Page 162 of Blake

Devon paused. “So it’s really over?”

Lincoln considered his answer. “The trials will take time, but the organization responsible for what happened to you and the others has been completely dismantled. Whitaker’s dead, his financial network has been exposed, and the people who carried out his orders are either in custody or dead.”

She let out a long, slow breath.

For months, she’d wondered whether she’d truly feel free of the nightmare that had started with a few suspicious numbers on a computer screen. Now, surrounded by the people who’d helped bring those responsible to justice, she finally had her answer.

Blake pressed a kiss to her temple. “You okay?”

She looked up at him. “I’m better than okay.”

Scarlett smiled. “Good. Because I, for one, refuse to spend the rest of this glorious occasion talking about criminals, death, and murder.”

“Thank you,” Janie announced. “Finally, someone who understands the assignment.” She grabbed her hand. “Come on. You haven’t had nearly enough cake.”

Devon laughed as her best friend since college led her toward the dessert table. Gwen and Claire joined them a moment later, and soon the five women were exchanging stories and laughing over Janie’s insistence that everyone take home leftovers.

As they stood together, Devon glanced across the patio. Blake was near the edge of the lawn, talking with Lucas and Jethro. His handsome face broke into a familiar grin, and she felt that same wonderful flutter in her stomach.

My husband.

Oh, how she loved the sound of that. But Blake was also so much more.

He was her friend. Protector. Hero.

My soul mate.

And she couldn’t wait to find out what the rest of their lives would bring.

Draven spotted Blake standing alone near the edge of the patio, watching Devon and the other women gathered around the massive cake. The newly married man had an obnoxiously large grin on his face.

He’d seen that expression on Blake more times than he could count over the past few months. Not that he could blame him.

Devon was great.

With a shake of his head and a grin, Draven went to one of two nearby coolers, grabbed two bottles of beer, and headed over. He held out one of the bottles when he got to where Blake was standing.

“Here.”

“Thanks, man.” Blake took the offered beverage, but his eyes were somewhere else.

Draven followed his gaze toward the small gathering of women. “Still can’t believe you actually did it.”

Blake glanced over at him. “Got married?”

He smirked. “Convinced a beautiful, intelligent woman to put up with the likes of you for the rest of her life.”

His friend laughed. “Jealous?”

“Of you? Absolutely.” Draven looked at the man’s bride. “But poor Devon has no idea what she just signed up for.”

Blake laughed. So did he, and then they stood quietly, watching their friends. A moment later, Draven’s gaze slid his teammate’s way.

“You look happy.”

Blake’s expression softened. “I am.”

“Good.” He nodded. “You deserve it, man.”