Page 48 of Flick

“Oh my,” Beth said, grinning and cuddling the Yorkie while leaning down to pet the St. Bernard.

Her hand came away wet, and she laughed.

“Yeah, he drools a lot but has the absolute sweetest disposition,” Flick said, walking down the aisle with Beth. They had dinner next, which was doubling as their reception. He didn’t care what was planned because she was finally his.

Flick walked over to where Brody was with Gunner. He sat down and stared at his brother.

“What happened?”

Brody rolled his eyes. “What always happens? We were ambushed and were almost taken. My teammate and I held them off until help could come. If the one in charge hadn’t been a moron, more of my team would be alive, but he got his rank because his daddy made sure he did. They gave me the choiceof waiting until after rehab to see about my mobility, but I was through. I served, and I’m done.”

Flick nodded and reached over to put his hand on Brody’s. Gunner laid his on top. There was more to the story, but for now, he’d accept Brody’s version.

“We can get you physical therapy here, and you can stay with us or in the clubhouse,” Flick offered.

“I’m staying in the clubhouse a week to give them a honeymoon, then moving in. Beth was pretty insistent she wanted all the brothers together, but then when they already have five dogs, what’s the big deal with two brothers?” Gunner said, chuckling.

“I’ll do the same. Thanks.”

“I’m waiting for these awesome chocolate chip cookies that Beth makes. When do we get to have those?” Gunner whined.

Beth wrapped her arm around Flick’s neck. “I’ll make you some and drop them off at the clubhouse this week. Then I’ll make sure the cookie jar is always full since you all will be living with us.”

“Are you sure?” Brody asked.

Beth giggled, and he loved hearing her laugh. “Of course! You’re family. We’ll help you recover and figure out what you want to do at Bluff Creek. Now, my man needs to dance with me,” Beth said, tugging Flick’s hand to get him to follow her onto the dance floor.

Alex Warren’s songOrdinarystarted as Flick pulled her into his arms. Beth played this song all the time. She’d wanted it as the song they walked out to, and Flick had been positive that they’d be dancing to it tonight. He grasped her hand and slid his other to her waist. The smile on her face was the one he couldn’t wait to wake up to every day of his life.

“Thank you,” he said.

Her brow scrunched. “For what?”

“For asking them to live with us as Brody recovers.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Of course. They’re family.”

Flick stared at this amazing woman. As far as she was concerned, that said it all. With Beth, their families would always come first, and he couldn’t think of anything better. He danced her around the dance floor and twirled her—spinning her away from him and then back into his arms.

He was positive that life wouldn’t always be perfect because they both were strong-willed, and he’d gotten a taste of how it felt when Beth went into danger. It wasn’t easy, but loving a fierce badass woman required some concessions.

The music changed to a slower song, and Flick guided Beth’s arms to his shoulders and then grasped her waist, tugging her flush against him. They swayed to the song.

“What time is it?” he whispered.

“Why?” Beth asked.

“I’m wondering how long we need to stay?” Flick asked.

“It’s the Fourth of July. I’m not missing the fireworks, and they aren’t until dark,” Beth said, keeping her head down against his chest.

Flick sighed loudly.

Shaking against his chest had him sliding a finger under Beth’s chin and raising her face to his. Her mirth-filled eyes and the shaking had clued him in that she was laughing at him.

“Really?” he questioned.

“Did you really think I’d wait for us to make love as husband and wife until after the fireworks?” she asked.

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