“I suppose I could fit you into my planner,” I jest with a grin.
Epilogue 1
Colton
It’s winter. Almost Christmas. It’s one of my favorite holidays. When I walk into our apartment, shoving open the door and kicking it shut, I smell the faint aroma of gingerbread.
But what I find in the living room is more appetizing than any confectionary. Violet is sitting in the window seat, her thigh-high woolen socks adorn perfectly toned legs, and her jumper hangs just under her ass. She looks like a flawless sculpture.
Her hair hangs in waves down to the middle of her back, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more entranced by anything in my life. She truly is spectacular. She’s reading a book, but when I enter the room, she looks up and offers me one of her bright smiles.
“Wow,” she giggles. “That’s a lot of gifts.” She moves from her seat to help me with the bags. But all I want is for her to be in my arms. Who knew that this feisty little lady would set me straight? Simon can’t wait to meet the woman who’s finally tamed the Brazen Bachelor.
“Yeah, but I needed something for Simon and Bridget. And then, of course, I need to spoil Brendan and the twins.”
“I can’t wait to meet them all.” She smiles up at me. Even though we’ve only been living together for six months, after our roller coaster start, things have evened out, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
I decided to take her to see Simon and his lady, Bridget. Simon being one of my oldest friends, has given me enough flack about finally settling down. Over the years, he never believed he would see the day Colton King finally settles down. To be honest, I didn’t think I would either.
“I have something for you though,” I confess, pulling out an Apple box from one of the shopping parcels and handing it to her.
“An iPad?” She looks confused, but I can’t wait for her to see what I’ve done. With the help of Blythe and Clarissa, this was the only way I would be able to do it.
“Unlock it,” I tell her. Silently, Violet swipes the screen, and it unlocks seamlessly. The browser pops up, and I watch as she stares at the screen.
Epilogue 2
Violet
My eyes sting with emotion as I scan the letter on the tablet. I can’t believe he’s done this. My chest is filled with affection, with love, and I know I haven’t said it to him yet, but I know it’s time.
I re-read the letter in silence.
Dear Ida,
There’s a girl I know. She’s been in my life for a while now, and she’s made me a better man just by being there for me when I least expected her to be. By giving me a chance to prove to her that I can make her happy. She’s beautiful, funny, her laugh is infectious, and it’s a sound I want to hear until I’m old and gray, and even when I take my last breath.
Today, I want to go down on one knee and ensure she realizes, she’s now stuck with me. I’ve told her once, but I need to assure her, she’s mine, or I risk losing her, and that’s not an option. She’s everything to me, the air in my lungs, the light in my life, and the star in my dark night. She’s saved me without knowing she did it.
I want to tell her I love her. I’ve loved her since the moment I laid my eyes on her, and no woman who walks by me will ever turn my head because Violet is everything I could ever want in a woman, in a partner, in a wife. And hopefully soon, a mother to my children.
So, I’d like to ask her for all the world to see, if she would do me the absolute pleasure of being my wife. I know there is a risk she’ll say no, but I’m taking that chance because hell, I’m a brazen man, no longer a bachelor, but most certainly owned by the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
In love in New York
When I finally look up, I find Colton on one knee holding a small velvet box which has a stunning cushion-cut diamond ring set on a gold band. The gemstone glints in the low lights from our ceiling.
“Colton.”
“What do you say, love?” he implores, hope sparkling in his sparkling eyes, and I blink the emotion away as it falls with joy. “No crying now.”
“They’re tears of happiness, Colton. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” he affirms in that accent that’s stolen my heart and soul. “Will you marry me?”
“I’ll have to check my planner,” I tease with a giggle, which earns me an eye roll before he slips the ring on my finger.
I’ve taken the Brazen Bachelor off the market, and it feels good.
THE END
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Acknowledgments
I am so humbled to be included in the Cocky Hero World, and I have to thank Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward for the opportunity to dive into their incredible series, and write this story. I loved delving into Colton and Violet’s journey, and I hope you’ve enjoyed them as well!
To my BETA readers, editor, and my proofer, thank you for getting this into a beautifully polished manuscript, and for loving these two incredible characters so much.
To my readers, thank you for always being there for me. IF it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be living my dream, bringing you stories that you can fall in love with.
And to all the bloggers who love and support me, thank you so much! You are invaluable with everything you do.
Mad love,
Dani xo
Also by Dani René
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Choosing the Hart
Love Beyond Words
Cuffed
Fragile Innocence
Perfectly Flawed
Black Light: Obsessed
Among Ash and Ember
Cursed in Love (collaboration with Cora Kenborn)
Cursed Angels (collaboration with Anna Edwards)
Beautifully Brutal (Cavalieri Della Morte)
How the Mind Breaks
The Devil’s Plaything
Taboo Novellas
Sunshine and the Stalker (collaboration with K Webster)
His Temptation
Austin’s Christmas Shortcake
Crime and Punishment (Newsletter Exclusive)
Malignus (Inferno World Novella)
Tempting Grayson
Thornes & Roses Series
A Cut so Deep (Book 1)
Gilded Sovereign Series
Cruel War (Book #1)
Volatile Love (Book #2)
Sins of Seven Series
Kneel (Book #1)
Obey (Book #2)
Indulge (Book #3)
Ruthless (Book #4)
Bound (Book #5)
Envy (Book #6)