Page 35 of Rett

“Who knew that Nine Dougall was an old softie? Tyler? Get with the team, Pigsty, Ace, Tanner, and Hiro. You’ll be needed. Sly and Code are going to move over to the Gray Wolf team but will help if we need them.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And stop calling me sir. We’re all the same rank here,” he grinned. “Come on, let’s get you some food. Mama Irene is going to have a field day with you.”

Leaving the offices, Tyler wasn’t paying attention and slammed right into the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. She had golden brown hair, big blue eyes, and a soft smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. There was laughter in her eyes but also a little bit of pain, and he wondered where that came from.

“Oh, my gosh! I’m so sorry,” he said, reaching for her upper arms to hold her steady.

“It’s okay,” she grinned. “No harm, no foul. I’m looking for my dad.”

“Uh, your dad? I’m sorry, I’m new. Which one is your dad?” he asked.

“I am,” growled Red. “Hi, sweetie.” Red kissed his daughter on the cheek, hugging her. They never missed an opportunity to say good morning and goodbye as Brittany went on to classes in the city.

“Dad, don’t be mean. Who’s the new guy?” she smiled, staring at the handsome man by her father’s side.

“Tyler. Tyler, this is my daughter, Brittany. Stay away from her,” he growled.

“Dad! Hi, Tyler, it’s nice to meet you. Don’t worry. His bark is worse than his bite.”

“No, it’s not,” frowned Red.

She held out her hand, and his mouth dropped open, staring at the beautiful young woman. Finally, she grabbed his hand, shaking it and laughing.

“I’ll see you tonight, Dad. Headed to class.” The two men watched as she ran toward her car, driving away toward the city. Red just shook his head at the younger man, still standing dumbfounded by it all.

“She’s perfect.” Red actually burst into laughter.

“Oh, son. You have a lot to learn.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Rett found Casey seated in the cafeteria, surrounded by women. Specifically, she was surrounded by the wedding squad. Mama Irene, Ruby, Claudette, Erin, Faith, Alexandra, Grace, Gwen, and Keegan.

“Oh, shit, brother is about to get married,” smirked East.

“Shut the fuck up,” said Rett. His brothers looked at him, waiting for the image to sink in. A wedding? Is that what he wanted? Hell, yes. Thinking about Casey leaving him or leaving the property would be horrifying. He started to take a step, then felt someone tug on his arm. Looking behind him, his father, grandfathers, and uncles all smiled at him.

“We know what it’s like, Rett,” said Zeke. “We also know to plan ahead.” He handed him a ring box, and Rett opened it, staring at the gorgeous emerald and diamond ring.

“We all thought it would match her pretty greenish-brown eyes,” smiled Alec. “Go get your girl. Permanently.”

Rett stared at the ring, shaking his head. He should have known that they would all know before him. Looking up at his brothers, their identical faces telling him exactly what he needed to know, he hugged them, kissing their cheeks.

“We like her, Rett. She’s perfect for you,” said East. Eazee nodded, watching his brother turn and walk away.

“Don’t fuck this up!” he yelled. The women turned to see Rett coming toward them and slowly stepped away from the table.

“Hi. Did you finish your meeting?” she smiled.

“I did. But I have something else to take care of.” He knelt in front of her, his huge body struggling to get to the floor. “Casey Islip, I’ve loved you from the moment you took a dirty, bloodied stranger into your home. Don’t ever do that again, by the way. I can’t imagine my life without you. I want you in it. All the time. Will you marry me? Will you make me the happiest man in the world?” Casey smiled at him, tears in her eyes.

“On one condition. I get to have all these amazing people too. Including the ghosts.” The cheers and applause were her confirmation as he slipped the ring on her finger.

“I love you, baby. I love you so much, and I want us to be happy together. But. But I do have this to take care of first.”

“I know,” she nodded. “I’m not going anywhere. Besides, Matthew already had plans drawn up for a new restaurant. Wes has decided to turn over La Fromage to Talbot. He’ll still be the owner, but Talbot will run the day-to-day. He’s going to help me run a new restaurant just outside the stealth gates, whatever that means.” She smiled at him as he laughed at her, kissing her nose.

---