Epilogue

EPILOGUE

F our Months Later

“Why are we on this empty piece of land?” Regan asked him four months later.

It was Friday night and Zander was meeting Royce and Richard here soon.

“I was thinking that maybe we are outgrowing your townhouse. We know my place is too small and I don’t even stay there much anymore.”

In the past four months life was falling into place for them both.

No charges were pressed on Colin. Regan discharged him as a client and there were no hard feelings, but a restraining order was placed.

Zander thought for sure she’d balk, but she hadn’t.

His business was growing and thriving more than he ever thought it would.

His father was working full time and loving every minute of it.

Most of his businesses were Fierce recommended or in the Fierce buildings, and to him, it was a great start for the security sector he’d added on.

Looking back, he had his buddy Royce to thank.

Or maybe it was Betsy because she’d threatened to leave if he didn’t get a better office space.

But it started with Royce and he was going to have it end here with Royce too. Or more like start the next chapter.

Kind of a full circle moment that his best friend wouldn’t even know about.

“You like my space better,” she said. “I know.”

“But I was thinking maybe it’s time to expand. Both of our businesses are, shouldn’t our personal space too?”

“You want to build a house?” she asked.

“Only if you do it with me,” he said. “We make a great team, don’t you think?”

“We make the best team ever,” she said. “So, to be clear, you’re asking me if I want to move here and build a house with you?”

“If this piece of land doesn’t suit, we can look at others. Royce and Richard will be here soon. They recommended this lot, but there are more. It’s a short distance from our offices. Not too close to the neighbors but maybe a great place to raise a family. If you want one.”

“You know I’d like at least one child. We talked about that.”

“We have,” he said. “I’m not big on five-year plans. It’s not even been a year we’ve been dating.”

“So this is a less-than-a-year plan?” she asked, smiling.

“Something like that,” he said. “But I do know that it’s a big commitment to build a house with someone. I’d even let you pick out most of the finishings and designs.”

“Gee,” she said, bumping into his arm with her elbow. “Thanks for that.”

“You have better taste than me,” he said.

“I do.”

“I think I do have decent taste though. And maybe good timing too.”

“At times,” she said.

“How about now then?” he asked, getting down on his knee on the grass.

He had a ring box in his hand and flipped the lid. “Oh, my God. Are you proposing?”

“I am,” he said. “I told you once months ago that when I saw you I was just done. I feel that way still. I’ll feel that way fifty years from now, plan or not. You’re my world. You’re all I want. I was done looking, thinking or caring about anyone else once I saw you.”

Her hands went to her mouth. “You do a good job of talking when you want to,” she said.

“I’m learning,” he said. “And speaking from the heart. Will you marry me? Will you give me your heart?”

“Yes,” she said. “Because the minute you told me you were done, I knew I was too.”

He slid the ring on her finger and pulled her in for a hug.

He turned when Royce’s truck pulled up on the property. “Was that what I thought it was?” his friend asked.

“It was,” Zander said. “You’re the first to know.”

“Damn,” Royce said. “Congrats. I might be the first, but tomorrow I’ll be telling everyone.”

Regan slapped his arm. “You timed it this way on purpose, didn’t you?”

“I did. You wanted to go so badly to the Fierces and now we can just announce it to the world. Pretty much.”

“We can,” she said. “In our way.”

“I’m so glad you both could come to the party this weekend,” Grant said to Zander the next day.

“Regan has heard all about your annual Memorial Day party and was looking forward to this,” Zander said.

“I’m happy to hear that,” he said. Grant lifted his hand and waved his brother over and then saw both wives come too.

The new couple was here and they were all going to circle around and see if they could figure out more of what was going on.

“Regan,” Diane said. “We are so glad you made it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Regan said, her left hand coming up and brushing her hair across her face.

“You’re engaged,” Carolyn shouted. All heads turned and his eyes landed on the large diamond on Regan’s hand.

“We are,” Regan said. “Last night. I didn’t even get a chance to say it.”

“Around us,” Garrett said. “We see it all.”

“So I’m learning,” Regan said.

Grant caught the silent humor between Zander and Regan and knew they’d done well.

Hours later he was on speaker phone with his sister-in-law, Jolene, and brother, Gavin.

“How was the party?” Jolene asked.

“Another success and engagement,” he said.

“You had another engagement at your party?” Gavin asked.

“Not at the party,” Diane said. They were all gathered to give a debriefing like they’d been doing for years.

“Last night,” Carolyn said. “But we all found out today.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Jolene said.

“I hear the sarcasm,” he said. “Don’t be jealous, Jolene, that we got Dane and Sloane and now Zander and Regan engaged in less than a year each. I’d say that makes us the leader of the pack now.”

He heard his older brother Gavin laughing on the other line. “Not the leader,” Jolene said. “Remember who started it all.”

“Me,” Gavin said. “Don’t be mad because you’re struggling with Michael and Kelly.”

“Fine,” Jolene said. “I’m kind of struggling. But I’m going to learn from you and let Cade do some of my dirty work for me like you had Zander and Regan’s assistants do yours.”

“Never too old to learn,” Carolyn said.

“Wiseass,” Jolene said.

They all laughed and hung up and he was glad they had a bit of a break but knew it wouldn’t last long. Their wives were ready to roll again.

To Be Continued...For Michael Marshall (Alex Marshall-Fierce’s cousin)

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She has been watching him from afar for years, wishing and hoping. A simple bet will change everything!

Kelly Gifford has some crazy dating stories and past secrets. She has given up hope on finding love and even asks for matchmaking help. Rather than waiting, she decides to take a step and place a bet to get the man she has had her eye on for years to smile at her. Win or lose, she is still getting her date and needs to make the most of it.

Michael Marshall is a single father with more drama than any woman wants to deal with. He puts his son first and makes that very clear to the frustration of many women. All but Kelly Gifford, who knows his situation and still makes a move. He would be crazy not to give it a try.

Will the drama in both their pasts be too much to overcome when Kelly’s secrets come out and Michael’s ex decides to make trouble?