EPILOGUE PART 1
Anton
Two Weeks Later
I never imagined moving to Montana, let alone a cabin in the woods. Nearly all my life, I'd been part of the bratva, loyal to them as though they were my blood.
But that's changed.
She'schanged me. Not that I'd admit it to her.
I love Savannah. I'll always love her. Running away with her, throwing myself on a burning fire to protect her, taught me that she's my only chance at happiness.
True happiness.
But don't ask me to be sentimental. That's not in my nature.
"Are you coming?" Savannah calls out to me. She's waiting outside and pokes her head into the cabin.
We've both agreed that leaving the small town could endanger us. And that's not the life we want, constantly having to look over our shoulders, always on the run.
I'd love to take her to Paris or Florence. Someplace exotic and romantic. But getting on an airplane poses too many risks, even with our new identities.
I won't do it. Not because I'm afraid of getting caught, but because I fear what will happen to Savannah if we show up on Mikhail's radar.
He's been silent, as far as I can tell.
Has he stopped searching for us? I'm not sure. There's been no word that the bratva has left New York, and Savannah keeps me apprised of any news. I'm grateful that the Eagle Tactical guys gave her a job and are helping us maintain a low profile.
I head outside, shutting the door behind myself, and follow Savannah along the dirt path to the backyard, where she's set out a blanket under the clearing of trees.
We could have moved the Adirondack chairs out front of the cabin to the backyard. Tonight, is the Perseid meteor shower, and while I can't take her across the ocean to show her the world, at least I can curl up with her in my arms and stare up at the stars together.
Savannah has laid out a thick blanket covering the grass. Her shoes are off, one at each end of the blanket. I slip my shoes off and do the same, keeping all four ends from moving.
I sit on the blanket, and she climbs between my legs, her back against my chest. Eventually, we'll have to lie down. My neck can't handle staring up for hours in this position. But right now, everything is perfect.
She's perfect.
"Look!" She points up at the night sky as a meteor blazes across the sky. Her excitement reminds me of a child on Christmas morning, full of wonder.
I suppose, having always lived in the city, there wasn't much sky watching at night—too much light pollution. I can't remember when I last lay outside and watched a meteor shower.
We haven't yet seen the Aurora Borealis, but I'm sure that will be another adventure for us to embark on from home. I'm all for exploring our town and our little home.
In winter, there are mountains to ski and snowboard, something I've never done but look forward to exploring. There are plenty of trails in the woods to discover on weekends.
"I have some exciting news for us," I whisper, brushing her hair to one side as my lips graze her bare skin.
"Me, too."
"You go first," I say.
She shakes her head. "You started it. You go first."
"Okay." I chuckle and pull her tighter against me. "On the news this morning, it was reported that there was an explosion in New York City, near the federal building."
She inhales sharply. "Was anyone hurt?"
"A few people."
"And how is that good news?" The smile has disappeared from her face as she turns around to face me.
"Agent Danvers was one of the deceased. He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital about an hour ago."
She presses her lips together. "You and I have a different idea regarding good news." Her brow is tight, and she's troubled about my revelation. I thought she'd be happier, relieved that he can't bother us or hurt her. "Do they have a suspect in custody?"
Her mind must be reeling, wondering if the bratva or, more specifically, Mikhail is behind the attack. "Yes, some low life was sent to prison, and then he got out because his conviction was overturned. It turns out that Agent Danvers planted evidence and arrested him. All of Danvers's cases are being investigated."
"It's too bad that he died and won't have to face the consequences," Savannah says. "I'd have loved to have seen the look on his face when he was caught."
"You and me both," I say. "Hopefully, this will eventually help clear both of our names. But honestly, I don't want to go back to New York. I kind of like it out here."
"Kind of?" She smiles and pulls me to lie down on the blanket. We stare at the night sky, watching as meteors burn across the darkness. It's beautiful.
"You have good news to share?" I ask, changing the subject.
"You're going to be a father."