Epilogue
Epilogue
“I needed to meet the woman who stole my brother’s heart.”
Sydney glanced over at Melanie, Michael’s sister.
She’d arrived about twenty minutes ago, along with her adorable girls, who were, in Melanie’s words, “Holy terrors and a total handful.”
After checking that Sydney would be okay if he took his nieces out to play with Chewie and down to the river, the three had headed out the door, leaving Sydney alone with Melanie, who promptly took a seat on a barstool and looked at Sydney.
“He told you I stole his heart?” Sydney asked.
“Absolutely not.” With a laugh, Melanie shook her head. “Michael doesn’t tell me anything, so I have to read between the lines. When I can’t do that, I just make shit up.”
As far as she was concerned, Melanie could visit anytime she wanted. The more often, the better.
She’d arrived in an enormous SUV packed with food, homemade yeasty rolls and, several salads—macaroni, potato, and fruit.
Sydney had lost track of how many items Melanie had placed in the fridge.
But she hadn’t stopped there. She’d brought an angel food cake and strawberries, along with a decadent looking flourless chocolate torte. “Made with the most expensive chocolate in the world,” she’d said when she slid the platter onto the counter.
Michael was planning to grill hamburgers and hot dogs in an hour or so. Even though he’d ordered plenty of sides and snacks from a catering company and told his sister she didn’t need to bring anything, Melanie had shown up with enough provisions for a week.
“Can I offer you a lemonade? Michael made it this morning. Evidently from your grandmother’s recipe.”
“Hell no. That’s for the kids.” Wrinkling her nose, she left her perch to open the fridge. “I brought my favorite champs. Want some?”
“Absolutely.”
With the familiarity that came with being raised in the house, Melanie pulled out the bottle while Sydney grabbed a couple of flutes from a cabinet.
As far as she was concerned, Melanie could visit anytime she wanted. The more often, the better.
And now she uncovered a charcuterie board.
“I can’t believe you provided a whole feast.”
“Cooking is a stress reliever for me.” She blew out a breath. “Just wish exercise was.”
Today was the first time Sydney and Michael had entertained since she’d all but moved in a month ago.
She still had her condo, and she’d stayed there once after the weather had delayed her flight home to Denver. It had been well after midnight when she’d touched down at the airport, and she’d been exhausted.
After talking to Michael, she’d opted to spend the rest of the night in Evergreen, then finished the drive in the morning, after a few hours of sleep and a coffee stop at Misty Mountain.
Except for being able to indulge in a triple chocolate muffin and a large Americano with an extra shot of espresso, she’d made a bad choice.
Her sleep had been restless, and she’d missed being in his arms.
By the time she’d arrived home, she was every bit as tired as she’d been at midnight.
Home.
A concept she now truly embraced.
At some point, she’d started thinking of Eagle’s Bend as her place, too. And that was a big change of heart for her.
Surprising herself, she enjoyed tending to the land, hanging out with Jeb around the firepit, taking care of the chickens, giving Chewie baths, and overseeing plans for the holiday sleigh rides, as well as future expansions.
Though he occasionally grumbled, Michael had approved a budget, hired a crew, and even swung a hammer himself.
Watching her man do physical labor—his muscles flexing and rippling—was the sexiest thing ever.
After Michael had shown her the space he’d converted for her in the existing barn, she’d agreed with him. The dungeon was their private spot, and there was no way she was giving up the place where they spent so much time.
The final building she envisioned wouldn’t be completed until spring, but that meant they still might be able to book some late-summer weddings.
Suddenly aware of the silence, Sydney shook her head.
Without her being aware of it, she’d glanced out the window, searching for a glimpse of the man she adored. “Sorry. I was miles away.”
“That happens here, doesn’t it? It’s easy to get lost in the view.”
Sydney considered Michael’s little sister. “Do you miss it?”
“Not at all. I like the idea of living out here, but I’m a city girl at heart. I prefer a coffee shop to be in walking distance.”
Sydney laughed. “You could be besties with my friend Vanessa.” Who was scheduled to come up next weekend.
They were planning a shopping day in Winter Park, and although Sydney would have preferred they skied, Vanessa had gasped in horror at the suggestion. The most she would agree to was spending a day at one of the town’s renowned spas.
After uncorking the bottle, Melanie poured them each a glass of bubbles. “After the bullshit with Jane, his ex, I never thought Michael would actually trust again.”
“Oh?”
“That bitch did a number on him.” Over the rim of her glass, Melanie studied Sydney. “He wouldn’t tell me how you met…”
Knowing the woman was fishing for information—not that she could blame her—Sydney pretended to place a lock on her sealed lips.
Melanie sighed. “So I’m not getting anything out of you, either?”
“Sorry.”
“It was worth a try. Drink up. Maybe you’ll let a secret or two slip later.”
“Afraid not.” Sydney shook her head. If Michael wanted to keep a secret, she’d honor that.
“Spoilsport. But no matter what, I’m glad he met you.”
The two women toasted each other.
Since she hadn’t been sure whether or not Melanie would be protective of her brother, the words helped Sydney to relax. “That means a lot, thank you. He’s been good for me.”
“So, he’s pretty closed lipped. But I was able to find out that you run an outdoor adventure company. Does that mean you like to do extreme things?”
Moreso in the past than right now. “I do.” She gave Melanie a brief overview of the way she’d been raised and outlined a couple of trips she’d put together for people.
“I’d never have the courage to do half that.” Then she scoffed. “That’s an outright lie. I wouldn’t have the courage to do anything you said.”
“You can start as small as you want.” Not everyone summited their first fourteen-thousand-foot peak at age three like she had.
“I’ll stick to baking.”
They laughed together.
“Everyone has their place. I’m the least domesticated person on the planet.”
“Don’t let anyone tame you.”
“I appreciate that.”
“But I’d love to see pictures of your adventures.”
“I’ll send you a few. But if you ever decide you want to experience some outdoor fun, I’ll be happy to take you. I can plan trips for your family. Ziplining, things like that.”
Melanie shuddered. “No way you’d get me to step off firm ground.” Frantically, she shook her head. “But occasionally I wonder if I should encourage the girls to try new experiences. Not sure it’s good for them to grow up with a mom who’s a scaredy-cat.”
“Let’s talk to them later, see what they might be interested in.” She hadn’t provided many activities for kids, and the idea appealed to her. “You can come along on anything as an observer. I promise not to make you participate.”
“Does that include roller coasters? Lottie is desperate to ride one.”
“I love them. Next summer, let’s go to the amusement park.”
“The youngest and I will be at the children’s museum.”
“Fair enough.”
As they sipped the light and crisp champagne, they began to get plates and napkins ready for their upcoming meal.
“Michael tells me you have suggestions of things to do with the ranch.”
“I hope I’m not stepping on toes.”
“Oh not at all!” Melanie hastened to reassure her. “I’m glad you love this place as much as Michael does.”
Sydney outlined a few ideas, all of which Melanie endorsed. “That’s a great way to share the beauty of Eagle’s Bend with others.”
Shortly after that, Michael returned with the girls, and Chewie tried to follow them into the house.
“She needs a companion,” Melanie said.
“We wouldn’t have her at all if you hadn’t bought her without asking permission.” Michael leveled a severe look at his sibling. “I didn’t even know she was showing up.”
“The outrage!” Melanie gasped. “Your nieces wanted her. Not me.” Batting her eyes, she said, “You can’t deny them anything and you know it.”
“Yeah.” He glanced at the two who were pouring themselves lemonade. “They’ve got me wrapped around their little fingers.”
Sydney considered him in a new light. His affection and easygoing manner with the kids proved he’d make an excellent father.
The shocking, unexpected thought didn’t frighten her like it used to.
He made his way to her and dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Everything okay here? Mel hasn’t badgered you with a million questions about who you are and our relationship?”
“Me?” Melanie demanded, aghast once more. “No. Of course not. I’m a total angel.”
“Yeah. Sure you are.” But there was lightness in his tone.
“I behaved. Really.” She winked at Sydney. “Tell him.”
“We had a nice chat,” Sydney replied.
“Which means she asked a thousand questions, but you artfully dodged them.”
Their good-natured banter made Sydney regret being an only child. There was a shared history between brother and sister that she would never have. “I’m staying out of this.”
“Smart woman.” He gave her a second kiss before heading for the refrigerator to pull out the platter of meat that he’d seasoned earlier. “Who wants hot dogs?”
“Me!” Lottie called out.
“And who wants cheese on their burger?”
After everyone had placed their orders, he went back outside while she and Melanie arranged the side dishes and tucked spoons into the containers.
Since the sun was shining and it was a gorgeous fall day, they ate outside on the patio.
Then once the dishes were handled and leftovers stored, they moved on to coffee and dessert.
Since the girls were more interested in their horse than strawberry shortcake, Michael walked them over to the corral.
One of the hands said he’d be happy to watch the kids and give them each a turn on horseback.
Much later, after Sydney had devoured a second slice of chocolate torte, Melanie rounded up her family and headed for the car.
As Sydney and Michael waved goodbye, he draped an arm around her shoulders.
“Finally. I thought they’d never leave.”
She could guess what he had on his mind. “I enjoyed the visit.”
“Glad to hear that. It helps that you like her. Jane didn’t.”
Which was surprising. Melanie was delightful and easygoing.
“Enough about that.” He looked at her. “I am relieved to finally have you all to myself.”
“I’ll make the wait worth your while.”
“Will you?” He stroked her upper arm. “You always do.”
After he gave her a spectacular kiss, she wiggled away from him.
“Keep in mind, brat, I don’t like to be kept waiting.”
Which certainly did not encourage her to hurry up.
Aware of his heated gaze on her rear, she walked up the path, swaying her hips provocatively.
“You’re going to be in trouble for that.”
At the doorway, she looked back and blew a kiss over her shoulder.
With a groan, he followed her inside.
Quickly, she headed upstairs to the room that she had claimed as her office, opened her desk drawer, and took out the present she’d ordered for herself.
She opened the box, wincing when her finger snagged on a pointed metal stud. Then, with his surprise in hand, she headed into their bedroom and changed into a short skirt.
Next, she removed her bra and pulled on a tight white sweater that left her midriff bare.
Finally, breaths unsteady, she fastened the collar around her neck before slipping into the wicked, studded heels he’d bought for her.
In front of the mirror, she scrunched her hair, styling it around her face.
“Holy fuck.”
Startled, she glanced in the mirror again to see an image of her lover lazing against the doorjamb.
Lips parted, Sydney turned to face him.
Before she could react further, he was in front of her.
Right above the collar, he wrapped his hands around her neck. “We’re not going to make it outside to the barn.”
With the desire stoked in his eyes, she didn’t doubt him.
“I need to be inside you. Now.”
Capturing her hand, he stripped off her sweater, then guided her to the bed, turned her to face it, then forced her body down, smashing her breasts into the mattress.
Carefully, he maneuvered the collar around so that the D-ring faced the back. Then he lifted her skirt and rubbed her ass, tenderly at first, then with more vigor before blazing her skin with his hand.
“Oh, God! Oh, God!”
“This evening, you may come as often as you like, my sweet. You earned it.”
He left her long enough to grab a condom from the nightstand. Then, behind her, he dropped his jeans but didn’t undress, obviously as impatient as she was.
In a single stroke, he claimed her, then he fucked her hard—the way she liked.
Her Dominant buried his hand beneath her pelvis in order to play with her clit, and when she was writhing, he moved up to plump and squeeze her breasts.
Within seconds, she was panting, consumed by orgasm after orgasm.
Offering approving words, he pulled away long enough to snatch his belt from its loops.
He placed the leather next to her face.
Then, voice gruff, he demanded, “Do you want to feel this? It was around my body, and it’s mine. Just like you, Sydney. Got it?”
Yes. “Yes to everything, Sir.”
Continually, he laid the leather to her curves, then he hooked a finger into the D-ring on her collar and very slightly pulled her neck up. “Why did you do this?” he demanded, voice hoarse.
“Sir,” Sydney protested, in search of an orgasm, not capable of a conversation until she’d reached the pinnacle. “Just fuck me, please.”
“Tell me, brat.”
In his typical Dominant fashion, he demanded answers, even though she couldn’t string two thoughts together.
“You knew I’d love this.”
But she hadn’t guessed just how much.
“Tell me.”
Confounding her, he stopped belting her, and she cried out. “You told me I could come when I was ready.”
“And I asked a question.”
Her body vibrated with sexual hunger.
“It’s a symbol.” Forcing words was almost impossible. “That I’m no longer afraid.” She turned her head to the side, wishing she could see him. “That I left the past behind.”
“And your doubts?” Quiet desperation shrouded his voice.
“Gone.” As if they had never existed.
“You’re my sub, Sydney.”
From the first moment they’d met, she had been, even if she hadn’t wanted to admit it. With her words—her desperate confession—he once again used his belt on her, bringing her to the edge.
Then he sealed the deal, impaling his cock inside her until they were one, and she had no idea where he ended and she began.
Unraveled, grabbing the bedcovers, she climaxed.
He fucked her hard and long. Then with a possessive, primal roar, he orgasmed.
For the first time, she wished there was no barrier between them.
The realization shook her, leaving her breathless. What would it be like to have children with him? Something she’d never considered before she’d seen him with his nieces.
When they were both replete, he walked into the bathroom and returned with a warm cloth to bathe her swollen pussy.
She appreciated the way he nurtured her, ensuring that he never pushed her too far. It mattered to him that they could always enjoy another scene.
Afterward, he removed her collar.
As she slowly pushed herself upright, he stripped.
Pleasantly worn out, she kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the bed.
When he was naked, he joined her, snuggling her into his arms.
For a while they were quiet, and she lingered in a world that only she and Michael shared.
When she blinked her eyes open, he wasn’t in the bed.
The bathroom light was on, but no sound reached her. Curious, she padded across the floor to see if he was in there.
A bubble bath awaited her, and the counter was ablaze with dozens of lit candles.
He was hanging a big, fluffy robe nearby when he noticed her.
“You must have liked your surprise, Sir.”
“Yeah, brat.” He drank her in. “I liked it.”
Being his brat had its own rewards, but so did being his darling.
“My sister left an unopened bottle of champagne. Would you like some?”
The wonderful, effervescent bubbly had instantly become her new favorite. “Sounds divine.”
She sank into the tub that was just the right temperature to soothe her muscles.
When he returned, he was dressed only in jeans, and he held two glasses.
“You’re welcome to wear that collar anytime you want.”
“Maybe you should get me one that you like, Sir.”
He froze. “Go on.”
“I was reading about options. Some submissives wear a bracelet. You know, something unobtrusive that wouldn’t get in the way of ranch work or mountaineering.”
“Have you seen anything that appeals to you?”
“I was looking at some with beads or charms that have some sort of symbolism.”
“Send me links to some that you might enjoy.”
Of course, he would have his own Dominant dictates. Had she really expected otherwise?
“And if you see one that you would like to wear when we scene or go to the Den, send me that as well.”
“I haven’t looked at those,” she admitted.
“No hurry. Whenever you are ready.”
She sat up long enough to accept his offering. Despite the heat and humidity in the room, her nipples hardened.
Maybe that was in response to the way his always-ready dick pushed against the front of his jeans.
“Take your time and enjoy your soak.” His eyes telegraphed his desire. “Join me whenever you’re ready.”
A few minutes later, eager to spend more time together, she emerged from the tub and wrapped herself in the robe he’d provided.
In their bedroom, he was standing near the window, backlit by moonlight.
Glass in hand, she crossed to him and tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “Sir?”
“My timing isn’t always good.”
As her pulse turned thready, he lowered himself to one knee and lifted her left hand.
An impossible, loud buzzing filled her ears.
“Sydney Wallace, you complete my heart and my life. I want to spend the rest of my days making you happy.”
Suddenly, she couldn’t breathe.
“Will you do me the honor of being my wife and standing by my side as my partner?”
Her knees weakened, and in response, he tightened his grip, offering his strength to support her.
“Say something, Sydney. Anything.”
Words failed her, and the champagne sloshed in its glass.
This was everything she’d once dreamed of.
After Lewis, she’d shoved aside her ideas of a happily ever after, telling herself her fantasies were childish and ridiculous, and she’d pretended they didn’t matter.
But secretly, she’d yearned for a relationship as beautiful as the one her parents shared and like she had seen with others.
“As I said, I know my timing is not always perfect, but I want you to know that whenever you are ready—if you ever are—you have my total commitment.”
Like her, he’d been through a lot. And entrusting her with his heart and his land was a massive step.
“We could have the first wedding ever on Eagle’s Bend, try out that arbor that you insisted I build. After all, you’ll need photos for the website you’re building, right?”
“Oh my God, Michael…” Giddiness lodged in her throat.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a two-tone pink-and-gray ring, with mountains and trees etched into it.
“Silicone,” he explained. “I honor who you are, and this is something you can wear even when you’re in the world’s most dangerous places, and you’ll be safe.”
Is there a more perfect man for me?
“If it gets destroyed, it’s easily replaced.”
The sentimental value mattered to her. He’d considered her needs, not just what worked for him.
Shocking her, he didn’t ask her to accept it.
Instead, he placed it on the nightstand, then he reached back into his pocket and pulled out the most spectacular engagement ring she’d ever seen. A massive square-cut diamond was flanked by three smaller ones on each side.
“I don’t have to put this on you until you’re ready.” Still holding her hand, he sought her gaze.
The idea of a summer wedding near the arbor and a reception in a new barn sounded perfect. “Yes.” Despite her best efforts, her voice cracked on the word. “I’m ready now.” Happy tears stung her eyes. “Yes, Michael… Sir. I’ll marry you. There’s nothing I want more than to be your wife and partner.”
He slid the beautiful piece of jewelry onto her finger, and the moonlight danced across the radiant facets.
Once the symbol of their union and love was in place, he stood, removed the flute from her grip and set it on the nightstand, then took her by the shoulders, pulling her against him to capture her mouth in a dizzying kiss.
“Once more, you’ve made me the happiest man on the planet, Sydney.”
His words, jagged with emotion, made her tears fall.
Against her belly, his cock was harder than she ever recalled.
After he released her, leaving her reeling and gasping, he picked up both glasses of champagne and gave hers back to her.
She tipped her head to one side. “The bubbly was intentional then.”
“It was. I was hoping we could toast our upcoming marriage, but if not, every day with you is worth celebrating.”
How did he always know the right things to say?
He lifted his glass. “To a long, beautiful future,” he offered.
“Yes, Sir.” My love.
After allowing her a single sip, he removed the glass from her hand and lifted her onto the mattress, where he joined her.
“I want to be balls deep in you.”
Looking into his beautiful eyes, she traced the strong chiseled line of his jaw. “I want that too, Sir.”
Taking his time, he brought her to full arousal before easing his sheathed cock inside her. “This is a heck of a way to begin our lives together, Sir.”
“Get used to it.” Steely intent flashed in his eyes. “There’s a lot more of this to come.”
“Let’s get started on forever, Sir.”
He kissed her. “Forever, darlin’.”