Page 100 of Loving You

“Oh, don’t get carried away, Mr. Walker. You’re signing up for a whole lot of arguing by marrying me. I’m just glad you think it’s as fun as I do, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His answering kiss was full of unspoken promises, and really, I hadn’t expected or needed a verbal response.

Eric truly wouldn’t have me any other way—however I looked, whatever I did, and whoever I was, whether playful or shy or flirty or temperamental. He loved every side of me, both tenderly and fiercely, and I loved him the exact same way.

“Thank you for telling me,” he said when the kiss ended, his forehead resting on mine.

“Thank you loving me,” I replied.

There were a number of things I could’ve thanked him for—things I would always be grateful for—but thanking him for loving me encompassed it all.

EPILOGUE

ERIC

Walker’s Brewery buzzed with energy and nonstop conversation. April fluttered from group to group, checking in and charming each person she encountered. I stood watching, admiring the way the demure little white dress she’d chosen for our engagement party tucked in at her waist and flared out over her hips.

“You’re as bad as the rest of us,” Will said, touching the edge of his pint glass to mine.

“And happy to be,” I replied, not taking my eyes from my fiancée. Seeing her so happy had become a kind of addiction I’d never known was possible.

Will patted my back and drew my attention to him. “I’m proud of you. I know I said it before, but as the oldest Walker brother—”

“Oh for fuck’s sake man, it’ssixminutes—”

“I want you to know, we all are. And dad would be, too.” His sincerity hit between my ribs, erasing the desire to make fun of him for clinging to his position as oldest.

“Thanks for saying so. I think he’d be proud of all of us,” I said, happy to see Jake, Sammy, and Connor sidling up.

“What’s this? A special heart-to-heart just for twins?” Sammy slung an arm around my shoulders.

“No, this is for anyone who’s a Walker by blood or marriage. I realize you didn’t take Bren’s name, but you’re still one of us, Connor.” Will nodded at Brenna’s husband, who’d long since accepted his place in the family.

“Thanks. Honored to be on the team,” he said, grinning good-naturedly.

We’d been assholes to him before we realized how good he was for Brenna. Fortunately, we got our heads on straight and accepted him whole-heartedly before it was too late. He’d been a good husband to Bren and a great uncle to Jackson, Willa, and Lea.

And soon, he’d be adad.

“You’re growing the team,” I said, a fond smile stretching over my face. “And I’m sure you and Bren will make amazing parents to the newest Walker.”

“Wait, shit, we haven’t even toasted to that!” Sammy raised his glass in the middle of our circle. “To Connor and Brenna and our next Walker niece or nephew.”

We all raised our glasses in salute, then drank in celebration. Connor practically glowed, his smile so wide and bright.

Sure, I’d congratulated Brenna after April and I had spoken in the field that morning, and we all took turns giving the soon-to-be parents hugs when they’d arrived at the bar for the engagement party, but we hadn’t had a chance for this, and it felt good to celebrate their news as a group—as brothers.

“Are you toasting me without me?” Brenna asked, joining our loose circle and hooking her arm around Connor’s waist.

“We wouldn’t dream of it,” Jake said, eyes falsely wide. “To Brenna and our next niece or nephew. We already love you, and we can’t wait to meet you.”

Brenna’s lashes fluttered, and she swiped under her eye even as she raised her water glass. We spent another minute chatting, and then Connor slipped away to help at the bar when all the Carrigan girls lined up to make new orders.

“He’s a good man,” I said, wanting her to know we all knew it.

She nodded. “He is. I’m glad you all stopped being overprotective dicks and embraced him.”

We accepted that, all nodding and murmuring our agreement.

---