Page 24 of Guarding Her Heart
Richard looks between the guys on the lawn and Torres frantically. “I didn’t know!” Richard tries to defend himself.
I watch in slow motion as Torres pulls a gun from behind his back, aims, and fires. There’s a loud explosion in my ear and I’m covered in something wet, but I don’t care. The tight grip on my arm is suddenly loose and I start to run toward Ethan, screaming.
He grabs me and pushes me behind him as all eyes are on Torres. We watch as he lowers his gun to the ground by his feet and raises his hands in the air, giving a motion to his security team to do the same.
“I got no beef with Cerberus. Tell Fitzwallace it wasn’t me and I took care of the problem.” Torres yells to Ethan as he’s backing me up toward the lead helicopter.
“We’re all going to forget this ever happened, right?” Ethan calls out to Torres. Everyone’s gun is still pointed on Torres and his team.
“As long as you make sure Fitzwallace knows this wasn’t me. I want no issues with Cerberus.” Torres motions to Richard’s dead body. “We’ll handle this mess.”
Ethan nods, as I’m suddenly pulled backwards into the helicopter by someone. “I’ll personally tell him.” Ethan promises as he climbs in and the roar of the rotors gets louder as the doors slam shut and the chopper takes off.
One of the other guys flips out a knife and cuts my hands free and I immediately climb into Ethan’s lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Shh. I’ve got you baby. It’s okay. It’s all over now,” he whispers into my ear as he holds me while I cry.
The flight is shorter than I expected and all too soon, we’ve landed at the airport and are climbing out of the helicopter. Ethan’s admiring all the tools and gadgets as he helps the other guys pack up their supplies. “You guys have some great toys to play with.”
“We offered you a job and you turned us down,” one of them says, laughing. “The job’s still yours if you want it.”
Ethan looks at me and then shakes his head. He pulls me into his chest, “Tell Fitzwallace thank you, but no thanks on the job offer. I have all I’ve ever wanted right here at home.”
Epilogue - Jenny
The breeze is warm and gentle, carrying with it the faint scent of saltwater. I close my eyes, letting the sounds of the day wash over me—the distant laughter of children playing, the soft murmur of conversations, and the rhythmic clinking of plastic cups cheering a huge accomplishment. It's the sound of life, of happiness.
Hooplas is officially on track to open in just over a year, and the groundbreaking party is in full swing. The empty lot is packed with friends, family, and curious locals, all eager to be a part of the experience. The bar and grille is going to be exactly as Ethan and the guys envisioned—warm, inviting, a place where everyone feels like they belong. It’s a testament to their hard work, their perseverance, and their unbreakable bond.
I watch from my spot near the makeshift bar as Ethan moves through the crowd, greeting guests with that easy smile that first drew me to him. He looks happy, truly happy, and it fills my heart with a warmth I haven’t known in a long time. After everything we’ve been through, we’re finally here—together, safe, and surrounded by people who care about us.
“Hey, there you are,” Brooke’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see her approaching, a grin on her face. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”
“Just taking it all in,” I reply, smiling as she hands me a bottle of sparkling water. “It’s hard to believe we’re finally here.”
Brooke nods, her eyes scanning the crowded bar area. “You two deserve it. After everything that’s happened, you both deserve all the happiness in the world.”
I glance at Ethan again, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. “I know,” I say softly. “And I’m so grateful for it. For him.”
Brooke wraps an arm around my shoulders, giving me a gentle squeeze. “You’ve come a long way, Jenny. I’m so proud of you.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them away, not wanting to cry in the middle of this celebration. “Thanks, Brooke.”
She smiles, her eyes bright with emotion. “That’s what best friends are for.”
We stand there for a moment, just enjoying the excitement, before Brooke nudges me with her elbow. “Speaking of your handsome man, I think he’s looking for you.”
I follow her gaze to see Ethan making his way toward me, his expression softening as our eyes meet. My heart skips a beat, the same way it always does when I see him, and I can’t help but smile as he reaches us.
“Mind if I steal her for a bit?” he asks Brooke, his tone teasing but full of affection.
Brooke laughs, waving him off. “She’s all yours.”
Ethan takes my hand, pulling me under a tree and into his arms as he leans down to press a kiss to my forehead. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.
“Thank you,” I reply, wrapping my arms around his waist. “This place is going to be amazing, Ethan. You guys did it.”
“We did,” his eyes filled with love. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, baby.”
