Others believed that Cass was in the wind, riding hard as he looked for new trouble. New danger.
And she knew that he’d started a new life, one on quiet shores. Would he still raise hell? Oh, absolutely, because Gray had tipped her off that Cass didn’t intend to go easily into retirement. He’d still be working with Gray every now and then.
Maybe he’d even be pulling some backup work for her brothers when the need arose. Did that mean Cass could be going international with his bad self? Probably.
He wasn’t the type to fade into the darkness. She’d tried to tell him before. Cass just hadn’t been made for the dark. Agnes gathered her nerve and her courage and said, “I came to let you know Winston was dead. And to tell you that I don’t want to live without you.”
“Agnes.” A lunging step toward her. “I can’t let you go again.”
“I didn’t ask to be let go the first time.” She had not. “You were the one trying to pull the martyr card on me.”
“You love working at the FBI. You love your job.”
She did. She loved protecting and defending and helping the victims because she knew what it was like to be one of them. “Funny thing. I hear they are looking for a new sheriff in this area. I sort of think that I might make a kick-ass sheriff. I’ll even get one of those really cool hats to wear.”
“Agnes.”
“Did I ever tell you that I love the way you say my name? I used to hate my name. Until you said it the first time. It feels sexy and strong when you say it.”
“You are sexy and strong.” His hands unclenched, just to immediately fist again. “Sheriff, huh? You gonna be happy with that life?”
“You gonna be happy with me and the kids we’ll have?”
Longing burned all the brighter in his eyes.
“You gonna be happy with the life that we will build, together?” Agnes held her breath.
His eyes closed. “You have no idea how badly I want that life.”
Good. Great. Fantastic. Her breath shuddered out. “Then take it.” Take me.
His eyes opened. “You’re not a dream.”
“No.”
“You’re really here.”
“Yes.” Standing in front of him, bold as day.
“And you still love me?” Careful. So very careful.
“I will love you until I die.”
He was on her. Kissing her. Hugging her. Pulling her close, and she was finally, finally happy because the last few months had been hell. She’d had to close the cases she worked. Had to get the charges set against the criminal bastards who’d been in the Twins. Had to finish her job. Had to miss Cass every single day and night.
But no more. No more. She’d told Gray that her choice had been made long ago. It had been made the first night she spent with Cass. For her, he was it.
She’d do whatever it took to be with him.
A new city, a new job, a new life? She was all in. Whatever it took, she would do it. They would be together, and they would be happy.
He eased back, just a bit. “Your brothers are gonna want to kick my ass.”
“They already do want that.” But, more… “They want me happy. I’ll be happy with you.” She smiled at him. “Now, about that motorcycle ride…”
His hands curled around her waist. Cass lifted her up. A few steps had them at the bike. He put her on the seat. Slid in front of her. Her arms curled around him. She hugged him tightly because she’d missed him so, so much. “Hey, Cass?”
He revved the engine.
