Page 102 of Blackstone's Heart
A low groan came from the bed. Lance's head turned to face Krista. Ethan felt his chest lighten when his buddy's eyes opened. "Hey there Hawk."
"Hmmmm, hey." Lance responded, his voice sounding gravely. Krista grabbed the pitcher of water and poured some into the cup and placed the straw to Lance's lips. The man drank slowly, but deeply. He sighed and laid his head back against the pillow. "So, did we get the bastard?"
"Yeah Hawk, we got him. When I finally got through the front door I found you lying in the hall and Krista here was over him pounding his face into dog meat." Ethan grinned proudly, squeezing her shoulders.
Lance smirked and looked back at Krista. "I knew you were trouble."
Krista gave him a wink. "Hell yeah I'm trouble. That's what happens you have three very protective brothers. Not mention a kick ass DA for a dad. Grant told us the doctor says you'll make a full recovery."
"So I hear." Lance nodded. He then looked at Ethan. "Boss, I'm sorry."
Ethan frowned. "Sorry for what?"
"I promised to protect Krista."
"Lance Archer, I swear if you elaborate any more I'm gonna kick your stubborn Marine ass. You did protect me. Yes, he got a shot off at me but who's still standing? I am. You got me your gun and I used it to take him down. You did your job. If you hadn't been there, I'm not sure I'd still be here." Krista retorted.
Lance's eyes widened and all he could do was mutter a shocked "Yes ma'am."
Ethan shook his head in sympathy for his friend. "Like Nick said the morning we met, Krista is fiercely independent. Plus, she likes to boss men around."
Krista merely flipped her husband the bird. As she did, she heard Lance's low whistle. When she looked at the hand she saw why. He had caught sight of the wedding band that now rested on her finger. She watched his eyes move to Ethan's left hand and straight to his wedding ring.
"When did that happen?" He asked.
"About a week ago. You're the first to notice." Ethan answered.
"Congrats you two. Hell of a way to start a marriage huh?" He smirked, causing them all to start laughing.
Epilogue
Ethan stood in his backyard just watching the scene in front of him. It had been a month since the mess with Ingram and here he stood with his family, Krista's family and his team. Cutter Ingram had been found competent to stand trial. He was charged with two murder, three counts of attempted murder, felony stalking and assault. The trial would begin after the first of the year.
It was a cool Saturday evening and they were celebrating Ethan and Krista's marriage. Even though it was nearly a month late, much to the shock and disappointment of his and Krista's mothers. When they told their parents, Debbie and Ruby had been equal parts shocked and a little upset, but happy for them none the less. They had wanted to throw the reception immediately, but Krista said no. She said she wanted to wait till ALL of her brothers could be there.
Hence why they waited till October. Now, the party guests were just waiting on Krista's little brother Danny to arrive. Two weeks ago he had called home telling everyone his current undercover job was finished and he would be home soon. Krista had told him everything then, including that she was now married to Ethan.
"I swear; Danny has always been late." Debbie huffed as Ethan moved to stand behind Krista.
He chuckled. "Mama Deb, the only things Danny was never late for was football practice and a meal."
"Yeah well, some things change." A voice said behind Ethan.
When he turned, he barely had time to give Daniel Jameson a smile before Danny's left fist connected with his jaw, knocking Ethan flat on his ass. Shaking his head, he looked up at his brother-in-law in shock.
"Danny, what the hell!" Krista yelled.
"THAT was for not telling me that my big sister was in trouble." Danny answered looking at Ethan as he got to his feet. "Ethan, you and I go way back, but dammit man you should have told me."
Ethan rubbed his jaw. "Christ, you still have a helluva left hook Dan. I wanted to, but I'm also smart enough to know not to go against your sister. She said she didn't want you to know while you were undercover bro."
Danny studied Ethan a moment then pulled the man into a fierce hug. When he released Ethan, he wore his usual jokester smile. "Well, since ya put it that way I forgive ya. Congrats. You just better treat my sister right."
Ethan laughed. "On that count, you can bet I will."
Krista just shook her head before being swept up in her baby brother's arms. "I swear Danny, you and the others get more juvenile as you get older."
"That's just how you like us Kris." Danny grinned as he sat her back on her feet.
