Page 64 of Reid

Clay reared back and punched Claude so hard Reid heard his jaw pop and knew it would be a while before he’d look in the mirror without crying like a baby. The thought made him smile inside.

Then there was silence. Reid turned and pulled Callie to his body, holding her tight, not ever wanting to let go. He was relieved when she held him back, her fingers digging into his shoulders. Her scent surrounded him and ran his hand over her back, her hair, everywhere to ensure she was safe and in his arms.

Reid pulled back to look at her. “Did he hurt you?”

Callie shook her head. “No, just ranted a lot and frightened me.”

Reid growled and glared at the man on the ground who was still unconscious from the blow Clay had dealt him. He cupped her cheeks and looked deeply into her eyes. “I love you so much, Callie. I’m so sorry I was an asshole. Can you ever forgive me?”

She angled her head as she looked at him and then smiled as she burrowed close to his side. “You have a lot of grovelling to do, but yes, I can forgive you.”

“Thank fuck for that.”

“But if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I’m going to kick your ass.”

Reid knew then that it would all be okay because he had his sunshine back.

Epilogue

FIVE YEARS LATER

A pool party had been Reid’s idea. As Callie looked around at the people in their garden on this hot summer day in Hereford, she realised as usual he was correct. What better way to celebrate their wedding anniversary than with everyone they loved? Although why he insisted on celebrating their fourth anniversary as if it was their silver, she didn’t know, but she secretly liked it that he did.

After their rocky start, their love had been smooth sailing. She’d sold her apartment in London and moved to Hereford and into his apartment overlooking the river. She’d loved that place, but a year after the wedding, they’d moved again, and had bought this plot. Working with an architect to build their dream home had been fun, and she loved her home, marvelling every day she got to live there.

It was a sizeable five-bedroom home, with open plan living space, an office for her to work from, and a kitchen that was a chef’s delight according to Alex. It had a vast garden with an outdoor-indoor pool. It was quirky, but it worked for the climate, the roof and walls allowed them to use it in winter, and the fact three of the walls slid back and the roof folded away made it perfect for summer too.

Her favourite by far though was the balcony off their bedroom. It was set back from the elements and spanned the width of the room. An outdoor heater and rattan couch made it perfect for her and Reid to relax.

Although since their little rascal had arrived, relaxing hadn’t been on the agenda quite as often, not that she would change it for the world. Rafe had just turned two and was the light of their lives.

Callie stood and moved towards the pool as she watched Reid throw their son in the air and catch him with a splash while Rafe squealed in delight. Her smile was automatic and huge, and something she did all the time now. His head turned to her, her belly clenched with desire and love for this wonderful man at the soft look he gave her.

“You got any more suntan lotion, babe?”

Callie turned and looked at Liam beside her and grinned. “Did you forget again?”

Liam gave her a sheepish smile. “Don’t tell her, she’ll kick my ass,” he said, but they both knew he adored his wife as much as she adored him.

“I have some in the downstairs bathroom cupboard.”

“Thanks, babe.”

A flick of water landed on them both, and she jumped and spun to see Reid approaching with Rafe in his arms.

“That’s it, son. Splash the bad man flirting with mommy.”

Callie rolled her eyes and smiled.

“I wasn’t flirting.” Liam took Rafe from his father and played ‘got ya nose’ with him. “Come on, Rafe, come keep Uncle Liam company while we find the suntan lotion.”

She watched Liam walk away with their son and then found herself in her husband’s arms. She looked up as she placed her hands on his wet muscled chest and desire pooled heavy in her belly. Her man was still ripped and gorgeous and so many times she woke in the night asking the universe how she got to be so lucky.

His hands slid to the curve of her ass as he dipped his head. “You look good enough to eat in this bikini.”

“I do?” Her head angled, until she was looking at the slight curve of her belly where their second son grew.

“You do. So much so that I’m thinking about throwing everyone out and taking you back to our room and doing just that.”