Page 81 of Shielded Hearts

“How about a real vacation?”

His stare met hers.

“Not in a cabin,” she rushed to say.

His lips twisted to a quirk of amusement. “Where do you want to go? Abroad? How about skiing?”

She lifted a brow at him. Love swelled out of her for her handsome protector. The love of her life. “Do you really want me all bundled up in all those layers?”

“Um, guys? We’re all really thrilled for you, but can you share those thoughts when you’re alone?” Willow gave an eye roll that had all of them laughing again.

Aspen reached out a hand to squeeze her friend’s. Then she looked from Carson to Gray, letting them see the gratitude for their support on her face. They gave her nods of acknowledgement.

When she slid her attention to Colt once more, his eyes were glowing.

With love.

For her.

Epilogue

The Malone family home buzzed with warmth, life and chatter. A fire crackled in the hearth they all gathered around to welcome the newlyweds home from their honeymoon trip of a lifetime.

Snow dusted the windowsills, framing a picture-perfect view of the Black Heart Ranch and the snow-capped mountains beyond. Colt cradled his whiskey glass on his thigh. As he raised it to his lips, the spicy liquor played through his senses and mingled with the sweet perfume of the woman nestled close to his side.

Tonight was special for a lot of reasons. The family congregated to welcome home Oaks and Shiloh and to hear the stories of their recent adventures.

Layne, Shiloh and Willow clustered around the coffee table, leafing through the wedding albums that had just been delivered. When Aspen spotted them, she let out a quiet groan that drew a smile from Colt.

“I hate that I’m in all those photos.”

“You’re not in all of them.”

She blinked at him. “What do you mean?”

“There are two sets—one with you in the group photos and one where you’re cut out.”

Her jaw dropped, and outrage battled in her eyes with a flicker of relief. “I was always at the end of the group,” she said slowly as realization dawned on her.

He gave her a simple nod even as he snaked an arm around her. “I couldn’t have known how things would turn out or that you’d be in my life.”

Out of nowhere, she balled a fist and delivered a punch to his shoulder. A laugh rumbled through his chest, and he buried hisnose in her hair, breathing her in. “Sorry, princess. You would have done the same thing.”

“I would.” With a sigh, she pulled back to meet his gaze. “Guess that’s why we get along so well. We’re so much alike.”

They shared a smile. Colt never thought he’d be able to claim he was happy. But in this moment, with his siblings around him and the woman he’d fallen in love with snuggled against him, he couldn’t claim to be anything else. His heart was full.

He still had nightmares. But now that he’d let Aspen into his life, they were in this together. He was much more willing to let his siblings in too. With them around him, supporting him, he would heal in time. He wasn’t alone.

“Oh! Look at this one.” Shiloh pointed a manicured finger at the wedding album. His sister and sister-in-law leaned in to get a closer look.

“Everyone looks amazing. And look at how Aspen’s dress picks up the color of the pines on the mountain.” Willow turned her head and waved a hand for Aspen to join them.

“Hell, why not?”

As always, her bad language made Colt laugh. Then she left his side and dropped to her knees next to Willow to study the album.

Layne pointed at one picture. “This is when Faye ran forward to catch the bouquet and tripped.” She giggled, fist pressed to her lips to hold in her amusement about her treasured family friend. “I’m glad the photographer caught that!”

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