Page 65 of Legacy's Destiny

Deacon laughed, his deep voice warm and reassuring. “There’s a little more I need to tell you, but rest assured, I can afford it.”

She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. “Does Guardian pay you that well?”

He chuckled. “They pay well enough.” He bent down and kissed her again. Just as the kiss began to deepen, a loud cheer erupted from inside the house.

Echo broke away, looking toward the noise. “Do you think we should get off our knees and go find out what the applause was for? Maybe a proposal?”

Deacon grinned. “How did you know Ronan was going to ask Fleur?”

Echo smiled coyly. “Maybe I’m a pretty smart cookie. Plus, your mom gave me serious vibes earlier.”

Deacon rolled his eyes. “My mother. Please tell me she didn’t spill the beans about what I was planning.”

Echo shook her head. “She didn’t. But she did tell Fleur and me to pull our heads out of our butts and be present in our lives.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds like Mom. Let’s go.”

He stood, offering her a hand before pulling her close as they walked back into the house. When they entered, all heads turned toward them.

Echo beamed and said, “Congratulations, Ronan and Fleur! We’re so happy for you.”

Fleur lifted her hand, showing off the dazzling ring Ronan had given her, the light catching the diamonds and making themsparkle. “Thank you,” she said, leaning into Ronan’s chest with a blissful smile. “I’m just following my convictions.”

Echo lifted her own hand, showing her new ring. “So am I.”

The cheer that rose from the room was loud and heartfelt. Champagne bottles appeared as if by magic, and toasts were made. The evening turned into a joyous celebration, filled with laughter and camaraderie.

By late evening, Deacon had had enough of the nonstop congratulations and chatter. He stood, taking Echo’s hand. “I’m going to take Echo home now.”

Ronan snorted, his grin wicked. “Right, that’s what you’re going to do. You’re going totake her home.”

Anna gave Ronan a pointed look. “I swear, son, I will find a switch. It’s easier here than it was in Vietnam.”

The room erupted in laughter as the girls giggled, and their husbands suddenly found other things to pay attention to. Ronan held up his hands in mock surrender. “Yes, Mother. I promise I’ll behave.” He mouthed,No, I won’t, to Deacon

Gabriel chuckled and tossed Deacon his keys. “I had Henry put Echo’s box in the backseat.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Deacon caught the keys midair and guided Echo out of the house. Congratulations rained down on them as they walked through the door and into the night.

Deacon unlocked the sleek black Mercedes coupe, opening the passenger door for Echo. She slid in, glancing at him as he walked around to the driver’s side. Settling into the seat, he set the GPS to her address.

“So, you did find out where I live,” she teased, threading her fingers through his as he started the car.

He turned to her, his smile tender and a playful glint in his eyes. “Of course, I did.”

She laughed softly, and he winked at her. Deacon knew everything there was to know about Echo now. And once shesigned the nondisclosure agreement his father was preparing, she would know everything about him, too.

Until then, he was going to love her with everything he had. He’d grown up watching his father love his mother deeply, selflessly, and unwaveringly for over thirty years. Now, with this remarkable woman beside him, Deacon intended to follow that same example. Tonight, he would show Echo, without question, how much she meant to him and how much he loved her.

They arrived at the small apartment complex where Echo lived. Deacon parked the sleek Mercedes, grabbed the box from the backseat, and followed her to the door. She unlocked it, pushing it open, and stepped inside.

Deacon paused in the entryway, taking in the warm, inviting space. The decor was unmistakablyher. Layers of earthy tones blended with vibrant pops of color. Shelves filled with potted plants lined the walls, their greenery spilling over the edges. A patchwork quilt draped across the sofa and its matching footstool, adding a cozy, homemade touch. Small trinkets and framed photos dotted the surfaces, giving the space a sense of personality and history. It felt intimate, lived-in—a stark contrast to the sterile hotel rooms and bunkhouses he was used to.

“This is nice,” he said, setting the box down on a small table near the door. “It’s … you.”

Echo smiled as she locked the door behind him, sliding the bolt into place with a softclick. “It’s home,” she replied, taking his hand.

Her touch was soft but purposeful, and she led him down the narrow hallway toward the bedroom. The warmth of her apartment followed them, the air tinged with the faint scent of lavender and something that reminded him of freshly baked bread. It was comforting—like her.

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