EPILOGUE
Walter yanks on his leash, almost dislocating my shoulder in the process. “Jeez, someone is excited to get home.”
Ridge chuckles while steadying me with an arm around my waist. “I’m convinced that dog never gets tired.”
“He’ll calm down eventually, once the puppy phase passes.”
His gaze slides down to where our golden doodle is spinning in aimless circles. “If you say so.”
I free the rowdy rascal and he clears the three porch stairs in one leap. We follow at a normal pace. A sting lashes up my arm when I reach for the banister. I wince and tuck the sensitive area against my side.
Ridge immediately hovers over me. “You okay?”
“Just itches.” And burns like fire ants attacked my flesh. I don’t dare reveal that last bit to him. If I did, this would be my first and only tattoo.
His mouths stoops into a frown. “It gets worse before it gets better. I’ll apply more gel once we get inside.”
My eyes drift to his shoulder, but the fresh ink is covered by his shirt. “You’re not bothered in the slightest.”
“I’m a pro.”
“Really?” My eyes widen to mimic saucers. “That doesn’t fit your vibe.”
“Sarcasm is very sexy coming from you.” The growl in his tone curls my toes.
I don’t bother hiding a squirm. “Keep it up and you’ll see plenty more come from me.”
“Does sex fiend want to play?”
“Always,” I return while swaying into him.
“That’s real good to hear, sweetness. I’m already up for you,” he rasps and presses the hard evidence into my hip. “Better get your ass in the house or we’ll give the neighbors a show.”
I trot forward, nowhere near bold enough to put our private intimacy on display for others to witness. Not that I believe Ridge would actually allow that to happen.
The door swings open before Ridge can grab the knob. Three very large men fill our entryway. I yelp and jump into motion, ready to flee without hesitation.
My fiancé doesn’t share that flight plan. His presence turns darker than a midnight storm as he stares down these intruders. I’m not ashamed to admit that I duck behind him. One strange man is cause for concern. Three smashes the panic button on repeat.
I grab onto Ridge’s shirt and yank. It’s not a shock when he doesn’t budge. My hold tightens for a second attempt but I’ll rip the fabric before I get him to move. He’s like a grizzly bear ready to dismember the wolves dumb enough to trespass into his den.
“What. The. Fuck?” He spits the punctuated expletive through clenched teeth.
Meanwhile, I’m tugging on his arm. “You’re super strong and everything but I don’t love these odds. Let’s go.”
“Not going anywhere,” he rumbles.
“Your ability to inflict damage is above average, but these odds aren’t in your favor. Think about our future children.”
Which is especially crucial considering our fur baby is two seconds away from meeting his doom. Walter’s preservation tactics are another problem entirely. He paws at them, whimpering for their affection as if they’re old friends. His plan is to beg for mercy. Maybe he’s got the right idea.
“There’s cherry cobbler in the fridge. I just baked it this morning. Give them the whole pan,” I suggest.
“They don’t get shit,” Ridge snarls.
“It’s not worth fighting over,” I plead.
“I’d like to see them try.” Ridge straightens to towering proportions. His presence appears to double in size and intimidation to confront the intruders.
“Let’s check on my mom. She might be in danger.” I pair the last ditch effort with a futile pull on his arm.
“These dipshits aren’t much, but their loyalty is solid. They’d never hurt family.”
I pause my evasive measures. “You know these guys?”
“Unfortunately,” he grunts. “Meet my brothers.”
My exhale becomes sputtered relief as the danger evaporates. Courage dares me to glance around the shield of my fiancé’s broad frame. The imposing trio doesn’t look too bothered by Ridge’s frosty and lackluster introduction. One of them is even smiling, like his brother’s abrasive attitude is hilarious.
Once my pulse returns to a semi-normal rate and logic scolds me, I notice the resemblance. My gaze sweeps over their similar traits before skittering away. They return my curiosity, but their attention is more bold and direct. That focus is a bright beam putting me on the spot.
My cheeks heat while I seek shelter behind Ridge. Acting naturally around men is still a challenge. The freedom to speak casually with them evades me as well. I manage to collect a few words and aim them at the only guy I trust.
“Do they have names?”
Ridge reaches an arm back to embrace me. His steady heartbeat calms mine, always offering support. “Bryson on the left is the oldest. Hudson is stuck in the middle. Literally. And the baby on the right is Soren.”
The youngest brother is still wearing a grin. He wags his eyebrows and steps forward with a palm outstretched in my general direction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Callie.”
Ridge intercepts the gesture, swatting his hand away. “Don’t touch her.”
“Just being friendly.” Soren winks at me.
A menacing noise thrashes from the wall of muscle in front on me. “That’s the problem.”
“Damn, you’ve always been possessive with your stuff but I’ve never seen that translate to a woman.” He whistles as if a bomb is dropping and the other two nod in agreement.
“Callie is everything to me.” Ridge’s explanation pins their interest on me again.
“You were supposed to warn me if they were going to visit,” I remind him in a rushed whisper.
This isn’t the first impression I’d choose to make. It will certainly leave a lasting mark in the shape of my embarrassment.
He glances at me from over his shoulder. Any traces of frustration are smoothed from his expression. “Trust me, sweetness. I would’ve told you if I’d known.”
“This wasn’t planned?” My voice is a squeak.
“Nope.” Irritation clouds his features when he scowls at the trio again. “These assholes took the liberty of letting themselves in, which means I need to change the lockbox code. Why don’t you tell me what the fuck you’re doing at our house.”
“Just wanted to congratulate you on the engagement,” Hudson drawls.
“Is your phone broken?”
His lips twitch in what I recognize to be amusement. “Would you answer if I called?”
Ridge’s shrug is noncommittal. “Maybe.”
“Liar,” is rumbled from Bryson.
“Haven’t seen you since Christmas and I’m already sick of your shit.”
“Likewise, kid.” The nickname almost makes me laugh.
My fiancé doesn’t approve. “Move your asses.”
Ridge shoves through their barricade as if they’re nothing more than a mirage. His brothers are wise enough to split apart, clearing a path for us into our own home. I dip my chin and allow him to steer me toward the kitchen. Footsteps follow, but my mind is traveling elsewhere.
My face burns as I recall what he did to me on the counter this morning. There were more cherries than my cobbler recipe needed. Ridge gladly gobbled the excess while feasting on me. A distinct whoosh comes from the rear porch entrance to knock me from those memories.
“Finally,” Harper huffs. She slides the glass door behind her and rushes toward us. “How long is a tattoo session? Did you have to wait for Ridge to get his done? You’ve been gone for hours.”
I ignore her remark about the appointment to redefine our scars. “Where did you come from?”
“Outside.” She points over her shoulder as if I didn’t just watch her step inside.
My gaze wanders to our other three unexpected guests. “But why are you here?”
“Oh!” She laughs, but it’s strained. “Don’t be upset, okay?”
My pulse quickens while Ridge turns to stone beside me. “What did you do?”
Harper fidgets before gripping onto the handle. “Um… well, maybe it’s better if I show you.”
I creep forward until the backyard is in view. My eyes bulge at the unpredictable sight.
Tables and chairs are arranged in a socially receptive formation. Bright pink decorations fight against the natural scenery. Clumps of balloons sway in the breeze as if greeting us. Upon closer inspection, a few appear to have a phallic shape. My blush reignites until I’m sure the clouds can tag me as scandalized.
Our friends are spread across the grass in clumps of two or three. My visual sweep pauses on Drake and a woman I don’t recognize. They seem to be caught in a heated moment, which encourages my focus to move along. Under the shade of our large oak tree sits my mother and an older couple. An undeniable longing pushes me to move in that direction.
“Surprise!” A loud bellow erupts from right behind me.
My soul vacates my body for a second as I jolt. Ridge looks ready to punch his youngest brother. I grab his clenched hand, prying his fingers open to weave through mine.
Soren’s announcement has the desired effect on everyone else. They turn in a unified pivot to where we’re standing on the deck. Applause and cheers boom from our suddenly captivated audience. Harper is bouncing on her toes, clearly pleased with the end result.
My friend hops next to me and gives my shoulder a gentle nudge. “Go on. Enjoy your engagement party.”
“Our what?” The slice of Ridge’s tone could sever the head from a statue.
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, hush. It’s just a small gathering. The invite list almost got away from me. I had to remind myself that you two aren’t fans of crowds. Jake was convinced this would backfire. It totally makes me want to throw him a huge extravaganza.”
“Ridiculous,” Ridge mutters.
“That’s exactly what Jerky Jake said. Twinning,” she chirps.
“It’s not so bad.” I bump Ridge with my hip.
The thunder fades from his expression when he smirks down at me. “Are you happy?”
A giddy tingle spreads through me. “I think your parents are over there talking to my mother.”
His gaze doesn’t shift from mine to confirm my suspicion. “They wouldn’t miss the occasion.”
“It’s very special,” I breathe.
“Hold off on the compliments until you get a load of Abbie’s swag.” Harper rolls her lips between her teeth.
I catch sight of Grace’s friend straight ahead. She’s pointing to a stack of metal tins that are neatly organized on a table. Garrett is visibly laughing at the colorful contents that he’s holding in his hand. After a shrug, he dumps several pieces in his mouth.
Grace shakes her head, trying and failing to hide a smile. She motions to the little girl standing with her daddy near the fence. Sydney appears preoccupied, but my curiosity is piqued.
Ridge remains glued to my side as I approach them. Once again, shock widens my eyes as I discover what they’re arguing about. My earlier concern about the balloons was warranted.
“Hi!” Abbie doesn’t hesitate to hug me, but makes no attempt to touch Ridge. “Congratulations. I’m responsible for providing the risqué items.”
Grace snorts and points at what appears to be candy. “That’s one way of describing these.”
“Every party needs a theme. I took the honor of deciding this one.” Abbie taps a label while pride stretches her grin. “Same pecker forever. It fits with the cock den.”
Ridge nods. “I don’t see a problem.”
“They’re not bad.” Garrett shakes the box that’s filled with tiny dicks. “Wanna try? They’re sugarcoated for your pleasure.”
Ridge shoves his lofted arm away. “I’ll pass.”
“Your loss.” He pops more onto his outstretched tongue.
Grace inspects a blue piece. “Aren’t these reserved for bachelorette shenanigans? Like after dark when it’s only adults.”
Abbie cackles. “This is tame compared what I have planned for you. Just wait and see, bride-to-be.”
“We can’t bring you anywhere,” Grace mutters.
Before she can defend herself, an excited squeal cuts into our social circle. “Is that candy?”
Abbie falters at the appearance of Sydney. The little girl has her sights very much set on the inappropriate treat. My face goes up in flames and I’m not even in the hot seat.
“Oh, sh—crap. Yep. But it’s not very good.” Garrett rushes to swallow his recent mouthful.
Sydney frowns. “I wanna taste it.”
“Sorry,” he mutters to Harper in advance.
My friend arrives on the scene, bending in half to catch her breath. “You’re too fast, superstar.”
But her daughter isn’t listening. She’s poking at the rainbow selection. “Is this sperm? You shouldn’t eat that.”
Harper chokes on her laughter. “This should be entertaining.”
Abbie glances from the blonde to Sydney. “Why not?”
“You’ll get pregnant,” the little girl states loud and clear.
Abbie glares at the candy as if it’s suddenly toxic. “Who told you that?”
“Payton and Gage. Their mama swallowed lotsa sperm. That’s how she got two babies in her belly at the same time.”
I clap a palm over my lips to disguise the amusement. The others aren’t as discreet. Humor glistens from Harper’s gaze, just waiting for us to crack. Soon our group falls victim to a fit of giggles. Sydney is beaming like a shining star in the center.
Ridge rubs over his forehead as if he can erase the last five minutes from memory. “And on that note, let’s go see our folks.”
They rise from their seats as we approach. My mother smiles, her chin tilted in newfound confidence. She’s found the best version of herself and it shows. Ridge’s mom and dad look gleeful as well. Their matching grins capture a sense of familiarity. I blindly grab for my camera, but belatedly remember it’s in the house.
“I’ll get it for you in a moment,” Ridge says. His awareness of me never rests.
“Love you, future husband.” I rise onto my toes and kiss his scruffy jaw.
He stoops to grant me better access. “And I love my future wife.”
The collective sigh from our parents brings my attention forward. I instinctively seek comfort in my mother’s embrace first. She’s quick to open her arms for a hug. We exchange a soft squeeze before separating.
“Hello, Thea.” If I’m not mistaken, Ridge bows slightly to acknowledge her.
She titters like a flustered beehive. “Oh, you. That’s a tad overboard, hmm?”
“Never,” he assures. His palm settles on the small of my back, guiding me flush against him. “Sweetness, these are my parents. Fern and Forrest, this is my Calliope Rose.”
His mom is already crying, letting the tears fall freely. “It’s wonderful to finally see you in person, Callie. Ridge talks about you nonstop whenever we call. I managed to convince him to send me a picture. One glimpse and I knew you belonged together.”
Warmth spreads through my chest. “Really?”
“Absolutely, dear. It feels like we’re already family.”
Forrest hums his approval. His eyes crinkle in the corners as he smiles. Kindness reflects from his expression, filling me with a sense of belonging. It’s easy to see where Ridge gets it.
Gratitude slams into me and I blurt, “Can we hug?”
They don’t give me a second to doubt the request. Together, the four of us merge in a silent exchange of understanding. Fern reaches for my mother, bringing her into the fold. We remain in the huddle for several moments, but the bond we formed is permanent.
My bottom lip trembles as emotion tries to conquer my composure. “Thank you for raising Ridge to become such a good man.”
“Don’t give us too much credit,” Forrest replies. “It’s you who captured his heart and gave him the other half of his soul.”
Fern gazes at her husband with unfiltered adoration. “Isn’t it something?”
He mirrors her devotion. “Rather indescribable.”
Ridge presses a kiss to my temple. “Spontaneous and unexpected.”
I snuggle against him. “That sounds like our happily ever after to me.”
That’s the end… mostly. Are you curious about the tattoos mentioned in the epilogue? Well, I have that scene as well as two others from Callie and Ridge for you here!