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EPILOGUE

KELSEY

One Year Later

“I love you, Mr. Hart,” I tell Deke as we slowly sway to the music on our wedding day. We could have had it in Alabama or in Florida, but instead, we had it away from where everyone lives, choosing to make it a destination wedding in Hawaii.

“I love you, Mrs. Hart.” His lips touch mine, giving me a soft kiss before moving to my ear. “Who’s watching over the poor unsuspecting bartender Emily is sinking her claws in already?”

I throw my head back laughing. Deacon moves us so I can see just what he’s talking about.

My sister is leaning over the bar top, the dress she wore to stand beside me as we said our vows riding up.

It compliments her in all the right ways, and the man who’s slinging drinks can’t keep his eyes off her.

“I don’t know, but it’s not us. Though, I think she might have met her match. She’ll just need to peel herself away from the bartender. Who’s the guy sitting to the left?” I ask him.

“That’s Tate, one of the subcontractors I work with.

A good guy, but I don’t think he’d go for a girl like Em.

You can’t bullshit a bullshitter, and that’s exactly who he is.

” We invited practically everyone we thought wouldn’t mind coming, some using it as an excuse for a vacation.

That was fine with us because once the reception was over, we’d be doing the same thing.

What we were surprised with was the amount of responses of people who wanted to come.

They knew they had to pay their way besides today and last night’s dinner.

We are truly surrounded by people we know and love.

“Well, good. I think it’s about time she met her match,” I tell him just as Jace comes running up.

“Uncle Deke, I’m going to steal Aunt Kelsey and spin her around on the dance floor,” our nephew says, Keller and Alana’s son. Though Alana isn’t Jace’s biological mother, you could never tell by the way she dotes on him.

“You are, are you?” Deke holds me tighter for just a second before softly kissing my lips.

“I am. Aunt Leena said it’s my job to dance with the bride.” Jace shrugs his shoulders. Meanwhile, I’m laughing silently. If anyone knows how hard it is for Deke to say no to Jace, it’s Leena.

“Fine, but only one dance. You can’t have my wife permanently. You’ll have to find your own,” Deacon says while ruffling the top of his head.

“Oh, man, that’s not fair.” My hand goes to Jace’s, holding it.

“Life’s not fair. One dance, and if she’s not back, I’m coming for you.” Deke bends down and tickles his side, causing him to laugh.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell my husband. Oh, how I love the sound of that.

“I know. I’m going to grab a drink.” Jace is dragging me to the other side of the dance floor.

I’m wondering where we’re going when we stop by where Leena and her husband, Decker, are dancing.

“Good job, pal, thanks for that,” she tells Jace, who barely comes up to my chest as we dance together. This one is more upbeat, so we dance by moving our hips, shaking our bodies, all seamlessly harmless.

“What did you need that you couldn’t talk to me without using Jace?” I ask her.

“You act like Deke was going to let me get you away from him. We all know that’s not going to happen.

Thank you. Thank you for not giving up on him and for throwing this shindig.

I eloped. Everyone has done their own thing and, well, Mom and Dad haven’t let any of us live it down.

So, you and Deke helped a lot.” She takes a sip of her drink, some kind of white wine.

“You’re welcome, though he wasn’t giving up, but you’re on your own with the kids. No offense, Jace, but Uncle Deke and I want to wait a few years before that happens.” Leena’s eyes practically bulge out of her head.

“It doesn’t bother me.” Jace does one last move and leaves for the next person who will dance with him.

“I take it back. You suck,” Leena no sooner says than I feel Deke’s hands going around my waist.

“She does, and that’s about to happen right about now. Good night, Leena, Decker.” Leena makes the gag motion, sticking her finger down her throat like she’s a teenager still, but it’s all in good fun.

“Are we really leaving?” Deke’s hand is in mine, dragging me back where we were, yet closer to the bar.

“Not yet, but come watch this for a minute.” We stand off to the side. Deacon nods his head to where my sister and Tate are standing. She’s got her hands crossed over her chest, foot stomping, looking pissed. Tate, though, he’s smiling the whole time.

“Oh fuck, a world war is about to commence. Come on, let’s sneak away so we don’t have to deal with the blowout that we know is about to happen.

Plus, I miss your cock sliding inside me.

” My words still seem to shock Deke every now and then, but not tonight.

I’m up and in his arms as he carries me towards our honeymoon suite, where I know he’ll take care of me, like he will for the rest of our lives.