Page 54 of Forever a Thief

“Yes, with you, silly. But with her, too.”

“That didn’t take long.” I give her a dimpled grin. “I rescued her from the shelter. They said she’s a Pomeranian mix. I figured I’d throw in a puppy to sweeten the deal.”

“You’re spoiling me, Rhys!” Savannah cuddles the furball to her chest and kisses the puppy’s tiny head. “I’m going to name her Alice.”

Staring at the way she holds the puppy, I have a sudden flash of her cradling our future child. She’s going to make an amazing mother.

“I love you, Monsieur Laurent.” She steps over, grabs my shirt and tugs me down for a long, steamy kiss. When the puppy gives a yip of approval, we both laugh.

“And I love you, Mademoiselle Grant.”

My world is complete. Savannah Grant loves me and I love her. In all fairness, I did warn her I’m never giving her back. Nope, I’m a good enough thief that I managed to steal her heart, and now it’s all mine.

Forever.

Epilogue 2: Savannah

Six Months Later…

Bright blue skies and warm sunshine made our wedding day perfect. Ryder officiated the ceremony and, after exchanging vows on the beach, Rhys gave me the kiss to end all kisses. Now, the sun is beginning its descent into the horizon, meeting the ocean in a glorious sunset.

I’ve truly never been happier or more excited for the future.

Surrounded by friends and family, Rhys and I exchanged vows near where he proposed, but it looks very different six months later. A bigger and better Charlie’s Place now sits where there only used to be a sandy lot. We’ve affectionately dubbed it Charlie 2’s.

Lifting the hem of my white lace dress in one hand, I’m getting ready to walk up the sand to the restaurant where the reception awaits, but my dashing husband seems to have other plans. He sweeps me up into his arms and carries me, causing everyone around us to cheer and clap.

“Rhys!” I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. Alice, wearing a pink bow in her fluffy hair, hops along beside us, trying to keep up with Rhys’s long strides. She’s the best dog ever. She may be small, but she has a giant heart. Just like the character in the story, she’s dauntless and full of pluck. Yet she’s also a proper lady who eats her kibble one piece at a time.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look, ma chérie?” He nuzzles my neck and I giggle.

“Yes, only one million times,” I tease. “And I’ve never seen you look more handsome.”

He’s wearing a bespoke tuxedo and I’m wearing my mother’s wedding dress. It makes me so happy having this piece of her here with me. The white vintage gown is sleeveless and nearly a perfect fit. My hair floats past my shoulders in soft waves and I chose to wear a crown of light pink carnations instead of a veil. And, of course, Harper stood by my side as my Maid of Honor, softly crying through the entire ceremony.

“Let’s make it a million and one.” His lips graze my ear. “You look beautiful. Stunningly, achingly lovely. And I can’t wait to get you alone.”

“Same,” I murmur and start kissing him.

By the time we walk through the restaurant’s back patio doors, my lipstick is smudged and my crown is crooked. Harper and Addie quickly fix me up. “Thank you,” I tell them, my gaze sweeping over the new place now decorated with strings of fairy lights, softly-glowing candles and fresh flowers. I can’t believe how quickly and seamlessly this all came together. The official opening is in one week, so tonight is the first time the brand new Charlie’s Place will be filled with family and friends. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. A place where loved ones can come together and celebrate over good food and drinks.

My eyes water. I know my dad is so proud, and my mom is probably crying her eyes out. Both her girls found the love of their lives and couldn’t be happier.

A pair of arms wrap around my waist, and I lean back into Rhys’s embrace. His rich scent fills me, and I take a moment to look around us. It’s going to be quite a party tonight. Addie, her crew and their significant others are all here, of course. And Harper, little Sienna in a pink party dress, and Ryland, along with his entire group of former assassins and their spouses, look ready to party the night away. It means so much to me that everyone came to celebrate with us. Even the huge, muscled former Navy SEAL who owns Rex’s Bar & Grille down the beach came. He brought his gorgeous redheaded wife along, too. When I found out about his place, I almost chose a different location to rebuild because I thought the competition might hurt my business. I was also scared he might resent it. But Max has been nothing but welcoming.

It’s not long before music fills the air and I’m drinking a Kir Royale. I chose to have tables set up with food so everyone can help themselves throughout the night. A formal sit-down dinner seemed far too stuffy and fancy. Plus with kids and Linc, I know appetites tend to be picky. So I made sure to have a wide selection of choices, including a table serving up toasty grilled cheese sandwiches and mini cheese pizzas. Maybe not exactly traditional wedding fare, but it’s been a hit. Besides, my family is made up of thieves and assassins. They don’t give a flip about tradition or expectations. We make our own rules.

We eat, drink and dance the night away. I find myself spun around the dance floor by so many big, muscular men, it’s exhilarating. But when Rhys claims me, pulling me against his long, lean, warm body, that’s when my heart pounds harder and desire lights up.

“I was just dancing with Addie,” he tells me, “and she asked if I’d consider joining A-Squared as a consultant.”

“That’s great!”

“I told her I’d think about it.” His vivid green eyes sparkle and his dimples pop. “For the right price, of course.”

I laugh. “You drive a hard bargain, Monsieur Laurent.”

“Me? You’re the one who convinced me to go to Disneyland.” He fake shudders.