Extended Epilogue

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

ROMEO

One Year Later

“ A year with no trouble from Billy Mayfair. Seems you’ve actually done it, Romeo,” the Lion whispers in my ear from behind. This is hardly how I wanted this conversation to go, but I’m relieved that it’s finally happening.

“Think he’s backing off for good?” I keep my eyes focused straight ahead of me while I talk.

“I do. I also knew you were going to be the right man for the job.” His firm hand slams into my back. It’s a reassuring pat, but damn, he nearly knocks me to my ass. “It took you twelve months to do what most of them can’t do in a lifetime. It’s why I’m fast-tracking you to a seat on my counsel.”

“Thank you, Don Lione.” Had he told me this ten minutes ago, I might’ve been excited. Right now? They don’t mean a thing to me.

“Want to know what makes me a little nervous about being here today?”

Oh, shit. Now isn’t the time to hear the Don’s scared. My heart thumps in my chest as the noise of the crowd surrounding us drills into my brain. I’m supposed to be having a happy day. The people around me are supposed to be blissful onlookers, not contributing to my mounting anxiety.

It’s supposed to be perfect.

Like her.

The love of my life and fire in my soul.

“Why?” I ask, but it barely escapes my rattling jaw.

“Because it’s going to be mighty difficult to keep control of my men when you’re so busy bending at the knee for your wives.” His tone is light, and hearing it makes my head stop spinning. “Congratulations, Romeo. May you and Jess live a long, wonderful life together.”

Another pat on the shoulder and another laborious task of standing upright. But his words were exactly what I needed to hear, and they came at the perfect time. Had I wanted to answer, the sound of the church organ kicking off the first note of Jess’s wedding march would’ve drowned me out.

My fears vanish into the sound, replaced by a feverish excitement at seeing her again. Every second without her in front of me is agony, and after today, I’ll never have to suffer again.

Jess steps into the hallway with a smile on her face and wet cheeks as our honored guests clap and cheer her on. Her stunning white dress makes her look like an angel, with a halo of golden hair tied neatly into a bun. In her swollen belly, she carries our first child with us on this special day.

There isn’t anything better in this world than picking your jaw off the floor at the sight of your true love. I know because I do it every time I blink.

Awestruck and left drooling that she’s at my side.

“I fucking love you.” The words explode out of me without warning when she meets me at the pulpit.

She leans in and kisses me, ignoring the tradition. We don’t need some minister’s approval for this. Our souls have connected in ways unimaginable, in ways this house of God will never know or understand.

“And I love you, my beast.”

Forever and always, hers.

The End

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