“Yeah. She got suspended for a week and broke her finger.” That shit freaking hurt. But I didn’t regret it for a second. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The look on that little jerk’s face was worth every second of the pain.
“I got in trouble because I sucker punched him wrong.” I roll my eyes. “None of them were even mad that I had hit him. Only that I didn’t know how to do it the right way. My brothers made me practice my right hook for a month.”
“Seems to have paid off,” Bow says, sounding proud of me.
“No boys would go near her after that. It was a small blessing.”
“Like I cared.” I lean back into Bow, resting my head on him. My belly is full, my best friend and my brother are here. No one is dead and I’m sitting in the lap of the man I love. He didn't back down from my brother. He not only stood his ground, but he let me get my two cents in too. I love that he trusts that I can handle myself.
Mason lets out a long sigh. “You look happy.”
“I am. I’m in love.” Bow kisses my neck.
“Well, it looks good on you. It’s not surprising you brought the Monk down.”
“Monk?” Bunny asks, looking around. “You punched a monk too?”
I laugh. “No, I did not punch a monk.”
“I wouldn't put it past you.” Bunny laughs with me.
“I’ll leave it be then. I was just surprised and pissed I couldn't get ahold of you. I got worked up and worried.”
“I understand.” I feel Bow nod in agreement.
“So you’re going to be okay with me asking her to marry me?” Bow asks. My stomach flutters. I knew it was coming, but hearing it sounds so good too.
“Of course he is. He’ll walk me down the aisle,” I answer for him.
“PJ.” Mason actually looks a little shocked. It should be Dad walking me down the aisle. I know that’s what he’s thinking. “It would be an honor.”
I wiggle myself free from Bow’s hold, going over to my brother to give him a hug. “You gonna talk the others down?” I whisper in his ear.
“Yeah, but I think they’ll see how happy you are. You’ll be nice and safe out here. I don’t think anyone can take you from him.” I laugh because it’s true. It’s also really hot.
The rest of the night goes off without a hitch. Lots of laughter and good times. This is the life. I didn't know what I’d been missing. I look up at the stars that now light up the sky, giving my mom and dad a silent thank you for bringing me here. Where I found a love as fierce as theirs.
We see everyone out with promises to do it again. Mason said he’ll bring the rest of my brothers next time. That should be fun. I know Bow and I can handle it, though.
“That wasn't so bad.” I turn, looking up at Bow as the taillights fade in the distance. Who would have thought this is where Bunny and I would end up?
“No it wasn't.” Bow drops to his knee in front of me.
“Bow.” My heart starts to race.
“Give me your hand, kitten.” I hold it out. “You gonna marry me? Make me the luckiest man in the world?”
“You know I am.” He slips a ring on to my finger. Where and when did he get a ring? I look down at it and all the air leaves my lungs.
“Bow.” My eyes fill with tears.
“Don’t cry on me. Your tears will kill me.” He picks me up, carrying me inside to the bedroom.
“How?” My hand shakes. I can’t remember the last time I saw this ring.
“Mason. I think his blow-up was a lot of show. A test because he brought this with him. Said it was yours.”
“It was my mom’s.”
“It looks good on you.”
“It does, doesn't it?” I’m smiling so much my face is going to hurt tomorrow. How someone can cry and smile at the same time I’ll never know. Bow runs his fingers through my hair, tilting my head back to kiss me. I moan into his mouth. “Make love to me.”
I grab his shirt, pulling him down onto the bed over me. Bow doesn't have to be asked twice. This man will always make love to me. We’ve gone from never being kissed to having it all. It was worth the wait.EpilogueMonths later“Well, if we can’t figure out the baby gate, the baby sure isn't going to,” Jameson drawls.
“Isn’t that the fucking truth.” I run my hand down my face. I had no idea what went into babyproofing a house, but I’ve been all over it. Precious says I’m being ridiculous. She’s only five months along, so it will be well over a year before the baby is moving around the house. I like to be prepared. Plus, this shit is a whole lot harder to figure out. I’ve seen bombs less complicated than this thing.