Page 97 of The Commander

“Thank you, sir. I promise I will love and honor your daughter with every breath I have.”

“Good.”

I walk out of Dad’s study with hope in my heart and the two men I love in my wake.

EPILOGUE

NOAH

Three months later

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I spin Quinn around in my arms after we’re pronounced man and wife. Standing in the sand on a Californian beach feels right somehow now that we’ve made this place our home.

My Ducati is parked nearby, waiting to whisk her away on our honeymoon. We are going on a road trip across the States, just as she wished for.

“Hello, husband.” She grins, the flowers in her hair matching perfectly with her boho-style cream wedding dress.

I’m in a pair of beige shorts and shirt. Beside me, Hayden is standing up for me, dressed similarly. The BHS newbie and I bonded like we were long-lost friends. I can’t explain it. One minute we were having a beer, and the next I was asking him to be my best man.

“Congratulations, bro.” He slaps me on the back as I release Quinn to take her bouquet from Jeannie.

Our bridesmaid is in a silky blush pink dress—so I’m told—and the colors tie into the flowers. I never knew weddings were so complex.

In truth, I loved watching Quinn plan. She has softened in a way I think she always wanted to, no longer having to prove herself among men. She’s still a great soldier but can now be the woman she is, as well.

Also, I don’t highlight it, but she talks about being a mother a lot. A lot! Whenever it happens, I’m ready.

Around us, our friends circle in, throwing petals and clapping.

The BHS boys are all here. Josh and Cassy. Aidan and Briar with the twins, and Cole, Marshall and Jake with their families.

Nearby, a bonfire awaits the sun to set, and a barbeque has been set up with a marquee. This is a private beach owned by Ryder and Savannah, so we can party for as long as we like tonight. Although it’s almost December, it gets cool early.

Dad wanders over and kisses Quinn’s cheek, then turns to me. “Congratulations, son. How do you feel?”

“Happy.” I shake his hand and do the same with Colonel Parker when he and Mrs. Parker reach us. The two men met a few days ago, and while they have little in common, they’re cordial. I leave them all to chat and grin as Josh approaches.

“I’ll be honest, after the last time we were here when Liam gave you a shiner for almost kissing Jessie, I never thought you were the settling down type.”

“That was a total misunderstanding,” I laugh.

First, she was Liam’s best friend’s sister, so he wasn’t meant to be messing around with her, either.

“Seems to be a lot of those.” Josh shakes his head, then spots Hayden. “Don’t mean to spoil the fun and talk shop, but we are going to need you in New York in a few weeks. So, plan for that.”

“In the new office?” Hayden asks, referring to the new private security BHS office that’s opened in Manhattan.

“No. Aidan and I are heading to a conference, and we’re taking Briar and Cassy with us so they can do some Christmas shopping. Want a few extra eyes on them.”

“Shopping, and we’re going ice skating in Central Park.” Cassy joins us, hugging Josh’s arm, looking thrilled about the trip.

“I’m so excited.” Briar sidles up. “I hope it snows.”

“Better not.” Aidan swoops an arm around his wife. “We’re there for work, so you two need to keep out of trouble.”

Briar and Cassy smirk at one another, proving they will be doing nothing of the sort.