place—was a quick one.
Oh, the incident . . .
After she’d been rescued, she’d had to take a week off for her concussion.
Xander had been her rock. He’d not only nursed her back to health, but had held her through her nightmares, held her when she’d cried.
He’d also helped her get in touch with a therapist and had held her hand through her first couple of sessions until she felt comfortable going on her own.
He’d not only been there for her, but he’d been there for her family, offering Hudson Security’s extensive resources to help Axel with his recovery.
Her brother had made it through surgery and had technically made a full recovery.
But he was still doing PT and had a long way to go.
To say Ax wasn’t in a good place was an understatement.
Thankfully, the girls were the light of his life, and he’d promised them he’d keep fighting to get better.
They—along with her and her brothers, and even Xander—were his biggest cheerleaders.
One step at a time. They’d all get through it together.
“Knock, knock.”
The voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she spun around.
Her jaw dropped when she realized who she was looking at. Then she was in motion, wrapping her friend in a hug. “Janie! What are you doing here?”
“My sister and I checked in earlier today,” Janie replied, her smile a mile wide. “We’re here for the week. And then . . . I’m moving to Hudson Island!”
Joy and excitement had Freya bouncing on her toes, and she pulled Janie in for another hug. “Oh my God, that’s so great!”
“Hey, hey, Freya!” Claire said, joining them. “I’d love to stay and chat and catch up, but we’re going to be late for our dinner reservations.”
Freya gave Claire a hug. “Oh yeah, they’re only holding reservations for like five minutes tonight. You better get over there.”
“Are you free to get together for dinner tomorrow?” Janie asked.
“Of course! I want you to meet my boyfriend, Xander.” She couldn’t help the grin that spread over her face.
“Wait,” Claire said, her face scrunching. “That name sounds familiar. Was he one of the security guys?”
“One and the same,” a deep voice replied. A deep voice that had her insides turning to goo.
Freya grinned as Xander made his way into the salon. “Nice to see you again, ladies,” he said, shaking hands with both women.
“Oh my,” Janie said, giving her a thumbs-up behind Xander’s back. “We’ll find you at the party tonight.”
Freya chuckled. “Sounds like a plan. Enjoy your dinner!”
Once the women left, Freya stepped to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “What are you doing here? Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”
He looped his arms around her and dipped down for a kiss. “I was in the neighborhood and figured I’d come pick you up. Thought you might be tired since the last couple days have been so busy, and you’ve been a little sleep-deprived.”
Xander was right on both counts.
A crazy number of clients was the cause of her busy days, and her handsome boyfriend who knew how to touch her just right were the cause of her sleepless nights. She chuckled. “Do you hear me complaining about my lack of sleep?”
“Nope.” He flashed her that sexy, lopsided smirk. “I do have a question for you, though.”
She ran her hands over his chest, tracing the buttons of his shirt. “Hmm?”
Unlooping his arms from around her, he took a step back and dropped to one knee.
She gasped, and her jaw dropped.
“I was going to do this tonight. I even had a whole plan with candles and champagne, but I can’t wait.”
Her heart thudded hard in her chest, but when she saw how his hands shook as he pulled a small box from his pocket, everything inside her calmed.
He opened the box’s lid. A large ice-blue stone with a ring of glittering diamonds surrounding it twinkled at her. “Freya Hansen, will you—”
“Yes!” She launched herself at him, and of course, he caught her.
He pressed his lips to hers, and she kissed him back with everything she had.
This sweet, wonderful man . . .
When they came up for air, she framed his face in her hands. “Xander Bonetti, I love you. Nothing would make me happier than being your wife.”
His eyes filled with emotion. Joy, love, and awe. He blinked back unshed tears and let out a breath. “Freya, I promise to make you happy every day of our lives.”
“You already do, Xander.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “You already do.”