Page 109 of Avery's Hero

Shrugging, a slow grin curves my mouth. “I’m a big guy, I’m supposed to have big feet.”

“Obviously, those boats are not a representation of the size of your intelligence because you wouldn’t be laughing in my face if you had any sense.”

Amused, I ask, “Oh, why’s that?”

She lifts her chin and tries to cut me down with a death glare. “Because no one messes with Elena Merendez. I don’t stand for it.”

I try to suppress my deepening grin, but fail.

I have no doubt that Elena is hell on wheels. I just can’t contain the pure enjoyment riling her up gives me. I’ve never been one to poke the tiger, but I’ve also never met Elena. “We’ll just see about that.”

She’s about to tear into me when we’re both swept up in the crowd. Nearly everyone on the beach rushes, cheering and screaming, toward Brock and Avery. That’s the last time I see her. But she’s right. She knows where to find me. And I also know where to find her.

EPILOGUE

I’m pretty sure I’m going to need an ambulance if six o’clock doesn’t arrive soon. I try to clear my throat. The emotion there isn’t getting any better. Instead, it’s getting bigger by the minute.

“You alright, man?” Reeves asks as he slips on his black tuxedo jacket.

“Fuck no, man. I’m not alright. I’m about to die of happiness. I can’t believe how freaking much it hurts.”

He laughs at my expression. “That heart of yours is really out of shape.”

I tug on my own coat. “You’re preaching to the choir. I knowthis.”

Linc holds out his boutonniere with a frustrated scowl. “Dad, can you help me?”

“Sure, kiddo, but wouldn’t you rather Belle help you? She’ll do a much better job.”

His frown snaps into a grin. “Excellent idea. See you out there when things get real.”

When I look in the mirror to straighten my tie, I see Reeves's pained expression, and it’s not because his bowtie is too tight. “Okay, you’ve been moping around all afternoon. What gives?”

He pinches at the bridge of his nose. “We shouldn’t talk about work on your wedding day.”

I go back to futzing with my collar because I’ve got to do something or I’m going to come out of my skin. “Suit yourself.”

He flops into a chair next to me. “Okay. I’m all torqued up because that internal auditor the county hired is all over my case.”

“Oh yeah? You mentioned her. She combing over the department records?”

He grunts. “Yeah, and she fucking hates my guts. I don’t get her. She’s like an ice queen with an ax to grind on my head.”

I genuinely gape at him. "What the hell? You? No one hates you!”

He raises a brow. “Exactly, I don’t know how to deal with it.”

Gunnar flies through the door. He puts his shoulder against it, holding it closed. Outside there’s a loud screeching sound.

“That woman is nuts. She tried to stab me with a pin. Said she was going to make sure my flower was onright.” He laughs darkly and yells at the door, “You’re not getting in here.”

She’s stomping on the other side. “Fine,don’twear the flowers your sister wanted you to wear. She’s going to be so disappointed.”

He stares at the door in disbelief. “Did you guys hear that? She’s blackmailing me.”

I laugh so hard my eyes sting as I watch him fuming at the door. “You can’t say living above Elena’s is boring.”

“Fuck me. I’m thinking it was a lot easier living above some four hundred pound inmate with a penchant for singing Cher songs.”