Epilogue
Four weeks later
“Have you seen that handsome man of yours?” Barbara stood behind the counter.
Kira shook her head. “Luca is here?”
She slid her phone into her lab-coat pocket. Jordan had been texting about a guy she’d just met on a blind date, and they’d been picking apart everything he’d said to her—of course. Jordan was hoping he would call soon for another date.
She looked around but didn’t see Luca.
“Maybe he’s in the break room.” Barbara had an oddly blank expression on her face.
Kira got a weird feeling something was going on. She headed for the break room and saw Mack in the hall, wearing his EMT uniform of cargoes and a polo shirt, texting on his phone. “Anything interesting happening?”
He whipped his phone down and looked at her. “Interesting? No. Nothing’s happening.”
“Give it up and I’ll buy your sodas for a year.”
Mack’s brows rose. “There’s Eric. Gotta go.” He slipped around her.
“You can run…” Kira called after him.
She looked through the open door into the break room, the clock on the wall anxiously approaching eleven at night. Just about time for caffeine. But the room was wall-to-wall with people she recognized, all milling around holding red plastic cups of what looked like lemonade.
“Is this a party?” She stepped into the doorway.
Someone yelled, “Happy birthday!”
Everyone raised their cups, and the crowd parted, revealing Luca with a cake and way too many lit candles.
She spotted her women’s Bible study friends and an anesthesiologist she’d been having lunch with recently—the two of them liked the same kind of novels.
Even Frankie was here, which was surprising since it had been busy getting the new shelter up and running.
“That’s a fire hazard.” She tried to look disapproving. “This is a hospital.”
“Then blow them out.” Luca grinned, and it took years off his features.
Kira scowled at him, and Barbara headed past her, making a beeline for the punch. She said, “You’re supposed to make a wish first.”
She closed her eyes and waited a second before she blew the candles out.
“Was the wish that Saxon would propose?”
She whirled around and spotted a face she hadn’t seen in years. Beside Kane Foster, one of Luca’s oldest friends, was a striking Hispanic woman who looked a little nervous.
“You’re here!” She gave them both a hug. “It’s so good to see you guys.”
She’d been talking on video chat to Kane and Maria, who lived in Last Chance County. Planning a visit soon. And yes, she’d been hoping there would be a ring on her finger then.
Even Hammer—sorry, Rowan—and Sierra were here with Huck, the sweetest little ten-year-old cowboy ever.
She smiled at them all. “I can’t remember the last time I had a birthday party.”
Had she ever had one worth remembering? Kira didn’t want to think about that when things were happy right now.
Luca shifted close to her side, having set the cake down on the table at the end. His fingers touched hers, and she felt something warm slide onto her ring finger. Then he laced his fingers in hers, holding her hand.
She looked up at him. Touched her free hand to his chest, waiting for it.
“Marry me.”
Kira smiled. “Was that actually a question?” He seemed incredibly sure of himself. But then, he had reason to be, didn’t he?
Huck called out, “Just say yes, then we can have cake!”
Kira dissolved into laughter, falling against Luca. Of course he held her up. She stayed there with her forehead to his chest, absorbing his strength. Her warrior. Her hero.
When she was ready, she lifted her head and said one word.
“Yes.”
The room erupted into celebration.
Luca swept her up into his arms and kissed her.
Thank you for reading Warrior.
Keep reading for a sneak peek…