Epilogue

. . .

Walker

One week later

I adjusted my hat as I approached the gazebo where River had instructed me to meet her tonight. I didn't know why I was nervous, but the note she'd left me had been so vague I couldn't help but feel something was up. My only question was whether this was a good surprise or a bad one. We'd had our fill of bad ones to last a lifetime.

The curtains surrounding the gazebo—those were new—rustled, and excitement got the better of me as I eagerly waited for my woman to show her face. Instead Cross's ugly mug greeted me, and my shoulders slumped in disappointment.

"What took you so fucking long? You're late," he grumbled.

"According to this here note, I'm right on time."

Cross's eyes narrowed when he discovered me instead of River. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I was summoned. Just like you, it'd seem."

"That explains the bedding."

My eyebrows shot up with interest. "What bedding?"

He gestured behind him. "The gazebo's all done up like some sort of sultan's paradise. Blankets, pillows, snacks, fairy lights, the whole shebang."

"I didn't forget an anniversary or something, did I?" Worry gnawed at my belly. "Oh fuck, am I already failing at the boyfriend thing?"

Footsteps on the gravel behind me had my heart lurching, desperate to see River so I could atone for forgetting whatever it was I'd missed. Once again, I was disappointed.

"Dammit, Bishop. You are much less curvy and soft than the woman I want to see right now."

His scowl matched mine. "I could say the same about you two. Any idea what this is all about?"

Cross shook his head while I shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine."

He scratched the back of his neck before pulling a folded manilla envelope from his back pocket. "I bet it has something to do with this, but it says not to open it for another two minutes."

"And you're really gonna wait until the exact time?"

He turned the envelope around so we could see River's bold scrawl.

DO NOT OPEN EARLY. (THAT GOES DOUBLE FOR YOU, WALKER).

DON'T TEST ME UNLESS YOU WANT TO GO CELIBATE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

"Damn, ladybug. Way to call me out."

"We're supposed to meet her inside the gazebo. Not stand around here like a bunch of rodeo clowns waiting for a bull," Cross said, jerking his chin toward the curtained-off enclosure.

"Fine by me. I love a good snack." I waited for Bishop to follow after my brother, then did the same, walking into a romantic as fuck setting.

Cross hadn't been lying. If the crimson curtains hadn't been extravagant enough, the hanging lanterns and string lights took care of that, casting everything in a romantic glow that made me think of that one musical I'd sat through for River when we were teens. Tufted velvet pillows in rich jewel tones littered the space, along with silk and faux fur blankets.

"Damn, y'all. I think our girl's intent on a seduction tonight. Perhaps this is less about surprise and more about living out her fantasies."

Cross's low growl wasn't one of disapproval or jealousy. We'd been holding back with her since returning from Ransom's. It was important to us all that River heal before she jumped into anything so intense. But not a one of us would tell her that. No way in hell. If she knew we were being careful, she'd be madder than a hornet. She'd made that clear enough the night she called me out, but on this point, the three of us were agreed. No need to rush into anything when we had the rest of our lives to spoil her rotten.

Bishop held up a giant ostrich feather. "What do you think this is for?"

"If you need me to spell it out for you, you're not invited to the party."

He bared his teeth at me in a snarl. "Just try to kick me out. I dare you."

Before he could make good on the threat, his phone went off.

"You set an alarm?" Cross asked.

He shrugged. "I don't mind following the rules. Especially when she's been so good about following mine."

"Fair point."

"Well," I demanded, my impatience rising. "Are you going to open it or what?"

"Careful, little Cross, or I won't tell you what's inside."

"Oh, fuck off. It's a magic cross, and I promise it's not remotely little."

Bishop pulled open the envelope and tugged the paper out, his eyes immediately going wide, then a little glassy.

"Jesus, what the fuck is it?" I glanced from Bishop to my brother. "I think I hate this guy."

"She . . . shit . . . She changed her name to Sterling."

"WHAT?" Cross shouted. "No, she fucking did not."

"Yeah, what he said," I added.

Bishop shrugged. "See for yourself." He ignored my outstretched hand and passed the paperwork to my brother. Motherfucker.

I waited for Cross to drop the hammer, but a smug smirk twisted his lips instead. "River Sterling Cross. That's my fucking girl."

My heart swelled beneath my ribs, making it hard to breathe. "She actually did it? She took our name?"

Part of me expected Cross to emphasize that it was his name, but he didn't. For once, he let me entertain the possibility that she was as much mine as she was his.

"I wanted to carry all of you with me."

The three of us spun toward the opening where River stood, looking like a fucking goddess. Her long hair was down and curled around her shoulders. Her dress was white, but not in a bridal way. It was a collection of sheer panels and lace. It reminded me of a grown-up version of her birthday dress, back before I thought I'd lost her forever.

Bishop whistled while Cross let out a reverent, "Wow." I, however, was struck fucking dumb. My tongue felt too big for my mouth. And was that drool? I swiped at my chin. It was definitely drool.

Be cool, Walker. Jesus.

Might as well just jizz in my damn Wranglers while I was at it.

"You're as pretty as a picture, darlin'," I finally said when I remembered how to talk.

Her cheeks flushed the sweetest pink as she approached me, threading our fingers and staring at me like I was the only one in her world. It might not be the case, but it sure as hell felt like it right now.

"We might not be married, Walker, but I have your name. I'm a Cross now. Forever."

A sharp jab in my side had me throwing Cross a murderous glare. Did he really have to ruin this for me?

But the look my brother was giving me brought me up short. It was one that pleaded for me to pay attention. I followed the intentional dip of his head and saw our mama's ring glittering from the center of his outstretched palm. Fuck, was he letting me have this moment?

Brow furrowed, I almost didn't take the offering, but he cleared his throat once, and I took the band of precious metal before sinking down to one knee right there.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Only seems fitting that a woman we both love wears our mama's ring."

Tears misted her eyes, and her hands immediately lifted to her lips. "Were you two carrying this around the whole time?"

Cross shrugged. "It was Walk's idea. I was just waiting for the right time."

"Don't sell yourself short," I said, knowing he needed to be as much a part of this moment as I was.

River held out her left hand, her fingers shaking. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

"Not a damn thing, beautiful," I murmured, sliding the ring onto her fourth finger.

Bishop came to stand behind her, gazing over her shoulder at the ring she'd hopefully wear until the day she died. "It's perfect."

"Just like the woman wearing it," Cross agreed.

"Oh my God, stop being so swoony. It was supposed to be my big moment, you jerks."

"I can't help it if it was always you, sweetness. Even when it shouldn't have been, it was you." Cross's voice broke a little there at the end, and I understood him on a deeper level than he realized.

"I feel the same. I spent my life loving you quietly, but now? Prepare yourself for me to love you so loud the whole world knows it, ladybug."

"I like loud," she said with a smile.

"I know." I waggled my brows as I got to my feet and pulled her in for a kiss. Then, turning my attention to Bishop, I asked, "Does it bother you the ring doesn't incorporate you? We can figure something out."

The stoic man shook his head. "She's got my name. That's all that matters."

"I do have another finger, you know. In case you ever want to get me something of your own," she teased.

"I didn't take you for a jewelry girl," Bishop said, raising a brow.

"Oh, I don't know. I think there's a time and place for everything. Maybe you should check that envelope one more time," she said mysteriously, her lips twitching with barely suppressed glee.

Cross was the first to catch her meaning. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What did you do?"

She played at zipping her lips while Bishop emptied the remaining contents of the envelope in his hand. Three platinum bands slid into his calloused palm, each with a little ribbon bearing a name.

"We're on the same wavelength, it would seem." Her voice was quiet but filled with resolve. "I never want to be apart from any of you, and if I'm carrying your names with me, you should have part of me too."

She took Cross's ring and untied the ribbon before sliding it onto his finger, then Bishop's, and finally mine. Inscribed inside mine was W she didn't want to disappoint either of them.

Walker saved the day by making the decision for her. "Dibs, darlin'. Get those pretty lips over here and wrap 'em around my dick."

I watched her take him, tongue circling the ball at the end of each of his piercings, wondering to myself how the fuck I was in this situation. I'd never wanted to watch my girl with another man's dick in her mouth, but this? This was fucking sexy. She gave herself over to all of us in a way I couldn't have fantasized about in my wildest dreams.

Cross was just as impatient as Walker. After River took Walker all the way to the root a few times, the elder brother reached for her. "My turn, baby."

Walker let out a strangled protest, but didn't take the fight any farther as she backed away and smiled up at him.

"Don't worry, cowboy. I'll be back. I promise."

I stroked myself slowly, very aware of how tight my balls were and just how close I was to coming all over my own hand.

Apparently I wasn't the only one, because it was only a few bobs of River's head over Cross before he shot me a look I had no trouble interpreting. He'd go off like a rocket if she kept it up much longer.

I gave him a single nod, letting him know I understood.

Without a word, he took River's hair in his fist, pulled her off his dick, and turned her face toward mine. "Suck," he growled, making her whimper.

If he thought I stood any chance of making it through this, he was dead wrong. That fact was proven the instant she swallowed my length.

"Fuck, River. Your mouth is so good. Keep it up, baby. Take it all the way."

She let out a garbled moan, and Walker cursed in response, fist flying over himself.

"Maybe we should come all over her? We can shower her off and come back?"

I liked the idea more than I'd expected to, a warning tingle building at the base of my spine. "Fuuuck."

I wasn't the only one into the idea. River's hand snaked between her legs, giving me the opening I needed.

"Not so fast, siren. You're not in charge of your pleasure. We are. Hands off."

She did as I said, but she was squirming with need, her thighs squeezing together as she chased some kind of friction to ease the building ache.

"On your back, spread those legs wide for me."

"Oh God," she moaned as she pulled free of me.

"Walker, hold down her arms. Cross, get her ankles."

"Where will you be?" Walker asked.

I caught River's eyes and purposefully licked my lower lip. "I'm on cleanup duty."

"Cheater," Cross grumbled.

"No. I'm just smarter than you are."

Before long, I was face down, drowning in her perfect fucking pussy. The sounds I made were near feral as I devoured her, loving the way her thighs quivered around my ears.

"God, Sterling. I'm so close. Fuck. Fuck."

She writhed against her Cross brother restraints, so I pressed one palm on her lower belly, pinning her in place before my other hand went for her cunt.

"Oh my God. Oh my God."

"Scream for me, siren. Come all over my face."

"Fuck," Walker grunted, hips thrusting in the air almost without conscious thought. "I'm not gonna fucking last."

"You're not even inside me yet, Walker."

"I know. God, I fucking know."

Cross made a sound low in his throat. "Make her fucking come or get out of the damn way so I can."

"Come for me. Right. Fucking. Now." I slid a second finger inside her and stretched my pinkie back so it pressed against the rim of her ass.

That was all it took.

River devolved into a series of incoherent screams, bucking wildly against my face while my tongue lapped at her clit and my fingers continued their sensual assault on her body. I didn't stop what I was doing until her thighs clamped onto my head.

"Too much. Too much."

Pushing back onto my knees, I winked at her as I wiped my chin on my forearm. Then I looked up at Walker. "I win."

"I beg to fucking differ," Cross said.

"Yeah, man, that was a group effort."

"It was my face she was riding. You want the credit, you gotta do the work."

"With pleasure." Cross released her ankles as I got to my feet, the two of us doing a carefully choreographed dance to avoid touching.

He stood over River, staring down at her with a look of pure heartbreaking love. I understood him better than I ever anticipated was possible.

"It should be the lady's choice. Where do you want me, sparrow?"

Cross

River's heated stare pinned me to the spot as she bit her lower lip and got to her knees. "Are you really giving me the reins, Danny?"

A fire lit inside me at the nickname. She was riling me up on purpose, messing with the bull because she not only wanted the horns, she craved them. We were an electric current in a summer storm. Wild. Unpredictable. Dangerous. But in all the best ways.

The two of us would never be boring. We had too much fight in us for that.

"Call me that again and see what it gets you, wife."

A soft giggle escaped her. "How are you going to stop me, Danny ?"

I growled, giving her all of two seconds before I grabbed her by the nape and pulled her in for a desperate kiss. I didn't care that she'd just sucked off two other men. All I wanted was her lips on mine.

"I'll make you choke on my dick," I growled against her mouth.

"I thought it was my choice."

"You telling me you want something else?"

"No. That's exactly what I want. You in my mouth, pumping me full of your cum. Walker underneath me, those piercings of his lighting me up inside, while Sterling takes my ass."

"Jesus," Walker said, drawing the name out as he went. "Anything you say, darlin'."

Bishop seemed content to let us lead, staying a bit back while we got in position.

"You got any lube, siren?"

She nodded and pointed to a small basket off to the side.

"Good girl," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he went to grab it.

"Open wide, baby," I said, rubbing the weeping tip of my dick across her lips. "I'm not gonna last long this time."

"Fuck, neither am I," Walker admitted. "You're so wet. I'm sliding all over."

"Try to hold on for me. I want us to all come together this first time," she begged.

"You better hurry, then," he said.

She opened her mouth, and I didn't need another invitation. I pressed forward, filling her with my thickness as she sank down on Walker. I knew only because he barked out a harsh curse, and she whimpered around my cock.

"Hold her for me. I need to stretch her a bit."

Bishop's gravelly command was the only reason I knew he was back. I was too focused on the play of River's tongue along the bottom of my shaft to notice what the others were doing. I preferred it that way, to be honest. No matter who else was with us, this would always come down to me and her.

"Fuck that's nice," I grunted, threading my fingers through her hair and holding her still so I could set my own pace. If I left it up to her, I'd be blowing in a matter of seconds. "You suck my cock so good, baby."

River stopped, her whole body tensing as something changed. My gaze went to Bishop, who'd lined up behind her and was focused as hell as he slid his dick inside her ass. The way she writhed made me determined I'd get her there next time. Especially if it meant I could pull sounds like the ones she was making out of her.

"Fuck, she's not gonna last. She's gripping me like a damn vise."

"Me too," Walker panted. "God, it's a tight fit with you stretching her like that."

My hips jerked erratically as she swallowed around me, her moans causing little vibrations to climb up my shaft. I was gonna come. I couldn't hold it back anymore.

"Play with her clit, Walker. I need her to come." My words were a strained plea as I fought off the waves of pleasure bearing down on me.

Walker must have done as I asked because the sounds River made grew frantic.

"Just let us do the work, baby," Bishop said, his voice laced with pleasure-filled tension. "All you have to do is take it."

"Goddamn, she's coming around my cock." Walker groaned, clearly finding his release.

When Bishop tensed behind her and cried out her name, I realized I was the last man standing. For about point-five seconds. I spurted down her throat with a groan that could have been a plea or a curse. Maybe it was a bit of both. Either way, my climax had me seeing fucking stars.

A bit of my cum escaped the corner of her mouth as I pulled out, the pearly drop trailing down her chin before I caught it on my thumb. "Waste not, want not, sparrow." I pushed my thumb into her mouth. "From now on, I'm coming in you. Every. Single. Time."

"Speaking of next time," Bishop said, pressing a kiss to her temple while his fingers ghosted across River's neck, "how about you make him come with your mouth while my hand is wrapped around your throat?"

"Oh God," she whispered.

"You give me five minutes, we can test it out here and now," Walker said.

"Promise?"

"Always."

"There's no rush. We have all night."

"I think you mean the rest of our lives, Mrs. Cross," I said, fully aware of the emotion bleeding through in my voice.

She yawned despite her best efforts to hide it, and I guided her down onto the nest of blankets and pillows waiting for us before I snuggled in behind her. She was the perfect little spoon to my big one as her round ass tucked into my pelvis.

"You know," Walker drawled, coming to join us, "they say spooning leads to fucking."

"I think you mean forking," River said sleepily.

"I said what I said."

Bishop slid into place on the other side of her before Walker could. "That's what I'm counting on."

"They also say sharing is caring, asshole," he sulked, taking a seat by River's head and pulling one of the blankets onto his lap.

"You put a lot of stock into whoever they are."

Running my knuckles back and forth over River's shoulder, I listened to my brother and Bishop pick at each other with a smile on my face. I finally had what I'd convinced myself was never possible. The woman I'd sworn to love and protect from the shadows.

It may not have played out exactly as I'd planned, but I couldn't complain. I spent nearly a decade thinking it would never happen, period. I'd take whatever I could fucking get. And if I had to share her, I couldn't think of two better men to help me give her the life she deserved.

She was ours. Forever. And nothing was going to change that.

"I love you, Mrs. Cross."

When she didn't answer, I leaned up on my elbow and saw that she'd already drifted off, a blissed-out smile playing across her lips.

"Well, would you look at that. I think we wore her out already."

Bishop shook his head. "No way. She's just recharging for the next round."

"I call dibs on her ass," Walker said.

I chuckled. "Dibs never seems to work out for you."

"The law of probability?—"

Bishop shoved Walker away, making him break off with a laugh. "Get out of here with that shit before you put us all to sleep." Despite the gruff words, he was smiling when he met my gaze.

"This how you imagined it?" I asked him.

"Imagined what?"

"Retirement."

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Not in my wildest fucking dreams. I thought I'd go out in a blaze of glory, but I wouldn't change a damn thing. This way, I get to die doing the thing I love."

"River?" Walker piped up.

Bishop laughed. "Yeah, I suppose so."

"I get it, man. We feel the same way. She's our world. Always will be. And now, we get to ride off in the sunset, knowing she'll be ours for the rest of our lives."

"When you put it that way, seems like one of those fairy tale endings," Walker mused.

"And they all lived happily ever after," River murmured.

I grinned. "They sure fucking do."

Curious about whether Bishop got to show River what he can do with a rope?