Page 23 of My Reluctant Valentine

"Does that mean you want details?" He lets me lead him toward the attachedbathroom."Because I gotta say, watching you plot the bride's demise this morning was kind ofhot."

"Shut up and take off your shirt." But I can't stop smiling, even as I assess thedamage."We can discuss murder techniques after I make sure you're notdying."

"Yes, ma'am." He catches my hand as I reach for the first aidkit."Hey. I loveyou."

This time, I don't hesitate. "I love youtoo.Now hold still and let me take care ofyou."

His answering grin is puresin."You can take care of me anytime, future Mrs.Hunter."

And just like that, normal isn't what I wantanymore.What I want is this beautiful, dangerous man who loves our daughter--and yes, she's ours now--and would burn the world down to keep ussafe.

What I want is him.Forever.

"Mrs. Hunter," I test the name out, loving how itfeels."I like the sound ofthat."

His eyes darken with promise. "Good. Because you're stuck with me now, darlin'. No take backs."

"Wouldn't dream of it." I press a gentle kiss to his bruisedknuckles."But if you ever scare me like that again, I'll kill youmyself."

"That's my girl." Pride and love shine in hiseyes."Knew you had a little outlaw inyou."

And as I patch up my future husband, planning our life between kisses and bandages, I realize Shari was right allalong.

I do deserve happiness. I deservethis.

And anyone who tries to take it from us better pray Ace gets to them before Ido.

Because that's what it means to be an oldlady.To love fiercely. To protect what'syours.

And this outlaw and his little girl? They're all mine.

EPILOGUE

LESLIE

TWO YEARS LATER

"Miss Leslie! Bobby ate the glitter again!"

I look up from the Valentine's cards I'm sorting to find Tommy--now in my second grade class--pointing accusingly at his tablemate.Some things never change.

"Different year, same drama?" Ace's amused voice comes from the doorway.He leans against the frame in his signature cut, looking dangerously handsome and completely out of place among the pink and red hearts decorating my classroom.

"Like father, like son." I nod toward Bobby, who grins up at us with silver-sparkled teeth."Your prospect's kid is definitely taking after him in the chaos department."

"Better glitter than engine parts." He crosses to press a kiss to my temple."You about ready, darlin'? The party starts in an hour."

Ah yes. The clubhouse Valentine's party.Because apparently being an old lady means helping organize holiday events now.Though I suspect Shari, who Tank has been talking to more frequently of late, had more to do with that tradition starting than anything else.

"Just need to finish up here." I turn to Bobby."Bathroom. Now. And remember--"

"Art supplies are for paper, not eating." The whole class choruses, having heard this particular lesson many times.

"See?" I tell Ace as Bobby heads for the sink."I'm teaching valuable life lessons here."

"Mmhmm." His hands settle on my hips as he surveys the classroom."Speaking of lessons, Emma's been asking about that thing we discussed."

My heart skips. "Yeah?"

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