They shared a grin. Then Gabe debriefed, telling him about Andrew and the fake vet pickup, the stolen journal ending up on Henry Alder’s desk. He told him every detail except the part where his heart had nearly stopped when he saw Felicity tied to that chair.
But he didn’t need to tell Carson—the man had a similar event with his wife. He knew.
When Gabe finished, silence surrounded them for a beat. He held his breath, waiting for the part where Carson told him the ranch wasn’t the best fit for him.
Carson tapped a finger on a file on his desk. Probably contained his formal dismissal, the end to a chapter that barely started.
Pushing it across the desk, Carson eyed him. “Open it, Marine.”
He flipped it open to see a contract with his name at the top.
His throat constricted.
“This makes it official. You’re a real asset to the security team, so if that’s where you need to be, then so be it. But where I really think you’ll shine is in the new training facility as a mentor to incoming operatives.”
Gabe shook his head, awed by it all.
“You’ve been one of us for a long time. This is just paperwork. If you want it, that is.”
Gabe reached for the folder. “I want it.”
“Good. You can sign it officially tomorrow in front of the whole team. 0700.”
He gave a brisk nod at the order.
They pushed to their feet and clasped hands on the deal. When they walked outside, everyone was still there, talking and laughing. As he drifted to Felicity’s side, she turned to him with shining eyes.
He slipped his arm around her waist, anchoring her to him as they watched the warm family chaos.
At that moment, Gray stepped up in front of Honor and took her hand in his.
In a smooth move, he dropped to one knee.
Honor gasped, free hand flying to her mouth. The yard went dead silent.
“Honor. You’re the love of my life. I’ve faced things I never thought I’d live through. I can’t imagine a day without you.”
Honor let out a tiny sound.
Gray smiled up at her, eyes gleaming. “I need to know, Honor St. James…will you marry me?”
Honor nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Yes! Of course yes,” she choked.
The explosion of cheers hit the group like a wave. Gabe was grinning and Felicity was in tears as she watched her sister find her happily ever after.
Gray slid the ring onto Honor’s shaking finger and stood, sweeping her into a kiss that made Gabe wolf-whistle.
The instant they broke apart, Honor tripped forward right into Felicity’s waiting arms.
“I’m so happy for you!” Felicity cried.
Honor laughed. “I’m so happy foryou.” She squeezed her sister but met Gabe’s eyes.
The celebration was just beginning, and they all had a lot to be thankful for.
Gabe was truly where he belonged.
* * * * *
