Heart racing, she studied his face, unable to comprehend what he was telling her.
He sat back, removing his arm from around her shoulders. “The damn thing is…I’ve never stopped loving you.” Scrubbing a hand over his jaw, he looked at her. “When this op came up, I was certain the feelings we used to share were dead and buried. They’re not, Brit. Not for me.”
She couldn’t breathe, the sense of hope clawing at her. Finding her courage, she set a hand on his thigh. “I never stopped loving you either, Scott. If I could take back our last evening together, I would. Leaving you was the worst mistake of my life.”
A slow grin tipped the corners of his mouth. “So, what are we going to do about it?”
“Do you want to know what I want?”
“Lay it on me, babe.”
Sucking in a lungful of air, she swallowed. “I don’t want to leave. My home isn’t in Phoenix, Scott.”
Taking her hand in both of his, he met her gaze, seeing hope as well as his future. “Your home is here, with me. Marry me, Brit. Build the future we should’ve started years ago. I have the perfect home, with room for lots of kids.”
Pursing her lips, she tried and failed at stopping a tear from rolling down her cheek. “Are you certain? It’s a lifetime deal. If I stay, you’re never going to get rid of me.”
Cupping her face with both hands, he kissed her. “So you’ll marry me?”
A bright smile pierced his heart. “There’s nothing I want more.”
Epilogue
Two months later…
“A toast.” Wrath held up his glass, casting a glance at the couple beside him. “To Fuse and Brittany. It took them a long time to figure out what they wanted and seize a shared future. May their love and family thrive. And may Fuse learn a happy wife means a happy life.”
A roar of laughter mixed with congratulations tore through the crowd outside Scott’s home. They’d decided to have the wedding and reception in his huge yard. The women had spent a full day erecting trellises around the area, decorating them and the tables with flowers, bows, and candles.
Fuse and Brittany had wanted to hire a caterer. Cara, Tessa, Dani, Becca, Julia, Tori, and Ali had vetoed the idea, volunteering to cook. When the wives made up their minds, little could deter them.
Walking among their friends, the newlyweds stopped often to accept congratulations and talk about their plans. Fuse had a hard time believing this day had come. He’d pinched himself more than once until he accepted Brittany had agreed to marry him.
Continuing toward the patio, they stopped when Brittany’s parents approached. Giving her hand a quick squeeze, he tugged her closer.
“Senator Blackmore. Mrs. Blackmore. We’re glad you were able to attend.”
Brittany hugged her parents, kissing their cheeks. The couple hadn’t arrived until a few minutes before the ceremony started, taking their seats across from Fuse’s parents in the front.
“We wouldn’t have missed our daughter’s wedding.” Marta Blackmore’s expression showed regret. Not for their marriage, but because of the way she and her husband had interfered all those years ago. “May I see your home, Brittany?”
“Of course, Mother. Please excuse us.” Brittany looped her arm through Marta’s, heading for the house.
Senator Blackmore, almost as tall as Fuse, watched the women leave before turning back to his son-in-law. “We made a grave mistake when you and our daughter were first together. Her mother and I thought we were doing what was best, encouraging her to call things off with you. We were wrong, Scott. I hope someday you’ll be able to forgive us.”
Fuse held out his hand, waiting until the senator clasped it. “Done. Let me get you a drink, Senator.”
“My name’s Harold. I expect you to use it.”
Turning around, the men headed to the refreshment table. Fuse introduced his father-in-law to his fellow Brethren and the people from WES. After a few minutes, he excused himself, joining Gunner on the edge of the crowd, following his friend’s gaze.
“Which one are you watching?” Fuse sipped his whiskey. “Val, Gwen, or Katrina,” mentioning three single women, all friends of the wives.
“Who says I’m interested in any of them?”
“You going to dispute it? If you aren’t going to tell me, I’ll be forced to guess.”
Massaging the back of his neck, Gunner groaned. “Guess if you want. Doesn’t mean it’s any of them. I’m not like you. I’ve no interest in committing to one woman.”
Fuse could hear the lie in his friend’s voice, deciding to keep quiet. “If you say so.” He already knew Gunner had it bad for Katrina Snowden. Kat to her friends. She worked for Val’s aunt at her nursery. Sweet, smart, and a little shy, she was a perfect match for Gunner.
“I’d better talk to the others. Let me know when you’ve made your choice.” Fuse nodded toward the women, chuckling as he left.
Rooted in place, and despite his assurances to Fuse, Gunner kept his gaze on one specific woman. He’d been trying to build up the courage to ask her out for months. Never had he hesitated asking a woman on a date. For some reason, the petite, wavy haired beauty scared him to death. Not that he’d admit it to anyone.
A slap on his back had Gunner turning to face Rock. “You got a minute to talk? Wrath wants to tell us something.”
“Must be important if he wants to do it at Fuse’s wedding.”
Rock nodded. “Come on. It won’t take long.” He led the way past the guests to the barn. Inside, the Posse, the original members of the Brethren, and a few others stood around.
Wrath crossed his arms, his expression solemn. “I’ll make this brief so we can all get back to celebrating. You all know we took out the Night Devils local chapter. At the same time, we eliminated their national leadership. It’s going to be a while before they’re able to rebuild from such a loss.”
“That’s great news, Wrath,” Wrangler called out.
Lips thinning, he shook his head. “It would be except for the chatter Raider and Penny have picked up. It seems we may have traded one outlaw gang for an even deadlier one. Raider?”
“It isn’t good news, boys. Word of the Night Devils departure has prompted a club based out of Las Vegas to form an interest in Liberty Lake. From what Penny and I dug up, they’re considered to be one of the most dangerous gangs in the world.”
Wrath stepped next to Raider, his expression grim. “Our world is about to change, gentlemen. We’re about to be invaded by the Dark Disciples MC.”
Thank you for taking the time to read Undaunted. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
Watch for book nine in the Eternal Brethren series, Resolute.
If you want in on all the backstage action of the Eternal Brethren, join the Readers Posse.
Join my Newsletter to be notified of Pre-Orders and New Releases:
https://www.shirleendavies.com/
I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at