Epilogue
MACK
“Hey, there’s a dog in front of the Neon Saloon. Can you bring the truck? I can’t find a leash in mine.”
“Give me five,” Piper says, disconnecting the call as I drop my cell into my pocket and look down at Arrow who is sitting happily at my feet. I took him to the groomers today and they gave him a big red bow for his collar.
“Ready, boy?” I murmur, the air crisp and right on par for February in Hearts Bend. Arrow’s tongue lolls out of his mouth, his breath coming out in little white puffs as we wait.
It doesn’t take long, and I can’t hide my smile as Piper pulls up behind my truck and parks, her steps hesitant as she joins me on the sidewalk.
“Where’s the dog?”
“He’s right here.” I point to Arrow, his tail sweeping against the pavement.
“Are you telling me I put on actual pants for this?” She huffs and I laugh, shaking my head as I lean down and untie the ring from Arrow’s collar and take a knee.
Piper gasps, her hand going to her mouth as her eyes well with tears.
“I thought it’d be fitting to take you back to the place that changed our lives forever, to the first time I kissed you right out in the open for everyone to see. I knew that night how easily I could fall for you, and waking up in your bed, I realized I was well on my way.”
“Me too,” she whispers on a choked laugh.
“You’ve made me happier in these six months than I ever was out on my own. You make me a better man, and I love that I get to love you, worship you, and tonight I want to add marry you to that list.”
“You and your lists.”
“I’ve got plenty more, Honey Girl, but everything else can wait.” Taking a breath, I meet her gaze, finding affection and forever staring back at me. “Piper Knight, will you do me the honor of bein’ my wife?”
“Yes.”
The time it takes between sliding the ring on her finger and scooping her up into my arms feels like a lifetime, and my heart soars as I spin her around.
Arrow barks and wags his tail, earning a good scratch for being so patient before I cup Piper’s face in my hands and kiss her the way I’ve been dreaming about all day.
The way I want to when we finally say, “I do.”
The way I want to for the rest of our lives.
“I think it’s about time you take me home, Mack Crosby, so you can fuck me while the only thing I’m wearing is your ring.” Mischief and desire dance in the pretty green depths of her eyes as I swallow hard and pull her tight against me, my dick hard and already aching to be inside her.
“Lead the way, Honey Girl.”
I’ll follow you anywhere.
THE END
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