Page 21 of Whiskey Run Heroes

He kisses me, long and slow before releasing me. I’m dazed when I get up, but I still go around the room, hugging and thanking everyone. As soon as I get to Dylan, the last in line, Walker pulls me back into the circle of his arms. “All right, guys. You’ve seen her, she’s okay. So we’re going to take a few days off. Nash has your next assignments, but it’s been a rough few days, so take some time off. Be in for a briefing on Friday.”

Everyone nods, and before I can even say bye to them all, they’re plowing out the door.

Silence hits when they leave, and Walker is pulling me toward his bedroom. He pulls me to the bed and lies down, pulling me down with him. After feeling him skin to skin last night, I want to feel it again.

“We have on too many clothes,” I tell him.

At the same time, he says, “I love you, Brooklyn Waters.”

“I love you too, Walker... more than anything.”

He hovers over me, inspecting the bruises on my cheek. “Marry me,” he whispers.

My eyes widen in shock. “What? Marry you?”

He nods. “We’ve wasted enough time. Marry me. Be my wife, have my babies.”

I push up onto my elbows and scoot back. He raises up and moves with me. He’s looking at me curiously. “What? Do you not want to marry me?”

I put my hands on his shoulders. “Yes, I want to marry you. But are you sure, Walker? I don’t want you to rush into this and regret it.”

He tunnels his hands through my hair, holding my nape to look up at him. “For five years, you’ve consumed my every thought. You’ve been mine this whole time; you just didn’t know it. I need it official, baby. I need you to be mine for real.”

A lone tear slides down my face, but I’m smiling, nodding my head. “I’ll be yours for real.”

EPILOGUE

WALKER

“I need a few days off,” John says, bouncing from one foot to another.

“Is everything okay with Jenna?” I ask him, referring to his sister, who is married to Dylan and due to have a baby soon.

He nods. “She’s fine.”

I lean back and cross my arms over my chest. “Are you going to tell me why you need time off?”

He stares back at me, close-mouthed. This isn’t like him, and even though he never takes time off, this is definitely out of the ordinary. When he doesn’t answer, I lean forward. “Are you in trouble? Do you need help?”

He shakes his head. “I’m not in any kind of trouble. I have a friend. Well, my sister has a friend. She needs help.”

I’m assuming it’s Madison. I’ve only met her the one time, but it’s obvious the woman has something going on. “Fine. Take as long as you need.”

He nods and moves to the door, but I stop him before he gets out. “But... I need you to check in.”

He turns, surprised. “Check in on my time off?”

I get up from my desk and walk to the door where he’s standing. “Something’s up.” And as soon as I say the words, Iknow it’s the truth. “You don’t have to tell me, but I’m also not going to let anything happen to you. Check in every day. You need anything, I mean anything at all, you let me know.”

He nods. He looks like a tough guy with all the tattoos and smirk he’s always giving, but he’s one of my best assets. I wouldn’t risk him for anything.

I clap him on the shoulder as he walks out my office door. I spot Brook sitting at her desk, and she smiles when she sees me and gives me a little wave.

I smile, backing into my office. I can’t and never will get enough of her.

I press the intercom button on my office phone. “Brook, can you come into my office please?”

Her voice comes over the speaker all soft and innocent. “Yes, I’ll be right there.”

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