Page 79 of On Your Knees

"We got him.” His eyes search mine. “He’s dead.”

I feel hollow, not reacting to the news of my ex-husband’s death. So many emotions take over, and I focus on Benedict’s light-blue eyes.

“You’re safe now.”

Tears well in my eyes as I listen to the words he’s telling me.Safe.Nate and I are safe. The tears fall faster now, relief evident.

Benedict swipes the tears away. “I’m done with all the secrets, Eva," he says softly, his forehead resting against mine. "No more pretending. No more undercover. I want to be here with you and Nate. For real."

My breath catches, and for a second, I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. "Are you sure?" I ask, my voice trembling. "What about your job? Your life?"

He shakes his head, smiling down at me with such tenderness it makes my heart ache. "You and Nate are my life now. If you’ll have me, that is."

A tear slips down my cheek, and I laugh through the overwhelming emotion, nodding. "Of course I’ll have you."

Without another word, Benedict leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s soft yet full of promises. It’s not the kiss of a man who’s about to walk away. It’s the kiss of someone who’s here to stay. When we finally pull apart, I feel lighter, freer than I have in months.

"I love you," he whispers, his eyes searching mine.

"I love you too," I say, my voice steady, knowing deep down that this is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for.

From the corner of my eye, I see Nate peek out from the doorway, his sleepy eyes widening when he spots Benedict. "Is Mr. Ben staying with us, Mommy?"

I laugh, my heart swelling as I look between Benedict and Nate. "Yes, sweetheart. He’s staying with us."

Benedict grins, scooping Nate into his arms with ease. "How about that ice cream I promised?"

Nate giggles, his tiny arms wrapping around Benedict’s neck. "Strawberry and chocolate, right?"

I smile, watching as the two of them interact like they’ve always belonged together. And maybe they have. This feels right. Like we’re finally home, all of us.

As we walk back into the house together, hand in hand, I realize something. The mission might be over, but this—the three of us—this is just the beginning of something beautiful. Our happily ever after.

Epilogue

Evangelina

“He’s perfect,” I whisper to Greer, my eyes fixed on the tiny, sleeping bundle in her arms. Cash Thorne, wrapped in a soft blue blanket, is the picture of serenity, with his little fists clenched and his round cheeks flushed. “I’m so happy for you and Roman,” I add, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sight of Greer as a mother.

Greer beams with pride, her eyes shining with exhaustion and joy as she gently cradles her son. “Meet Cash Thorne,” she says, her voice soft and full of love as she gazes down at him. There’s a glow about her, a kind of peaceful contentment I’ve never seen before, and it suits her. Roman is standing close by, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder, the proud father through and through.

We’re all gathered around Greer and Roman’s living room, the air filled with light laughter and the clinking of champagneglasses. The cork had been popped the second we arrived, and the bubbles in the champagne flutes sparkled in the late afternoon light streaming through the windows. It’s a small group, just close friends, all celebrating the birth of this precious little boy.

“Now Devvie Junior has a cousin to play with,” Chloe says, holding her own son in her arms.

“Can I play with them too,” Nate says, glancing up at me for guidance.

Benedict smiles. “I’m sure they’ll let you play with them.”

I nod, reassuring my son. “I’m sure the three of you will be as thick as thieves.”

“And this one will join in as well,” Posey says, rubbing her hand over her belly. “Just a few more weeks before Aiden will be here too.”

“I can’t wait,” Ledger says, wrapping an arm around Posey’s shoulders.

We turn our attention back to Cash.

“He’s so sweet,” I tell Greer, glancing around the room as everyone takes their turn to coo over Cash. The smell of fresh flowers fills the air, a bouquet of blue and white roses sitting on the kitchen counter, and soft baby clothes are draped over the back of the couch.

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