Page 85 of Forgiving His Past

Kam smiled up at him as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her body flush with his. Standing there, on top of a hill filled with gently blowing grass and wildflowers as far as the eye could see, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

He’d planned to make the kiss soft and sweet, but apparently his new wife had other plans.

She threw her arms around his neck, tilted her head, and took the kiss deeper. Following her lead, Van supported her neck and head while bending her backward in a careful but passionate dip.

His teammates and their wives all cheered. Logan and Nat’s toddler son—little Garrison Hayes—squealed with delight right on cue. The sound of a baby cooing reached Van’s ears, and he smiled to himself, knowing Chase and Scottie’s little girl was enjoying the moment, too.

They were all here to witness his and Kam’s union and to celebrate in their joy. In a word, the day was perfect.

“I love you,” Kam told him softly as he pulled her back up to him.

She’d told him every single day since he and his team had found her on that farm. And he’d damn well made sure she knew he loved her, too.

“Okay, boys. It’s time to party!”

Van laughed as the cheers grew louder and more boisterous. But even as they gathered around the happy couple to offer their heartfelt congratulations, he and the others knew there was still one other thingthey needed to do.

Thirty minutes later…

“You sure this is okay?”He stood at the memorial site Logan and Natalie had built on a plot of land near their home in honor of their fallen brother.

“Of course.” Kam linked her fingers with his. “He was your family, Van. And now, that means he’s also a part of mine.”

God, he loved this woman. Until her, he hadn’t known this type of all-consuming, burn-the-world-to-the-ground-to-save-her kind of love existed. For his teammates, sure. Not for him.

But it did. And this day…this moment…was all the proof he needed.

“We finally got them, Hunt.” Logan spoke to the ornate stone etched with Hunter’s name. “The men responsible for what happened to you are finally paying for what they did.”

The air grew quiet as they all became lost in their own private thoughts. Van’s mind replayed the best memories it held of the man who’d been a vital part of his DEVGRU team.

But Hunter Garrison had been more than a teammate. Like those around him, the man was family. There wasn’t a day that passed that he didn’t cross all of their minds. And now…

Now, brother, it’s finally time for you to rest in peace.

After laying the flowers she’d carried for their wedding on top of the thick stone, Kam looked up at Van and waited for him to be ready. To say goodbye to his brother so they could begin the life they all deserved.

As they walked a few feet behind the others on their way back to his truck to drive to the small reception, Van watched with a smile as Logan and Natalie swung Garrison back and forth between them. Natalie held one of her son’s tiny hands while Logan held the other.

He watched and listened to the conversations and laughter of those around them. His gaze fell on the tiny baby nestled in a pink blanket in Scottie’s arms. Chase’s hand rested on his wife’s lower back, and together, they walked as a family back to Chase’s car.

“So I was thinking,” Van rumbled as he held his wife’s hand in his. “What would you think about us making one of those? You know…someday.”

Kam followed his gaze to Logan, who’d just tossed Garrison playfully up in the air. The boy giggled with his entire body, and just like that, Van knew he was ready.

“Funny you should mention that.” His wife looked up at him with a knowing grin. “As it just so happens, someday is already here.”

It took Van two full seconds for the meaning behind her words to fully sink in. He stopped mid-stride and pulled her back to him.

“Are you serious?” he asked her quietly. “Are you really saying what I think you’re?—”

“I’m pregnant.” Kam’s luscious lips spread wide. “I’ve known for about a week, but I wanted to wait to surprise you. I thought…” She glanced around and then back to him. “I thought today would be the perfect day to give you the news.”

It was perfect. She was perfect. And by some miracle, he would never understand, the amazing, incredible, beautiful woman belonged to him.

She’s going to have my baby.

“She’s going to have my baby!”

He yelled those words so loudly that everyone near their cars stopped what they were doing and looked their way.

If he thought the cheers for their recent nuptials were exciting, it was nothing compared to the celebration that had just ensued. Yes, this day, this woman, these men and their families…

They were all absolutely perfect. His lifewas perfect, and in the very best of ways…

It was only the beginning.