Cale kissed her again.
They were both home.
* * *
MERCER TURNED AWAY from the hospital door, but Cassidy’s quiet words still rang in his ears. When you were bleeding out on the ground, I felt like my world was ending.
He knew exactly how his daughter felt.
But Cassidy’s world wouldn’t end. She’d have her man, and they’d be together. Cale was a fighter, a protector—that was why Mercer had recruited him for the EOD. And it was also why he’d sent Cale down to guard Cassidy.
I’d thought, hoped...
And his plan had worked. Cassidy would now have a warrior by her side, day in and day out. A man willing to put his life on the line for her.
More plans would have to be made. Cassidy wanted out of her prison. He had to find a way to make that happen. He’d have to figure out a way to clear her so that his enemies wouldn’t hunt for her any longer.
Had Genevieve leaked the information that she’d had? Sold it to any of her and Ian’s connections? He’d find out, and he’d eliminate any threats to his daughter.
He might have to use some bait, might have to call in some old favors, but he would give Cassidy her freedom.
Mercer had lost his chance at love, but he’d make sure that his daughter had her happiness.
She deserved it.
He began to whistle as he walked down the hallway, plans and schemes running through his mind.
Cassidy was going to be free.
And she’d have the life that she’d always wanted.
No matter what, he’d make the dream happen for her, even if it meant he had to get his hands a little bit bloody.
After all, the EOD was used to blood and death.
He was the EOD. He had this.
Epilogue
She wasn’t in a ballroom anymore. She wasn’t wearing a glimmering green gown that matched her eyes.
She wore jeans, a faded T-shirt.
/> She was standing in a meadow, laughing.
Cale’s arms were crossed over his chest as he stared at Cassidy. They’d been in Whiskey Ridge for two weeks—just two short weeks—and Cassidy seemed to glow with happiness.
She didn’t wake up afraid that one of her father’s enemies would find her. She slept through the nights, held carefully in his arms.
They watched sunsets together. Rose at dawn to see that same sun rise.
They made love.
They talked about the future.
And he dreamed of everything that he wanted to give her.
Because that was what she’d already given to him.