Page 29 of Sniper Daddy
“I love you too,” I say, voice thick. “More than I ever thought I could love anyone. You’re my home, Piper. You’re my everything. Stay with me. Build a life with me here. Marry me. Have children with me. Grow old with me on this mountain. I want all of it with you.”
Tears slip down her cheeks again, but this time they are happy tears. She smiles, bright and real. “Yes. A thousand times yes.”
I kiss her again, softer this time, pouring every ounce of love I feel into it. Around us the marshals are finishing up. Viktor Lane’s being loaded into a vehicle, face still twisted in anger. His men are in cuffs. It’s really over.
I carry Piper outside. The other men from Haven 7 are waiting. Harlan gives me a nod. Wyatt claps me on the shoulder. The women are already gathering, ready to welcome her back with open arms.
I set Piper down gently but keep her tucked against my side. She leans into me, exhausted but happy. The mountain stands tall and quiet around us, like it always has. Like it always will.
Piper looks up at me, eyes shining. “Take me home, Boyd.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Home is right here with me. Always.”
We climb into the truck together. As we drive back up the mountain, her hand stays in mine the entire way. The futurestretches out in front of us, bright and full of promise. No more running. No more fear. Just us. Just love. Just the life we both fought so hard for.
She’s mine.
And I’m never letting her go.
TWENTY
PIPER
The Sunday dinner table at the lodge is loud, warm, and full in the best possible way. Laughter echoes off the wooden beams, plates clatter as food is passed around, and the smell of Harper’s pot roast and fresh-baked rolls fills the air. It’s been a few weeks since my father’s arrest, and every day since then has felt like a gift I’m still learning how to accept. The weight that used to sit on my chest is gone. In its place is something light and hopeful—a future I never dared to dream about.
I sit beside Boyd at the long table, my hand resting on his thigh under the tablecloth. He covers it with his own, warm and steady, thumb brushing slow circles over my knuckles. Every touch from him still sends a quiet thrill through me. I glance up at him and catch him watching me with that soft look he saves only for me. The corner of his mouth lifts in the smallest smile, the one that makes my heart flutter every single time.
“I love you,” I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear.
His eyes darken with warmth. “I love you too, baby girl. More every day.”
The words settle over me like a blanket. I still can’t believe this is my life now. I’m safe. I’m loved. I’m home.
Harper sits at the head of the table with Poppi on her lap, the little girl happily gnawing on a soft roll. Rafe’s beside her, one arm draped over the back of her chair, looking more relaxed than I have ever seen him. Kayley’s helping Aidan with a small piece of chicken while Gavin watches them with quiet affection. Sadie and Thorne sit close together, Lily between them, the teenager laughing at something Rhett just said. Emma leans into Rhett’s side, her hand resting on her small baby bump. Fiona and Chase are arguing playfully about who makes better cornbread. Daisy is telling Hannah a story about the garden, both of them smiling. Silas watches Hannah like she’s his everything. Wyatt and Harlan sit at the far end, single but clearly content to be part of this loud, chosen family.
This is what I always wanted. A big, noisy, loving family. People who choose each other every single day. I look around the table and feel my eyes sting with happy tears. Boyd notices and squeezes my hand.
“You okay?” he asks softly.
“Better than okay,” I whisper. “I’m so happy. I never thought I could have this.”
He leans in and kisses my temple. “You deserve it. All of it.”
The conversation flows easily around us. Harper teases Silas about burning the rolls last week. Kayley tells a funny story about Aidan trying to pull at one of the goat’s ears. Sadie shares how Lily is doing in her online classes. I listen and laugh, adding small comments when I can. Boyd stays mostly quiet, but he participates in his own way—a nod here, a dry comment there. Ilove how comfortable he is in his silence. He doesn’t need to fill the space. He just is.
After the main course, when everyone’s finishing dessert, Wyatt clears his throat. The table quiets a little.
“I’m heading out tomorrow,” he says. “Scouting a new route around Timber Creek. There have been some reports of unusual activity near the old logging roads. I want to check it out before it becomes a problem.”
The mood shifts slightly. Concern ripples through the group.
“Be careful,” Harper says immediately. “We’ve had enough excitement lately.”
Rafe nods. “Take one of the satellite phones. Check in every few hours.”
Boyd looks at Wyatt. “You need backup?”
Wyatt shakes his head. “I’ll be fine. Just a scouting run. I’ll be back in a few days.”
