Bonus Epilogue #3
As we drive, I let my hand rest on his thigh, a silent thanks. We talk in hushed tones about the night’s events; Orion’s flour fight, Ranger’s sauce mishap, my mother’s quiet laughter as she watched it all unfold.
Eventually, the city lights fade, giving way to the moonlit pines that line the road to our cabin.
Boone turns off the main highway onto the gravel path, and I roll down the window, inhaling the crisp forest air.
It’s such a different world from the day we first found ourselves holed up in a cabin, me terrified for my life. Now, it’s a place of safety and love.
When we finally arrive, Boone parks, cuts the engine, and we sit for a beat in the hush of the wilderness.
“Give me a minute or two to set up,” Boone says, kissing my hand before hopping out of the truck.
I follow him to the front porch and wait while he rushes inside. I hear the distant hoot of an owl, and my heart aches with contentment.
Boone opens the front door, reappearing by my side with a big smile, and it nearly takes my breath away.
He takes my hand and leads me inside. The cabin interior is cozy, lit by a single lamp in the corner.
I notice the coffee table is cleared, replaced by a soft blanket spread across it, and on top sits a small tray of the leftover Nutella sauce and a container of fresh strawberries.
I laugh softly, turning to Boone. “So, this is your big plan? Dessert after the big pizza party?”
He smirks, shrugging off his jacket. “Hey, you said you love sweet pizza combos.”
I watch as he dips a strawberry into the Nutella and offers it to me. My breath hitches, and I lean forward, taking a bite. The taste is divine—rich chocolate, ripe berry. But the real sweetness is the way he’s looking at me, eyes full of adoration.
We feed each other a few more strawberries, giggling when a drop of chocolate lands on his finger. I wipe it off with my thumb, and he catches my wrist, guiding my hand to his mouth so he can kiss my fingertips. The moment thickens with an undeniable tension.
He sets the tray aside and pulls me gently into his arms. “Happy birthday,” he murmurs, voice husky. “I hope it was everything you wanted.”
I lay my hands on his broad chest, feeling his heartbeat steady under my palms. “It was perfect,” I whisper. “But you made it that way.”
He slides a hand into my hair, tilting my head so our eyes meet. “I’d do anything to see you smile like that—like you’re free of every worry. That’s all I want.”
Emotion clogs my throat. I close the distance, pressing my lips to his in a slow, deep kiss that conveys all the gratitude and love I can’t put into words.
He returns it just as fervently, arms circling my waist, drawing me flush against him.
A soft sound escapes my throat as his mouth moves with mine, tasting of chocolate and strawberry and promise.
Time stretches, and the only things that matter are his lips, his warmth, the quiet hush of the cabin that envelops us. His hands roam my back, and I thread my fingers into his hair, losing myself in the closeness. We break away only to catch our breath, foreheads touching.
“You’re mine,” he murmurs, voice trembling with devotion. “And I’m yours.”
I grin through the tears threatening to spill, nodding. “Forever,” I say, letting the word settle between us like a vow.
He eases me down onto the plush blanket, the Nutella tray forgotten on the table. Our kisses grow languid, a heady mix of passion and tenderness. The entire day—the surprise party, the laughter, the silly teasing about my nickname—culminates in this moment, where everything is right in the world.
Eventually, we drift into a slower pace, curling against each other, legs tangled, hearts beating in unison. He tucks me under his chin, stroking my hair. The lamp’s glow casts dancing shadows across the cabin walls, and I wonder if life can get any better than this.
In that stillness, he leans down to whisper against my ear. “Thank you for letting me love you, Bree.”
I smile, shifting so I can look into his eyes. “Thank you for loving me enough,” I say softly, then my voice softens. “Boone, this is everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m so happy. I feel safe. And I just… I can’t wait to see where we go from here.”
He brushes his thumb across my cheek. “Wherever we go, we go together.”
I snuggle closer, letting my eyes slip shut. The gentle thump of his heart lulls me, reminding me how far we’ve come—through danger, betrayal, heartbreak—and how we emerged stronger, building a life so filled with warmth and joy that my heart could burst.
Outside, the wind rustles the pine trees, and somewhere, an owl hoots softly.
But within these walls, all is still, and I’m home.
Wrapped in the arms of the man I love, stomach full of pizza, head full of laughter, and a future that glows as brightly as the stars.
If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.
I lift my head for one final kiss, a soft brush of lips that seals this perfect night. “I love you,” I whisper again. It never gets old, speaking those words.
Boone smiles, eyes shining. “I love you, too, Aubree.”
We settle back into each other’s arms, letting the night envelop us. And in the quiet hush of our cabin, I realize that this—this shared joy, this unwavering trust, this simple, everyday magic—is my happily ever after.
Thank you for reading Boone and Aubree. Keep reading for the first chapter of Taking What’s Mine, Book #4 in the Men of Maddox Security Series. >>>>>>