Epilogue

Chloe

About a year later

"I'm home!"

I call out from the front door, dropping off my bag and ditching the shoes I wore to classes all day as I hold my cell against my shoulder. My feet are killing me.

Switching my phone to the other ear, I refocus. "Okay, sorry, what was I saying?"

Yasmin sighs on the other end but then giggles. "That you were going to try and actually come out for a girls night with me. Movies?"

I nod my head even though she can't see me. "Yes, totally. I think I can make that work. I'm sure Chelsea would love to spend some one-on-one time with her dad."

"Great! This Friday. No backing out!"

I laugh, knowing I have a habit of volunteering to help at school functions when they're suddenly short-staffed.

"I will not sign up to chaperone the painting night. I promise."

"You better."

I just chuckle. "Okay, I need to go help with dinner and stuff. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Talk then."

Hanging up, I head into the kitchen where I know Chelsea will be propped in her high chair with Dom desperately trying to feed her.

Sure enough, when I enter, they're enjoying a little game of "fling the applesauce," and I struggle to keep myself from laughing at poor Dom.

I only make it a few seconds before I'm giggling, and Dom looks back over his shoulder at me with a glare.

"I'll have you know, it was going really well until right this second."

Walking up behind him, I smile as Chelsea sees me and starts to squeal, wiggling in her seat.

"Hi, baby!" I put a hand on Dom's shoulder, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "How was work?"

He smiles, setting down the spoon he's been using. I think dinner is over.

"Good. Normal. Anthony says hi."

"Well, hi back. Aren't we meeting for dinner with Gran this weekend? On Sunday?"

Dom nods. "Yup. He's good to go. And I know Gran has been missing this one."

He returns to Chelsea, tickling under her chin.

"Oh, and the facility is all paid up through the year, so we should be good for a while."

I scoff, swatting him on the shoulder. "You were supposed to let me take care of it."

With a laugh, Dom turns in his chair, wrapping his arms around me. "I know. But they called, so I just took care of it."

My brow furrows as nervous energy tingles down my spine. "Called about what?"

"Oh, just letting us know the surprise birthday party is set for next month."

Relief floods me, and I slump down into the chair next to Dom.

"Still nervous? She's been there for about a year now. And the place is so much nicer than the other one."

I smile with a sigh. "Old habits."

Dom just nods, kissing me as he sets the bowl of applesauce down.

"Breaking news."

The words cut through the silence, and we both look over at the TV where Dom has the news on. I hate that habit of his, but he's all about knowing everything going on around town.

"Reports of an escalating rash of thefts across Hildale Port has swept through the town. While police have had little to go on for several days, new security footage has just been released."

A screen-in-screen display shows the clip while the reporter talks.

"As you can see, this brief clip of surveillance footage from the security cameras of one of the latest crime scenes shows several figures, one of whom can be seen wearing a particular crest."

The news cuts back to a full view of the anchorwoman.

"This symbol has been widely attached to the Crimson Cobra gang and drug syndicate."

My heartbeat kicks up behind my ribcage, but Dom's hand quickly finds mine, and I relax.

"Hey, the cops have all the information they need to deal with it."

Smiling, I look up at him as he stands to take Chelsea out of her high chair.

"I know. I'm not going to live in fear anymore."

"Good." He kisses me, and I feel my baby girl reach for my neck. "I think someone wants to see you."

Taking Chelsea, I walk her to the playroom. We have about an hour before she needs to go to bed, and I'm going to enjoy every second of it.

Once the baby is down to sleep, Dom and I head to the bedroom to relax. There is a gorgeous full moon out, and it strikes me that today is the first day of summer.

Dom comes back from getting us some drinks, and I smile.

"Hey, happy first day of summer."

"It really is. But—" Dom sets the glasses down on the nightstand, taking my hand and pulling me up "—you think you could do me a favor and join me on the patio?"

I furrow my brows at him, knowing immediately that he's up to something.

"Sure." I drag out the word, following Dom outside.

The stars and moon are magnificent, a warm breeze dancing through the trees and across my skin.

We're high above town, and this is still one of my favorite spots ever, even after all this time. When I turn around, Dom is down on one knee right in front of me.

"What's going on?"

"Chloe, you're the best thing that has ever happened in my life. And I know we said we'd wait until after Chelsea's birthday to make any big plans. But I can't wait another second to ask. I want the whole world to know you're mine. That we're together. A family."

Tears spill from my eyes as I look down at the simple but exquisite engagement ring he's chosen.

"Dom."

"I'm so damn grateful for you. You've given me a love and a family that I never thought I'd have. Please…"

He takes my hand, poising the ring at the tip of my finger.

"Please, would you marry me?"

A laugh that's pure excitement and joy flies out of me as I jump into his arms. "Of course!"

We tumble back, but Dom quickly pulls me into his lap and slides the ring down. Kisses and laughter and still more kisses overwhelm us.

"I love you, Dom. Thank you for, well, for not listening to me." I hold his face in my hands. "This is the best first day of summer ever."

"Oh, just you wait. I plan on turning into a donkey-headed wonder to really spice things up."

Laughter erupts from me, and I just smother him with more kisses.

It's not long before he drags me back to the bedroom, and I know very well there isn't anything remotely sweet about what Dom plans to do to me next.

THE END

Did you like Under His Protection ? Then you'll LOVE the next Shaw brother's story: Under His Guard: A Bad Boy Protector Romantic Suspense .

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From my emergency patient to my fake boyfriend .

This bad boy protector is about to find out he's going to be a daddy .

The hottest man I've ever laid eyes on is my ER patient.

Sandy blonde hair ruffled.

Bumps and bruises all over his perfectly chiseled face.

His hazel eyes undressing me as I stitch him up.

He asks me to provide him with extra PT care on the side, and I can't say no.

The money he offered doesn't hurt.

This girl's got medical school bills to pay and a sick niece to support.

When the wrong guy dies on my operating table, Mr. Big Bad & Bruised-up insists I stay with him .

Suddenly really bad people are after me and I'm in a fake relationship with an overprotective alpha-hunk .

Chemistry and close quarters means only one thing.

Now this positive pregnancy test is screaming at me to get out.

I doubt this bad boy big shot is ready to be a daddy .

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