Page 70 of Unexpected Temptation

TRISTAN

Four Months Later

Don’t cry, don’t cry, I tell myself as Maya walks up the aisle, led by her friend Riley. Her dress hugs her curves perfectly, simple but elegant, with a lace top and a flowing skirt. Her dark hair is styled in loose waves, framing her face beautifully. She looks incredibly radiant with every step.

My heart pounds as I watch her. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.

From the crowd, Raffie watches, thicker than the last time I saw him, healthier. He’s been in rehab for the past three months. He wants to put the Mob life behind him, and I’m willing to be there for him to help him.

Tank isn’t here. He was lucky he wasn’t there that night when I took out the heads of the Trentini Family and their lackeys. Thanks to me, he got away with his life and could wash his hands of the Mob. In return, he made the charges against me disappear, but some wounds just won’t heal. Some betrayals just can’t be forgotten. That doesn’t matter anymore, though.

As Maya gets closer, the tears become harder to hold back. Her bump is showing slightly, a sign of the life we will begin together.

Sure, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to sell the land I bought the home on and then start renting another space. Plus, I’m working two jobs, and Maya is working like hell, too, but it’s all led here to this perfect moment. A fresh start for us all, away from the Mob and that life.

Soon, it becomes too much to handle. The warm, happy tears start flowing down my face when the music swells. Loki lets out an eager yapping sound from the back of the ceremony room.

Maya gives me a look, speaking over the last notes of the music. “Sounds like the ring bearer is excited, huh?”

EPILOGUE

LOKI

Nine Years Later

Iwag my tail, feeling the joy bubbling inside me as I watch from my favorite spot in the yard. Though I’m old now, every day is a new adventure. Today is incredibly wonderful. The sun is shining, and my humans are here, filling the air with love and laughter.

Maya is standing with Tristan. They’re holding hands, looking at each other the way they always do—with so much love it makes my heart feel full. I can smell it in the air. I remember when all these happy smells started. I wasn’t sure about them at first, but then I saw how they made each other smile, and I knew they were perfect for each other.

Their three children are playing in the pool.

Olivia, the one who was here first, is splashing water everywhere, her giggles like calls for a treat, my protective instincts warm and full. She has Maya’s bright scent, which is sofull of life. Lucas, the chaotic scent, is trying to catch a ball in the water, determined and playful, just like his dad. Little Sophie is in a floatie, kicking her tiny legs and laughing whenever a splash hits her. She’s got a mix of both their scents, a perfect blend.

I lumber over to where they’re all gathered, feeling slightly slower than I used to but still filled with the same loyalty. Tristan notices me and scratches behind the ears in the spot I like. “Good boy, Loki.”

I thump my tail against the grass. It’s the best feeling in the world, being with my humans.

Maya kneels down and kisses my head. “You’ve always been our good boy,” she whispers. Her touch is gentle, filled with the love I’ve felt since I first dashed through the night, chasing her sweet scent. I nuzzle her hand, grateful for every moment.

Olivia and Lucas are now chasing each other, splashing even more, while Sophie claps her hands, delighted by the mayhem. Maya and Tristan are watching them, holding each other close.

It’s a good life. Seeing them so happy makes me feel young. I’m glad I got to see this, to be a part of their joy. This is my family, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

“Can you believe this is our life?” Maya says. “Two dog sanctuaries, countless donors who believe in your vision, three kids, and four novels for me …”

“It’s like the start of a Christmas song,” Tristan says, his tone far warmer than it ever was before Maya came along.

She laughs as their blended scent swells with even more contentment.

THE END