Epilogue

Ryker straightened his black tie, adjusting the knot tighter against his neck to stifle the nervousness rising up from his chest as he listened to the upbeat music and laughter on the other side of the door. His promotion to captain had come sooner than he planned, but the decision to return to the Houston Police Department had been an easy one, especially with Jo Jo’s blessing.

The new responsibility was in itself a life-changing move, but his anxious qualms had little to do with his job.

Today would be the day.

The make it or break it moment.

He blew out a heavy breath, wishing his father could be there to see his accomplishments and meet Jo Jo. He’d really like her.

“You got this,” he said to his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Moving to the doorway, he headed back out into the crowd to find the love of his life. The celebration she’d put together after the awards ceremony was spectacular. A mix of close friends and family all here to celebrate him. Perfect—for more than one reason.

He smiled.

Scanning the happy partygoers, his gaze fell on the lovely vision in green he searched for. She stood, laughing with his mother and her father, her beautiful auburn hair twisted up on top of her head in a loose bun, tiny ringlets dancing around the delicate skin of her neck. His mouth shriveled dry.

He shook his head. She was still so out of his league.

Trudging forward, he closed the distance, coming to stop beside her. “Mother,” he said, planting a soft kiss on her cheek.

McNamee patted him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, son. A promotion well deserved.” His warm smile radiated with sincerity and a hint of pride.

Ryker felt the anxiety build even further. “Thank you, sir.”

“When are you going to come get that silly dog of yours?” His mother reached up and loosened his tie. “He’s just about destroyed my entire garden.”

“Soon. I promise.” He turned his attention to Jo Jo, her amused grin giving him the extra courage he needed. “Jo Jo, can I steal you away?”

She met his gaze, those amazing emerald eyes, their color even brighter due to the green sparkles on her dress, causing his heart rate to spike.

“Sure. Please excuse us,” she said.

“You look amazing.” Ryker wet his lips, as he linked his fingers with hers and squeezed.

“As do you, Captain Kane.” A sexy expression eased over her features. “What can I do for you?” Her tone rang professional and teasing as hell.

He gulped back the caveman urge to throw her over his shoulder and haul her beautiful ass somewhere private so he could show her exactly what she could do for him. “Let’s talk on the patio.”

“Everything okay?” Her voice softened.

“It will be.” He slipped his hand from hers and opened the French doors at the back of the banquet hall, leading her out onto the covered patio decked out with white lights and streamers. Once far enough away from the noise and laughter of the party, he turned to face her, grabbing both her hands in his.

“You’re kind of scaring me. What’s wrong?”

He leaned down and kissed her nose. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Sam told you, didn’t she? I’m going to kill her.” She dropped her shoulders, her ruby red lips shifting into a pout. “I was going to talk to you before the party, but—”

“Told me what?” He straightened. His anxiety upped several degrees, beads of sweat formed on brow. Damn. She’d already made her decision. The one that would have her leaving town, going back to law school to finish her degree, and putting way too much distance between them than he wanted.

Not that he would ever ask her to stay behind for him, but he’d wanted to talk to her beforehand. Selfish reasons really. But still.

She reached into the top of her gown and pulled out a key, smiling up at him as his gaze lingered on the swell of her breast. The metal felt warm as she peeled his fingers from hers and placed it into his clenched fist. “This is for you.” Her smile widened.

He stared dumbfounded. “What…?”

“This is a key to my new offices here in Houston.”

“Here? Houston?” His heart thumped erratically.

She nodded, an impish look in her eyes. “I love you, Ryker, and I’m staying where I can keep an eye on you.”

He wanted to pull her close and smother her with kisses, but remained composed. Twirling an auburn ringlet beside her cheek between his fingers, and gripping the key so tightly in his other hand it was starting to hurt he asked, “What changed your mind?”

“Too many parties to plan.”

His lip lifted in a half-ass grin. She’d given him the perfect opening. “You know, those parties will have to wait.”

Her brow crinkled as she tilted her head to the side. “And why is that?”

“You’ll have your hands tied for a while,” he said, lowering himself to one knee, and pulling from his pocket the small black box he’d almost rubbed raw earlier. Her face shifted through a look of confusion, shock, and excitement all in the span of about three seconds. “You see. I love you, too.”

“Ryker?”

“Marry me, Jo Jo.” He swallowed. “Make me not only the happiest, but luckiest man alive.” Opening the box, he lifted the ring for her inspection, praying to hear the word that would set him free from his torment.

“Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you Ryker!” She pulled him up and pressed a quick kiss on his lips. “It’s been an eternity since I’ve felt this happy.”

“Well, then hang on. Cause I plan on topping this moment every chance I get.”

“I’ll hold you to that, Rambo.”

“I’d rather us ditch this party so you can hold that sexy body of yours next to mine instead.” He chuckled as her face flushed, adoring the fact he could still embarrass her. And loving the idea she’d agreed to make his life more complete than he ever deserved.

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