Release!: A Walker Brothers Novel (The Walker Brothers #1)(50)

“I’d like to tell them the truth eventually,” I told him hesitantly. I’d always wanted a brother, and I planned on making Trace’s family my own.

“Then tell them. You can decide whether or not you want to share your past. It doesn’t matter to me in any way except that I hate how much you suffered.”

I cuddled into his warm body, feeling so content that I couldn’t move if the house was on fire. God, I loved the way he trusted my judgment, the way he was willing to accept anything I decided to do. “I’ll think about it.”

I was tired, and my eyes closed as I relaxed against him. “I love you so much. Merry Christmas, Trace.”

“Merry Christmas, baby,” he replied as he kissed me tenderly on the forehead.

As I drifted off to sleep, I marveled at the fact that this Christmas hadn’t exactly gone the way I’d planned. I’d known that this job with Trace would change my life, but I just didn’t know how much.

I never imagined when I’d went with plan ‘A’ the day I met Trace, that not only would I be saved from the streets, but I’d end up truly being loved.

For a woman like me who had never known a whole lot of love in her life, it was nothing less than a miracle, and the best gift I could ever receive.

I feel asleep with a smile on my lips and my arms wrapped tightly around my best Christmas present ever.





Epilogue

Trace



Several Months Later…



Any man who thinks getting married isn’t stressful for the groom is a damn idiot!

I was a nervous wreck as I waited in the ante room assigned to the groom and groomsmen, waiting for what seemed like forever to be called to take our places.

Dane looked uncomfortable in his black tuxedo that was very similar to mine, but he wasn’t complaining. I knew it wasn’t easy for him to leave his island to stand up for me at my wedding, and I was damn grateful he was there. I knew he was doing it for me…and for Eva. My youngest brother had become very fond of Eva, and since she called him several times a week, he was starting to become a little more social. My sweet Eva could be stubborn, and she had been pretty damned determined to see me, Sebastian and Dane become as close as we were when we were young.


Little by little…she was accomplishing her goal.

I’d kept the wedding small since Dane was acting as my best man. Sebastian was walking Eva down the aisle, a responsibility he was taking very seriously. In fact, my middle brother had become a model partner, which was giving me some extra time to spend with Eva before she started culinary school in the fall. We were departing for a very long honeymoon shortly after the wedding, a vacation where I hoped we’d spent a lot of time naked.

Even though I was nervous, I smiled just a little because I knew Eva. She’d be determined to see the sights in places she’d never been before. I’d be just as stubborn about wanting us naked and f*cking until I could get rid of the constant erection I sported whenever I was near her.

We’d reach a compromise.

We always did.

“I’m off to go find the bride. It’s almost time,” Sebastian mentioned anxiously.

Hell, he sounded almost as nervous as I was. I looked at my middle brother, grateful for all the discussions we’d had about the past. We didn’t talk much about it anymore, and I think we were past our differences. I hadn’t known what he wanted, and he hadn’t spoken up. We’d both taken our share of the blame and came out closer because of it.

“Don’t scare my bride off,” I grumbled as I looked at Sebastian who was dressed almost the same as me and Dane.

“I’m actually hoping she’ll dump you at the alter and run away with me,” Sebastian said mischievously.

I glared at him, but refused to let him goad me. There was nothing he enjoyed more than watching me get irritated and possessive. Honestly, I knew Eva was safe with Sebastian. He didn’t poach in another man’s territory, and he wasn’t about to steal away with my bride. Besides, I knew that Eva loved me. Still, I didn’t appreciate his humor right now.

“Just go find her and Isa, smart ass,” I growled.

Sebastian just grinned and ambled off to find my bride and her Matron of Honor.

I’d gotten to like Isa and her husband, Robert. They’d both come over to the house for dinner several times now, and I found myself looking forward to those casual nights with company. Isa was a sweet woman, and her husband was a rich guy with a sense of humor. The two of them were always welcome, pleasant guests.

“Are you okay?” Dane asked curiously.

“Fine,” I answered abruptly.

“You’re looking a little nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you anxious before.”

“I’ve never gotten married before,” I replied drily. “I just want to get this over with. I just want Eva to be mine.”

“Do you think she’s going to run away? She’s already yours, Trace. Relax.”

Easy for him to say. He’s never had a woman who had him by the balls. Not that Eva ever took advantage of that fact. But sometimes it was f*cking terrifying to love someone that much.

“We’re ready gentlemen,” the wedding planner said from the doorway.

“Showtime,” Dane said unhappily.