Hetch (Men OF S.W.A.T #1)(105)

I let the room fall away from us as I imagine us together in his home. I can see it. I can see us living there in the beautiful home, even through the chaos of all the renovations. But most of all, I can feel it.

“You’ve gone quiet.” He pulls me out of my vision.

“Did you practice that speech?” I blurt, my heart beating wildly in my chest. In my head, I see myself reacting differently, but I can’t seem to switch off the stupid.

“Yeah, with hand gestures and all, but I dropped them last minute,” he replies, letting the heavy tension fall away from our easy candor. “Did it win you over?” he asks when the silence grows too wide.

“You didn’t have to win me, Hetch. You had me already.”

His hands cradle my face as he slows the moment down. “So that’s a yes?” His eyes track mine, holding me frozen to him as if he’s willing the right answer from within me.

“Yes, it’s–” His lips crash to mine before I can finish my reply.

It’s not a simple everyday kiss, but one that changes our lives. Changes our future.

“I love you, sweetheart,” he says as he pulls away, but even breaking the kiss, our eyes stay locked on one another.

“And I love you.”

I never thought the night he interrupted me and my “jacked-up vibrator” as he puts it, we would be where we are right now. Hell, I never thought I’d fall in love again, but here I am. Here we are.

The paths we traveled separately brought us to one another.

He thinks I saved him from himself, but he saved me. And when I close my eyes, I see the faces of all the people who love him; and I see, even if briefly, how he saved each one of them: his mom, Kota, the guys on his team, Mitch. And it makes me love him more.

Harder. Deeper. Stronger.

Forever.





Epilogue





HETCH




four months later





“So we have a bit of a dilemma.”

I turn at Payton’s voice. “Please tell me she isn’t here.” My eyes scan the back deck, hoping the surprise isn’t ruined.“No, no. She’s not here. But neither is her mom or dad.”

“Have you heard from them?” I look down at my watch, checking how late they are. Everyone was meant to be here an hour early so this wouldn’t happen.

“Yeah, they're running late. They’re not going to be here for another ten minutes.

Crap. Liberty should be here in less than fifteen.

“Okay, so I'll call B, see how far away she is.” Stepping away from the noise of the house, I pull my phone out of my pocket and bring up her name. She answers on the third ring, less chirpy than when I sent her out the door to work this morning.

“Hello, birthday girl.” Her grunt of a reply only proves she’s trying not to be pissed that no one has called her today to wish her happy birthday. “Have you left yet?” I ignore her attitude. Soon she’ll realize why everyone has stayed clear from her today.

“Just getting in my car now.” I grin because even though I can’t see her, I can picture the soft pout on her lips, and the crease in her brow that deepens when she’s sulking.

“How did it go?” I brave her attitude, because as much as I want to get her to this party, the meeting she’s been at for most of the afternoon was with Mitch’s caseworker regarded visitation for Dominic. While Mitch originally stated he wanted nothing to do with Dominic, these last few months have given him time to think it over some more. Surprisingly, like us, Dominic has been supportive of his brother's decision and hasn’t pushed the issue of seeing him. In the beginning, I didn’t buy it, but now, it’s not hard to see he’s trying. I’m not saying I trust the situation completely, but Dominic has kept himself out of trouble. Got himself a job at a local mechanics. He’s passing his random drug tests that are a part of his probation and from the intel Detective Marsh has been giving me, he hasn’t been affiliated with The Disciples since he testified against Anton.

“Yeah, it was fine. Everything is set for next week.” She sighs. A rush of breath pulses through the phone, tickling my ear with its vibrations.

“You okay?” I press, knowing she’s not. She’s trying so hard to be supportive of Mitch in whatever he decides, but welcoming Dominic back in his life is a big step, one neither of us have taken lightly. It’s nerve wracking. We’re all wondering if this is going to be a huge mistake. If Dominic is going to undo all the good Mitch has achieved these last few months.

“Just tell me this is a good thing.” The plea is desperate, so I give her what she needs.

“This is a good thing, Lib. Mitch is ready. He’s taken his time to come to this decision. Thought it through. He’s not a kid, and we need to respect his need for family in his life.” The soft sigh of relief washes over me, as my words do their job.

“You’re right. I’m just worrying.”

“I know you are, sweetheart, and that’s why Mitch is lucky. But please don’t worry about this too much. I’ve got Mitch’s back, and if Dom f*cks up, even once, I’m there.”

“Thank you.” I’m not sure if she’s thanking me for having Mitch’s back or for reassuring her. Either way, I accept it.