EPILOGUE
NOAH
Three months later
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I spin Quinn around in my arms after we’re pronounced man and wife. Standing in the sand on a Californian beach feels right somehow now that we’ve made this place our home.
My Ducati is parked nearby, waiting to whisk her away on our honeymoon. We are going on a road trip across the States, just as she wished for.
“Hello, husband.” She grins, the flowers in her hair matching perfectly with her boho-style cream wedding dress.
I’m in a pair of beige shorts and shirt. Beside me, Hayden is standing up for me, dressed similarly. The BHS newbie and I bonded like we were long-lost friends. I can’t explain it. One minute we were having a beer, and the next I was asking him to be my best man.
“Congratulations, bro.” He slaps me on the back as I release Quinn to take her bouquet from Jeannie.
Our bridesmaid is in a silky blush pink dress—so I’m told—and the colors tie into the flowers. I never knew weddings were so complex.
In truth, I loved watching Quinn plan. She has softened in a way I think she always wanted to, no longer having to prove herself among men. She’s still a great soldier but can now be the woman she is, as well.
Also, I don’t highlight it, but she talks about being a mother a lot. A lot! Whenever it happens, I’m ready.
Around us, our friends circle in, throwing petals and clapping.
The BHS boys are all here. Josh and Cassy. Aidan and Briar with the twins, and Cole, Marshall and Jake with their families.
Nearby, a bonfire awaits the sun to set, and a barbeque has been set up with a marquee. This is a private beach owned by Ryder and Savannah, so we can party for as long as we like tonight. Although it’s almost December, it gets cool early.
Dad wanders over and kisses Quinn’s cheek, then turns to me. “Congratulations, son. How do you feel?”
“Happy.” I shake his hand and do the same with Colonel Parker when he and Mrs. Parker reach us. The two men met a few days ago, and while they have little in common, they’re cordial. I leave them all to chat and grin as Josh approaches.
“I’ll be honest, after the last time we were here when Liam gave you a shiner for almost kissing Jessie, I never thought you were the settling down type.”
“That was a total misunderstanding,” I laugh.
First, she was Liam’s best friend’s sister, so he wasn’t meant to be messing around with her, either.
“Seems to be a lot of those.” Josh shakes his head, then spots Hayden. “Don’t mean to spoil the fun and talk shop, but we are going to need you in New York in a few weeks. So, plan for that.”
“In the new office?” Hayden asks, referring to the new private security BHS office that’s opened in Manhattan.
“No. Aidan and I are heading to a conference, and we’re taking Briar and Cassy with us so they can do some Christmas shopping. Want a few extra eyes on them.”
“Shopping, and we’re going ice skating in Central Park.” Cassy joins us, hugging Josh’s arm, looking thrilled about the trip.
“I’m so excited.” Briar sidles up. “I hope it snows.”
“Better not.” Aidan swoops an arm around his wife. “We’re there for work, so you two need to keep out of trouble.”
Briar and Cassy smirk at one another, proving they will be doing nothing of the sort.
“Great, so I’m protecting the crown jewels.” Hayden gives me a sideways look while Aidan and Josh laugh.
He’s right though, looking after the directors’ wives is quite the responsibility. Directors who are a Marine and Navy SEAL.
Best of luck to him.
Quinn appears, slipping under my arm, and I dip my mouth to kiss her plush pink, glossy lips.
“Hello, wife.”
“Hello, my sexy husband.” She preens.
“You ready to cut this cake and then hit the road?” I tug her against my chest as the others fade into the background and wonder if she plans to change before getting on the back of the bike.
Surely.
“I’m ready for everything when it comes to you.” Quinn grins naughtily, and I think about our honeymoon ahead and all the dirty things I want to do to her.
Fuck yeah. The open road, my powerful Ducati between my legs, my sexy wife wrapped around me and all the time in the world to enjoy her.
“Fantastic, because the first thing I’m doing is ripping this pretty dress off you and making you scream.”
As her cheeks turn deep pink, I lift her up into my arms and stride across the beach while she giggles. It’s time to get this party started, so I can do what I just promised.
For the rest of our lives.