Page 114 of When He Defends

“The baby’s godfather needs to haul his ass out of here with us,” Emerson instructed in a tone that brooked no argument. “You two have to set positive examples. You can’t be terrorizing criminals. It’s just not done.”

But, wasn’t it done? Especially when they deserved some terror?

She pulled away. Turned.Tap, tap, tap.“Leave them.” Emerson’s voice drifted back to Gray and Cass. “They are in their own hell.”

“Great,” Cass groused. “Now your wife isn’t lettingmehave any fun.”

Gray smiled at him. “I’m going to be a dad.”

Cass glowered and then he grinned, too. “You’re gonna be an awesome dad.”

Gray threw an arm around Cass’s shoulders. “You’re gonna be an awesome uncle.”

His grin slipped. “I’m…your cousin, not your?—”

“Awesome uncle.” Gray tightened his grip on Cass’s shoulders. “Now start reforming your ass so my baby girl can be proud of you.”

“Uh, you don’t even know that you’re having a baby girl.”

True. And it really didn’t matter what he had. He was just delighted by the idea of Emerson’sbaby.His and Emerson’sbaby.

He had to call his friends. They’d all been at the wedding, and he knew they’d be thrilled with this news.Tyler, Ronan, and Kane are going to flip.

His Semper Fi buddies would celebrate hard with him.

He walked out of that prison, with Cass at his side, with Emerson and his baby in front of him, and Gray knew that…

This is what a dream feels like.

He’d had plenty of nightmares in his time. He’dbeena nightmare to plenty of people. But finally, there was more out there. More for him.

Joy. Hope.

Emerson glanced over her shoulder.

His partner.

His wife.

His life.

He’d protect her with every breath in his body. Always.

THE END