Page 179 of Mission Shift

“Atticus, before I met you, I never thought anyone could truly understand my scars. I thought I had to be strong for everyone—for myself, for my friends, for every patient who ever looked at me like I could help them. But when I met you, I realized I didn’t have to do it alone. You saw all of me—my strengths, my flaws, and my vulnerabilities—and you never flinched. You’ve held me through nightmares and cheered on my successes.”

Atticus blinked fast. A tear fell anyway.

“You never treated me like I was broken. You never asked me to change. You saw all the parts of me I tried to keep hidden. You were there in my darkest hour, and I don’t mean the hospital bed. I mean the moment I thought I could never feel safe again. You gave me back my fire. You made me believe in forever.”Samantha bit down on her lip. “Atticus, I promise to love you with everything I am, to remind you every day that you are not alone, and to stand beside you through every high, every low, and every ordinary Tuesday in between. You are everything I never let myself hope for.”

Tears now slid down Atticus’s cheeks—tears I had never seen him shed. Bethany openly dabbed at her own eyes, her face flushed with emotion.

The officiant spoke again: “May the rings you exchange today remind you of this moment, your promises, and the bond you share.”

I reached into my pocket and pressed Samantha’s band into Atticus’s palm, and Bethany carefully placed Atticus’s ring into Samantha’s hand before they turned back to each other.

Atticus slipped the band onto Samantha’s finger with gentle reverence. Her hands trembled slightly as she returned the gesture, smiling through tears.

I couldn’t help but glance over at Daria. I twisted the band she’d placed on my finger only a few days ago. She tilted her head and smiled at me. God, I was a lucky man. All of us brothers were. Life may have broken us as children, but the women who’d found us had mended our hearts.

Colton lifted his hands and looked warmly at both of them. “Atticus, Samantha, you have declared your vows before those who love and support you. With the exchanging of these vows and rings, it is my honor and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife. Atticus, you may kiss your wife.”

Atticus didn’t hesitate. In one sweeping movement, he pulled Samantha close, dipping her dramatically before kissing her passionately. Cheers erupted from the guests. Samantha laughed joyously, wrapping her arms tightly around Atticus’s shoulders as he righted her. They turned, glowing with happiness, and the crowd rose, clapping wildly.

Suddenly, music blared through the speakers—“Shut up and Dance with Me” by Walk the Moon. Angel handed Samantha her bouquet. Atticus and Sam broke into matching grins, moving up the aisle together in a playful dance. Samantha threw her head back, laughing as Atticus twirled her, and they both danced back along the aisle toward the reception in the pagoda.

Bethany followed, singing loudly and waving her bouquet over her head as she danced her way up the hill. Conan grabbed Anastasia’s hand, spinning her playfully forward, their laughter mingling with the music as they followed Bethany.

I stepped forward, meeting Daria’s amused gaze. Grinning, I took her hand, pulling her from her seat and spinning her into my arms. “Come on, sweetheart,” I whispered, leaning in for a quick, tender kiss. “Let’s dance.”

“Sure thing, Boy Scout,” she laughed, pulling me against her. “Show me your moves.”

We danced our way toward the pagoda, joining the others.

The warmth of family and friends surrounded us. In that moment, everything was right—each of us was finally home, finally at peace, and finally ready to embrace whatever life had in store.

Mission Shift is the third installment in a series of standalone romances featuring a trio of brothers who must each confront their inner demons, risk everything, and surrender to a love they never saw coming. Look forthem in their respective books,Night Shift, Day Shift, and Mission Shift, as part of theBroken Heroestrilogy.

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Books in the Broken Heroes stand-alone series

Night Shift

Day Shift

Mission Shift

The End