Discover Love(97)

 

She smiled, her hazel eyes holding his dark ones. "I don't want to go back to that life, Luke. I've discovered that I'm better with friends … stronger with people … and better with you. I love you too."

 

Leaning forward, he kissed her, his lips moving softly over hers. A kiss of forever.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 33

 

 

 

 

Epilogue

 

(Sixteen months later)

 

 

Charlie and Luke sat with David, all three clapping and whistling as Penny walked across the stage, receiving her high school diploma. She turned her bright blue eyes and wide smile to the trio sitting near the front of the parents' section.

 

As the graduates were finally released, she rushed over to them, receiving hugs of congratulations. David mimicked Luke's position, placing his arm around Penny just as Charlie was tucked next to Luke.

 

 

 

        

          

        

         

 

"I'm so glad you came," Penny said. "The Delaros are throwing me a party. Will you come?"

 

"Of course," Charlie replied, her warm smile matching the new grad's.

 

An hour later, Charlie stepped out of Miriam's parents' back door, surveying the scene in front of her. The backyard was filled with people. All of the Saints were there, including their wives and fiancés. Glancing down at her left hand, the beautiful diamond engagement ring sparkled in the late spring sunshine. Luke had proposed last Christmas and she could not wait to become Mrs. Luke Costas. Her job with the Saints had continued and she threw herself into the world of cyber-investigating. Smiling, she remembered laughing as Luke presented her with her own St. Charles medallion, discovering he was the patron saint of learning.

 

Hearing screams of laughter, she watched as some of the Saints' children ran, supervised by the adults. Cam's family was there as well, having grown fond of Penny, including seeing her relationship with David mature with time.

 

Penny and David, sharing smiles as they moved amongst the guests, caused Charlie's eyes to close momentarily, remembering how close they came to losing them. She jumped as hands came to settle on her waist from behind.

 

"Hey sweetheart," Luke whispered in her ear. "Whatcha doing?"

 

"Just looking around," she replied, leaning her head back against his chest. "Sometimes it's still hard for me to believe."

 

Wrapping his arms around her body, he pulled her tighter. "What is, babe?"

 

"All this," she indicated, her hand sweeping out over the crowd. Twisting her head around to look into his face, she explained, "After all those years of being a loner, it's hard to believe that I have all of this. Friends, co-workers, people I trust and love."

 

Dropping a kiss on her nose, he inquired, "And with all of these people, is there anyone in particular you've found to love?"

 

Pretending to ponder his question, she giggled when he poked her in the ribs. "Yes, of course," she admitted easily. "You. You're my greatest discovery of all."

 

Turning her in his arms, he kissed her lips, battling the desire to carry her away somewhere private where he could show her just how he felt about her admission. Pulling back, he said, "Too many eyes are here, but tonight sweetheart … we'll discover each other all over again."

 

With that promise, she smiled as they turned to walk down the path to join their friends.

 

The next Saints Protection & Investigation book, Surviving Love will be released May 2017.

 

The spin-off series, Baytown Boys Series, has begun! Click here for Coming Home.