"No, Maya, it's time. I love them and will never stop, but I can't get over them if I'm here with them or they're this close."
"Only if you're okay. We can fly you back here if you need to come back."
"I already arranged for the groundskeeper to take care of everything. Her mother will bring flowers for me. It's time."
"Yes, it's time." She pulls away and I see how devastated he is.
I know I'd be this way if I lost Maya. I look at the stone and see the names: Lisa and Baby Boy Williams. She was only twenty and the baby never made it. My gut twists when I realize what this man carries with him every day. I pat him on the shoulder.
"Listen, brother, I'll make sure every month flowers are delivered and Joshua will fly you back on Christmas Eve if you need to."
"Thank you, Duncan. Thank you for giving my girl here a chance to live and giving me a reason to start over."
"Anything, you're family now."
"Okay, time to go." He bends down, kisses his fingers and then places them on the stone. "Goodbye, my love, you'll always be in my heart, but it's time for me to try to live." He turns and grabs Maya's right hand, I have my arm around her, and we walk back to her truck.
We pull up to the private airstrip just as an SUV rental pulls up. Joshua and Ana get out with the rest of the team and Greg. I'm glad he's coming with us. Maybe we can talk him into staying so he's not in danger. I know that Maya would never forgive herself if something happened to him too.
"Time to cross the pond, kiddies," Ian says with a smile.
We board the plane and head for our future. I know that Maya's stalker won't stop, and I know that I need to protect my sister now more than ever. I look forward to my future with my family, always remembering Christopher's dying words.
It was worth it.
Maya, Ana, Father, and my team are worth it. I look down at the beautiful woman next to me and know I'll always protect her, but she's strong enough to protect herself too.
EPILOGUE
TWO MONTHS LATER
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND
MAYA
It's May in the Highlands; I love it here in Scotland. The rolling green hills, fields, and lochs are something I think I've needed for a long time. They soothe my soul. My nightmares still come but not as often. I have Duncan to help me through them, just like I help him with his.
The main house is finished with its reconstruction. I took an extended leave from the Secret Service to protect Ana. Greg headed back to London last month to start his new job. We've decided to wait until after Ana's baby is born to get married.
My condo sold, my belongings are here, and our vehicles arrived today. Derek was so excited to see his girl, he took off for a long ride. My life feels complete except for the crap withJonathon and my stalker. A week after we left DC, a note with a bouquet of white myrtle flowers showed up at Greg's Secret Service Division office in DC. I knew this was from someone who knew my mother very well, as they were the only flowers my father gave her every year on their anniversary.
Maya,
I'd guess that you're sick of flowers, but I needed to get your attention. I'll protect you with my very life if I must. Carl was an easy kill for me, he would've eventually come after you. Stay away and stay safe. I miss your mother every day.
Always,
Your protector
I have no clue who it could be or what they mean, but I'll take their advice. I'll protect my family, and if a stranger wants to help me, I'll let them.
None of the charges from the US incident has stuck yet on Jonathon or anyone else for that matter. We weren't followed to Scotland, but no one from London could go get his or her belongings.
Carl’s murder is still under investigation with no leads. Joshua and I have become partners and are working on making a full-service security company. He and I regularly practice our knife skills, and the other guys are afraid of Duncan, so they don't fight me.
Derek is settling in with the team. I see him walking around a lot and worry he misses DC, but he assures me he's fine. I hope someday for him to find what I have with Duncan. I know that love can never be replaced, but I hope he'll learn to love again. He and Raul have become fast friends and ride dirt bikes around the property a lot. He's also formed a bond with Ana. Istill watch Joshua around Ana, one day they'll figure out the other knows who they are and that they still care. I knock on Ana's door now. She’s been acting strange for a while now.
"Ana, let me in."
