Epilogue
Karey Buchanan
Declan slips into my dressing room and locks the door behind him.
He looks absolutely mouthwatering in his suit.
His grey eyes shine with wicked intent. I quirk a brow and turn away from the mirror to face him, but he pushes me back around by my shoulders, presses himself against my ass, pinning my hips to the vanity, and trails his fingertips down my lace-covered back.
“This dress makes me want to cherish one last moment with you as my fiancé,” he growls.
I wiggle my hips and arch my back.
“Does my big, bad beast need more practice finding all the good spots?” I tease.
He groans and thrusts his hips. Arousal floods my panties. The entire vanity shakes. My breasts threaten to pop out of my white dress.
He gathers my poofy skirt onto my back and kneads my ass before pulling my panties down to my knees. With pinpoint accuracy, he teases and strokes my clit until my hips evade the delicious touch.
Without prompting, he pulls a condom out of his pocket, frees his cock, and dons the protection before sliding into me. I gasp, every thrust more epic than the last, and enjoy our final mutual undoing before marriage.
A knock sounds on the door just as he pulls out.
We scramble to clean each other up and make ourselves presentable before Declan shamelessly opens the bridal suite door.
His grandmother stands in the hallway. Her amused expression says she expected nothing less from her grandson and her soon-to-be granddaughter-in-law.
She strides in and drops a stack of papers on the vanity. A mortified blush heats my cheeks as they land where my bosom was just a few seconds ago.
“I found a new doctor, went through tests again, and have a clean bill of health now,” she lies.
I bite my lower lip to try and stop my smile, but it’s no use.
“You don’t have to lie, Grandmother. I figured it out a while ago,” I say with laughter in my voice.
“Really? Good. I was tired of the ruse.”
“The ruse? Grandmother, you never took a single pill but were practicing martial arts on the balcony, dancing ballet in the foyer, and partying with friends every weekend. What part of that fits sick and dying?” Declan chuckles.
“After you ensnared her, what was the point of pretending anymore? I have a lot less time left than you two do, so I’m not about to waste it,” she huffs.
She stops in front of me and places her hands on my shoulders.
“I meant what I said, Karey. Welcome to the family. And adoption counts, too.”
Without another word, she glides out of the room and down the hall.
I turn startled eyes to Declan. He smiles.
“Did you tell her?” I ask.
“She twisted my arm,” he defends himself.
I sigh and wrap my arms around him.
“I can’t wait to join your family.”
He lifts my chin with a finger.
“You already have. This is just so I can kiss you at the altar in front of everyone we know.”
I chuckle and push him toward the door.
“Go before you make me cry and ruin my makeup.”
He gives me a quick kiss before striding away.
I join my bridal party in the receiving hall. It’s a large group with members of the self-defense class, Eileen, Declan’s grandmother, and my stepmother, but they all quiet when I move to the back of the line. My dad offers me his elbow.
For all his faults, he really is a good man. I’m glad he’s here to give me away.
A little girl screeches and beelines toward the front doors. Millie steps in front of her, scoops her up, and gives her a gentle toss before settling her on her hip with seamless ease.
“Hello, beautiful. I’ve never met you before. Who do you belong to?” Millie asks.
“She’s mine,” a gravelly voice says from the side hall.
Millie stiffens and turns. All the color drains from her face. She looks like she saw a ghost.
I release my dad’s arm and step toward her, worried for my friend, but the organ plays our cue, and the party moves forward and blocks my view. By the time I see her again, Millie is walking down the aisle with her arm linked to her designated groomsman.
I vow to check in with her before the end of the night, but then my dad takes my hand and leads me into the church.
The world fades away. Nothing exists beyond my future husband. He’s too handsome with his meticulously styled red hair and intense grey eyes.
The ceremony passes in a blur, but when the pastor announces you may kiss the bride, Declan takes him seriously.
He consumes, claims, and cherishes me as the congregation hoots, howls, and cheers, making me forget about my promise to check in on Millie. All I can think about is how wicked our wedding night will be.
Declan Buchanan is mine, and I’m his.
Forever.
Next in series: Obsessed Mr. O’Brian (Brutal Billionaire Bosses #6).
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