Page 131 of Nate

“I’d better head into the sheriff’s office. I’m sure Sam will have questions for me. You two will probably have to talk to him too.”

“Yeah, we’ll head in there too. I just want Markie to relax a little first.”

“I’d give Sam some time to talk to Knowles then lock him up before Markie gets there. She might want to punch him too.”

“Too? Did you punch him?” she asked Nate.

“I did, and it felt damn good.”

When she laughed, he knew she’d be alright. She was tough and been through so much lately, but she would get past it. He’d make sure to be by her side to help her. There was nowhere else he’d rather be.

Epilogue

Markie entered the living room to see Nate standing at the patio doors, staring out at the falling snow. She smiled when she shifted her eyes to the large Christmas tree in the corner, then back to Nate.

“Hey,” she said softly.

He turned to face her. “Wow. You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you, and you look so handsome.”

“I hate suits, but I can’t show up to Killian and Celine’s wedding in jeans now, can I?”

“No. I’m so happy for them.”

Nate slowly walked toward her, then stopped in front of her, and shook his head.

“You are stunning. That dress… damn.”

She knew the dress fit her like a glove and the lilac color looked good on her. The hemline stopped just above her knees. She watched his eyes roam down over her, and she laughed when he groaned when he saw her purple stilettos.

“You like my shoes?” she asked as innocently as she could.

“I’d like them hooked behind my back.”

Markie laughed. “When we get home.”

Nate leaned his forehead against hers and gazed into her eyes. “Promise?”

Markie cupped his cheek in her hand. “Anything for you, my love.”

Nate grinned and lightly kissed her lips. “Let’s get going. It’s hard to tell how much of this snow we’re going to get.”

“Celine wanted to be a December bride. I can’t wait to see her. I’m sure she’ll be beautiful.”

“No doubt there, but you, Marjorie Ann Russell, will be an even more stunning bride, in my opinion.”

Markie stared at him. “What?”

“You know, when we get married.” Nate shrugged.

“You want to marry me?”

Nate chuckled. “Yes. I’m serious, Markie. I want to spend my life with you. I want to marry you and have kids with you.”

“You do?”

“Of course. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone.”

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