“Yes,” I tell her, grabbing two glasses from her overfull tray.
“Congrats, sis,” she says to me.
I like the sound of that. “Thanks, sis,” I say back, feeling happier than I’ve ever felt in my life.
“So, are we eloping?” Brax asks me as I give him his glass of champagne.
“I want my toes in the sand,” I tell him as I clink my glass to his.
He winces but nods. “Anything you want, you get. But I’m wearing shoes.”
I lean forward, pressing my lips to his.
“Mine,” he growls against my mouth, sending tingles scattering everywhere inside me.
“Yours,” I breathe, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so loved.
EPILOGUE
BRAX
Twelve monthslater
I stand in the doorway, arms folded, leaning against the jamb, staring at my sister and my wife. Wylder walks up behind me, filling all the open space at my side.
“Life changes fast, huh?”
“Yeah,” I say to him, unable to take my eyes off them.
Tate’s holding my niece Willow, and Iris has our daughter Nova in her arms. They’re sharing their motherhood stories like they’ve been to war, and in a way, I suppose it can feel that way sometimes.
I’ve never been so sleep-deprived in my entire life. I’m not sure how I can even see straight most days, let alone form any thoughts. How we’re supposed to keep another human alive while we’re walking zombies is beyond me, but so far,we’ve done it.
“This stage, although exhausting, is the best.”
I turn my gaze toward Wylder. “Are you crazy? I’m beyond tired.”
“Yeah, but wait until they’re teenagers, talking back to you, and boys are looking to get in their pants. That’s worse than a little lost sleep.”
My stomach twists at the thought of some grimy boy someday trying to touch my little girl. “I would murder them.”
“The mouthy teenager or the boy?”
“The boy,” I grumble, my fist immediately balling tightly.
“Maddy’s gone on one date so far. I scared the life out of the boy. I lied to him about having done hard time and that I’d be more than willing to do it again.”
I snort. “I like your style, Wylder.”
He chuckles. “I would go to prison, though. I would choke the very life out of anyone who hurt any of my girls, your sister included.”
“Same,” I tell him.
“What are you talking about?” Tate asks, drawing our gazes their way.
“How lucky we are,” Wylder says, smacking my shoulder as he strides past me to enter the living room of their house.
“Can you take her?” Tate asks, rocking on the couch like she’s stuck. “I have to pee so bad. Damn bladder will never be the same.”
