Page 106 of Hero's Heart

“Thanks,” she murmured as he stood too, thankful that as everyone saw Bear behaving normally, regular conversation picked back up.

He offered her a small smile. “Anytime.”

Bear returned to his seat at the counter, but Joy could feel his eyes on her as she walked to the back room. She pushed through the swinging door and leaned against the cool wall, her breaths coming fast and shallow.

“Get it together,” she muttered under her breath. But the words felt hollow. The truth was, she didn’t recognize herself anymore. The bubbly, fearless woman she’d been was gone, replaced by someone who jumped at shadows and couldn’t sleep in her own house.

Even here, in the safety of the restaurant, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. It was ridiculous. Paranoia, pure and simple. But sometimes it felt so real, like a shadow in the corner of her eye or a figure just out of reach.

She had no idea what she was going to do.

•••

Callum’s Epilogue

5 years later

Callum surveyed the warmly lit interior of the Eagle’s Nest, his chest tightening with a mix of love and pride. The whole place was only open to them tonight, and Joy’s food truck was catering with some of her specialties.

The bar hummed with laughter and conversation as their closest friends gathered to celebrate two monumental milestones: five years of marriage to the love of his life, and Sloane’s graduation from college with her art history degree earlier today.

Tonight was more than a celebration; it was a testament to their resilience and love.

Sloane’s laughter drew his attention, and he found her seated at one of the tables, glowing despite being eight months pregnant. Her hand rested on her round belly, and her smile—soft and genuine—lit up the entire room.

He crossed to her, nodding at Joy and Eva, resting his hand on her shoulder. “How’s my graduate doing?”

She tilted her head to look up at him, those piercing blue eyes he’d fallen for years ago shining with warmth. “Pretty great. Can you believe I did it?”

“There was never a doubt in my mind,” he said, bending to kiss her temple. “You worked your ass off for this, and it’s all worth it.”

“Weworked our asses off,” she corrected, lacing her fingers through his. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

His heart swelled at the thought of everything she’d accomplished. Juggling coursework while raising their spirited son, Graham, hadn’t been easy. Add in the challenges of her pregnancy over the last two semesters, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

But again: he’d never had one second of doubt she could do it.

“I just held the fort down, angel. You’re the real star.”

Sloane laughed softly, shaking her head as Zac Mackay’s booming voice rang out from across the room. “Callum, are you going to stand there staring at her all night, or are you going to come talk to the rest of us?”

Callum grinned, his arm slipping protectively around Sloane’s shoulders. “Not sure I can tear myself away from this view, Zac.”

Sloane playfully swatted his arm, though her cheeks pinkened. “Go. I’ll still be here when you’re done catching up.”

Callum reluctantly let her go, but not before leaning down to brush a kiss across her lips. “Don’t go anywhere.”

She laughed. “Not likely. Your daughter makes moving more effort than it’s worth.”

A daughter. She’d been here in just a couple more weeks. Callum was already a little terrified.

As he joined Zac, Bear, Theo, and the others by the bar, he couldn’t help but scan the room again. Almost everyone fromtown was here, wanting to support Sloane, just like they had that night against the Kozak brothers. The band played softly in the background, and some people were already out on the dance floor.

“Five years, huh?” Bear clapped him on the shoulder. “Doesn’t seem possible.”

“Time flies when you’re chasing a toddler and praying for naptime,” Callum replied dryly, though the affection in his tone was unmistakable.

“How’s Graham doing?” Theo asked.

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