Page 15

Kane

Three Years Later

The ache behind the tattoo on my chest is permanent now. It has different flavors, but it’s always there. Today it’s pride.

Wrapping Eagle in my arms, I smudge her lip gloss with a deep kiss. “Proud of you, baby.”

She fans her face. “Kane Matthews, you can’t be kissing me like that when I have to speak in front of the public.”

I drag my thumb across her lower lip, stealing the rest of the shimmery gloss—I’m probably wearing it now too. “You’re going to do great. Just like you do at everything.”

She’s glowing. “You make my ego gigantic, honey.”

“That’s my job.”

She takes another kiss and pulls out of my arms. “Now don’t look at me like you’re undressing me while I’m up there in front of everyone.”

“Impossible.”

She ducks out of the way before I can whisper something filthy in her ear, laughing as she joins Bethany.

“Gather around, everyone!” my sister calls, her face alight with happiness as she holds up a gigantic pair of gold scissors.

I’m not the only one with the awe-struck expression on his face. Bethany’s fiancé looks the same. Owned.

I chuckle at his dazed expression, shaking my head as I move toward the giant ribbon that’s strung across the entrance to the Love Wins Animal Rescue Complex.

Bethany looks between me and her man, then clears her throat.

“At one time, my dreams seemed so far away, but thanks to the special people in my life, this happened.” She reaches over and grabs Eagle’s hand, holding it in the air.

“This woman, Eagle Mathews, is our rockstar. While she was in college, she figured out the magic formula to raise two million dollars to buy this amazing farm.”

Bethany passes the giant scissors to Eagle. “So, she gets to cut the ribbon.”

“What?” Eagle blinks at my sister. “No, you.”

“Girls,” I call out, “why don’t you both do it?”

Bethany swipes at the tears brimming in her eyes. “Kane, you’re always so logical.”

“Not always,” I reply with a laugh and wink at Eagle. “But I won the prize when I wasn’t.”

“God,” someone groans. “You guys are so sappy.”

I turn to find my cousin strolling up. He slaps me on the back. “Good job, Kane.”

Bethany’s laughing now too. “Okay, okay. Back to business here. Let’s cut this ribbon.

We’ve got margarita cupcakes, cold sparkling water, and dog treats inside for everyone.

But first, I want to thank Kane, my brother, for everything he’s done—for the sacrifices, for listening to my vision, for always believing in me. Thanks, big brother.”

My heart expands uncomfortably, pushing up into my throat as I watch my fiancée and my sister cut the ribbon.

But nothing can compare to the feeling I get when Eagle gives me a bite of cupcake later.

“I like feeding you cake.” Leaning in to put her sexy mouth next to my ear, she plants a kiss, whispers, “I’m ready to get married now, Kane. Are you?”