Epilogue

“Cass, we’re going to be late if you don’t hurry up,” Irish called.

She swiped the gloss over her bottom lip, pleased with how it plumped up her lips, giving her a just-kissed look. Irish was going to love it. Of course, if she knew her man, and she did, he’d kiss it off her the moment she walked out. Cass smirked. “Coming. Just putting my shoes on.”

They were headed over to Angelo and Teresa’s place to celebrate the birth of their beautiful daughter, Angelica Teresa, who’d been born four weeks ago.

She’d burst into the world six weeks early and had to stay in the NICU for a couple weeks. They’d seen plenty of pictures, and all understood that until Angelica and her parents were ready, they wouldn’t see her in person.

Today was the day, and Cass was so excited. Astrid and Eveline were as well.

She scooped up the bright pink gift bag that was full of things for the baby, along with two smaller ones, for Angelo and Teresa. They deserved to get something nice as well as their daughter.

A groan greeted her when she walked out. “You are temptation personified. How the fuck am I going to keep my hands and mouth off you?” Irish seemed to be going for misery, but his gorgeous blue eyes were dancing.

Cass laughed and dumped the bags on the table before gliding over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Everyone will be so busy, they won’t notice that we’re a little late.” She shimmied her hips, and the short skirt of her sundress flicked up.

Irish’s body hardened against hers, and she was tempted to drag his fine ass back to their bedroom so she could have her wicked way with him.

His hands trailed down her back, cupping her ass and bringing her closer before his lips crashed down on hers.

She moaned into his mouth, wanting him with a desperation that hadn’t died with the more she had him, but had only increased.

He pulled away, his tongue swiping his lips, and she laughed, seeing that he now wore her lip gloss.

“That color suits you.”

“Tastes good, too. But we need to go. I know you’re anxious to see baby Angelica.”

“Don’t lie. You are, too.” Cass smirked again.

Irish nodded. “I am. Let’s go, Alastronia. But know when we get home, I plan to fuck you against the wall the moment we walk in.”

Her mouth dropped open as he gathered up the gift bags and headed for the door.

The vision of what he’d said he was going to do to her played like a feature film in her mind. A shiver rippled through her, and desire pooled between her thighs.

“You can’t say things like that!” she complained.

Irish turned back to her, his vivid blue eyes bright with mirth. “I just did.”

Cass shook her head and followed, pleased to see the man she loved adjusting his pants.

Perhaps he’d punished himself as much as he’d punished her with his threats.

Irish watched Cass coo in little Angelica’s face. He had to admit the baby was cute, but what stirred him up was imagining Cass holding their child. A little replica of her.

He wanted that. Wanted to give her everything she ever wanted.

“There’s just something about babies, isn’t there?” Ox asked as he joined him.

“That will you be in a couple of months.”

“I know.”

Irish glanced at his friend and boss, noting the strained look on his face. Ox had faced down terrorists without breaking a sweat, but becoming a father clearly had him rattled. “You know you’ll be a great dad.”

“I know, it’s just…” the man paused, taking a swallow from his beer. “The world is so fucked up. Are we doing the right thing, bringing an innocent child into this chaos? What are we creating for them?”

Irish cocked his head to the side. He hadn’t thought about that before, and considering what he’d seen and done in his life, it should’ve. Then again, even amongst the evil, there’d been pockets of joy in the hell holes he’d been in. “You’re creating hope, that’s what. You and Eveline will do everything to keep your child safe. And don’t forget, you have all of us here to make sure no one messes with Angelica or your child. Or any future children that come into our fold.”

“You’re right. It’s just seeing Angelica. Seeing how small she is, it threw me,” Ox said, his face tinged a little red.

Irish slapped his back. “I’m guessing all moms and dads feel that way the first time they see their baby. But it’s quickly replaced with love and the strong desire to slay all their dragons.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” His boss smiled.

They stood there, quietly observing the party going on around them. The new guys had fit into the team well, and Julian had even joined the party today. They’d built a good relationship with the man, but Irish didn’t miss the longing on his face for a connection to someone special.

“Have you heard anything about Isaac?” Irish asked.

“Still in a coma,” Ox confirmed, his expression somber.

“Shit.”

“Yeah. Owens said the doctors are starting to get concerned. He did suffer major blood loss, but all tests show that his brain activity is normal. They hope he’ll wake up soon.”

“I hope so too,” Irish said.

“What are you two talking about so seriously?” Cass sidled up to him and leaned against him.

Irish immediately put an arm around her. “Isaac. Ox was saying he’s still in a coma.”

Cass nodded. “Damn, he’ll need support when he wakes up.”

Irish loved that she had no doubt the man would wake up. “That he will. And he’ll have it.”

“I’m going to see Eveline. See you in the office on Monday.” Ox headed to his wife.

Irish led Cass to a quiet corner of the backyard. He rested his hands on her hips and smiled when she looked up at him. “You looked good holding that baby.”

“She’s a sweet thing.”

“Want one of your own?”

Cass’s eyes widened. “What are you saying, Dylan?”

“What I’m asking, Alastronia , is will you marry me? Will you walk this life with me? Have my babies and make me the happiest man in the world? ”

By the time he’d finished, tears were streaming down her beautiful face. “Are you for real?”

Irish dug in his pocket and pulled out the ring that he’d been carrying around for the last few hours. He got down on one knee, took hold of her hand, and slid the ring home. “Very.”

Cass launched herself at him, and he caught her in his arms. “Yes. A million times yes. I love you, Dylan O’Reilly.”

“And I love you, the future Cassandra O’Reilly.”

As their lips melded together, Irish ignored the hoots and hollers from their friends behind them.

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but asking Cass to marry him with their friends nearby was perfection.

Want a sneak peek into the future? Join Cass and Irish and the rest of the team in this BONUS SCENE .