Essie tightened her arms around his neck as he hurried down the hall, and she laughed. “I thought we were going to Old Glory.”
“Oh, we are. But I’m going to pleasure my fiancée first.”
“I have a feeling you’re going to be a very good husband.” She began nibbling on his earlobe, and he groaned.
“When it comes to you, Peaches, I’m going to be the best.”
Then he tossed her onto the bed.
Old Glory could wait.
Two screaming orgasms and a lingering shower together—which led to a third orgasm—Xander and Essie finally made it to Old Glory. The men who had become his closest friends sat with their lovely ladies at the big, scarred wooden table in the backbeside the fireplace. No fire burned since it was a warm spring day in mid-April, and the rear doors leading onto the back deck stood open. “All of My Love” by Led Zeppelin filled the air.Beyond fitting.He loved classic rock, and it had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to simply enjoy the music.
The women hugged Essie and the men greeted Xander with fist bumps.
“Heads-up, Hawke.” Brand slid a glass across the table and Xander caught it, noticing his buddy had opened the hand-painted bottle of Clase Azul Jalisco Limited Edition Xander had gifted him on his fiftieth birthday. He’d snatched it from Fernando Lazaro’s private stash after cutting off his finger. “Essie?” When he started to pour some for her, she held up a hand and murmured a quiet no thank you. He lifted a brow but didn’t comment.
“You finally opened it.” Xander lifted the glass, tipped it in Brand’s direction and took a sip.Fuck yeah.Talk about the good stuff. “What’s the occasion?”
“Mitch called. The CIA sent a team to Tierra Caliente. They blew up the bunker and the narco tunnels.”
Beside him, Essie sucked in a sharp breath. Xander laced his fingers through hers, relief filling him. It was over.
“The Lazaro Cartel is finished.” Brand smiled. “I thought that was a pretty good reason to open the good shit.”
“I can’t say any tequila is worth twenty grand a bottle, but this is mighty tasty.” Lex swallowed the rest of his back.
A sudden squeal pierced the air and Lottie grabbed Essie’s left hand, lifting it up so everyone could see the diamond ring. “You’re engaged!”
“Jesus, Sunshine, you almost gave me a heart attack.” Chaz pressed a hand to his chest. “I thought you went into labor.”
“Not yet, but soon enough.” She released Essie’s hand and covered her large stomach. “Congratulations! It’s gorgeous!”
“Thank you,” Essie murmured as everyone expressed their good wishes.
Xander threaded his fingers through hers again and sent her a questioning look. As much as he wanted to shout about her pregnancy from the rooftops, he wouldn’t unless she gave the okay. When she nodded, he grinned from ear to ear and made the announcement.
“She’s also expecting.” He cleared his throat, chest puffing out. “We’re going to have a baby.”
Another round of cheers filled the air.
“An engagementanda baby? Holy hell, Hawke, you’re a new man.” Jayson thumped him on the back, and his wife Sabrina sent them a grin.
For the first time, Xander felt like a part of the group. He also finally understood why his team had been falling like dominoes over the past year. Once you find your soulmate, you experience a sense of completeness. A love so strong, nothing else matters as much as being with that other person.
“How the mighty have fallen,” Julia murmured, smiling and leaning against Brand’s arm.
“I freaking love it,” Ellie added, sniffling softly and discreetly swiping at her misty eyes.
“You’re such a romantic, Ellie-Bean,” Wes teased, kissing her temple.
“Because everyone deserves to find their happily-ever-after,” she whispered, and her husband dropped a kiss on her shoulder.
“When’s the wedding?” Sera asked.
Xander looked over at Essie. “Whenever she wants.”
“I’m thinking in June. Before I get as big as a house. No offense, Lottie.”
