Page 70 of Ex-SEAL Billionaire

“Say you'll come home and be mine for real this time,” Jack demands gruffly, his palm curving over my belly.

“Yes,” I whisper, sealing my lips over his. “Let's go start our future, soldier.”

EPILOGUE

FOREVER FAMILY

I cradle Lillian against my chest, her tiny fist curled around my pinky. At one month old, our daughter already has me wrapped around that tiny finger. I brush a feather-light kiss over her downy copper peach fuzz, marveling again at this miniature person Maddie and I created.

“Jack, lemme hold her.” Aria appears at my elbow, bouncing eagerly and making grabby hands. “Only a few weeks to go until I leave for Europe,” she pouts.

Laughing, I carefully transfer sleepy Lillian into Aria's waiting arms. “You sure you still want to go to Zermatt for the Swiss Semester?” I wink playfully.

Aria just sticks out her tongue, immediately dissolving into baby babble as she rocks little Lil. I snake an arm around Maddie's waist where she leans against the mantle watching Aria. Hard to believe a year ago I stumbled on her in a forest, shooing the brown bear away from her. Now here we are, a family.

My thoughts are interrupted by the doorbell. I squeeze Maddie in promise of a proper kiss later and stride over to the door.

I swing it open, blustery August heat intruding into the cool house. Cade is leaning casually against the door frame.

“Got those latest rounds of clinical trial data analyzed yet?” he asks by way of greeting.

I wave him inside. “Good to see you too, brother.”

We fall easily into debating Reconstruxion's rapid expansion plans as I lead him toward the living room. But Maddie's voice rings out before we make it two steps.

“Ah ah, no shop talk tonight, gentlemen! We declared this to be a work-free family dinner.”

“Oh, so no shooting of dance moves tonight, Mads?” Grace teases as Maddie swats her arm.

I continue to steer Cade toward the living room, where Aria and Grace sit bundled on the sofa making ridiculous faces at a sleepy Lillian. Maddie perches gracefully on the chair arm looking on contentedly.

Cade lets out an impressed whistle taking in the crowded space. “Quite a good-looking family you got yourself here, Jack.”

Maddie smiles brightly over Lillian's downy head. “What can I say, our sisterhood is the best. Right, ladies?”

Aria and Grace glance up with fervent noises of agreement, already lost again in Lil's baby cuteness.

Cade wanders closer, hands stuffed casually in his jean’s pockets. “Think Uncle Cade could get a chance to hold his favorite goddaughter before her entourage monopolizes her all night?”

Grace pipes up from the sofa before I can respond. “Hmm. Not sure you want to wrestle a newborn from her godmother.” She arches a teasing brow. “We haven't had nearly enough bonding time yet, isn't that right, my little cupcake?” she croons, gently touching her tiny feet.

Cade clutches his chest in mock affront. “Playing dirty already, I see!” He crouches down beside Grace, elbows propped roguishly on his knees. “Maybe we need some joint custody negotiation if Auntie Grace refuses to share.”

His exaggerated pleading makes Grace giggle unexpectedly. The sound transforms her usually serious face, softening all the sharp edges. Something sparks in Cade's expression watching Grace dissolve into laughter with Lil drooling sleepily against her neck.

“Well, I suppose we better work out a schedule then.” Grace peeks up at him through fluttering lashes. “How do you feel about every other weekend plus alternating holidays?”

Maddie catches my eye, her radiant smile warming me like sunlight breaking through clouds. I cross over as she tips her face up, hands trailing down her familiar curves as our tiny miracle is now drifting to sleep against Grace.

“Can you believe this is our life now?” Maddie murmurs, leaning into me. I pull her close, chin tucking perfectly atop her head.

“After everything, I'm endlessly grateful for this second chance with you both.” I kiss her hair softly, remembering countless nights gripped by demons now blessedly gone.

The sound of Aria, Grace, and Cade's playful laughter wraps around us. Out the window, the steady buzz of downtown New York is a calming backdrop.

But here cradled against me, Maddie lets out a happy sigh.

“I love you, Little Bird,” I whisper into the curve of her neck. Maddie turns, sealing her lips tenderly over mine.

“To our bright future together, soldier,” she croons.

Hand in hand, we turn smiling toward whatever lies ahead.

THE END

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