His to Take (Wicked Lovers #9)(143)
Author: Shayla Black

Damn, he could learn a lot from her.

He smiled, unable to take his eyes off her. “Isn’t she amazing?”

“Yes. Your mother likes her very much. Your sisters, too. She met Mari this morning. They hit it off.”

In every way Joaquin could think of, Bailey was perfect for him. Now he just had to find some way to tell her, show her, prove to her how much he was ready to let go of the tragedies in his own past and take her hand into the future.

“You’re right. I need a plan. Words aren’t going to be enough.”

“Probably not. You have a lot to make up for.”

“No denying that. But I’m determined.” He actually respected Caleb for putting the truth out there. They didn’t know one another well, but Joaquin already liked his new stepfather. He was obviously good to his mother and for this family.

It occurred to him that Hunter wasn’t just his brother-in-law anymore, but his stepbrother, too. Logan and his wife were now family as well. While he’d been burying his head and hiding from his past, so much had changed. He couldn’t wait to catch up.

Caleb sent him a considering glance. “I heard you lost your job trying to save more women from dying. That true?”

“And avenge a friend’s death, yeah.”

Joaquin missed Nate and always would. He would also regret that he hadn’t done more to deepen the friendship before it was too late. But he swore he’d never make that mistake again.

“You got a line on any jobs yet?”

“Nope. I’d planned to start looking as soon as I left here.” Today was Friday, but he wanted to get a jump on his search before the weekend rolled around. Why wait to start his new life?

“Good. Come with me. Hunter and Logan just arrived. I’ve got a proposition for you boys.”

Joaquin frowned. Why would Caleb throw him a bone of any kind? The man’s first impression couldn’t have been stellar.

With a shrug, Joaquin took a last, lingering glance at Bailey. “She’s staying with you tonight?”

“Yes. She’s riding with Hunter and Kata to the wedding tomorrow.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Sure. Then I’m all ears. What did you have in mind?”

Caleb put his hand on his shoulder. “I’ve decided to retire completely and turn my military and personal security business over to you three boys. I plan to persuade Carlotta to travel with me more, so we can enjoy our years together. Jack Cole will have to do without Hunter and Logan, but he’s a resourceful man. He’ll figure it out. You in?”

It sounded like the perfect line of work for him and the sort of thing that would allow him to stay closer to home—and Bailey, if she’d have him.

“Absolutely.” Joaquin stuck out his hand. “Thank you.”

Caleb nodded. “Let’s find Hunter and Logan and drop the bomb on them, shall we?”

Laughing for the first time in ages, Joaquin nodded, took one more glance at Bailey’s beauty, then headed toward the garage with his stepfather.

*   *   *

BAILEY stared out the huge picture windows of the wooden chapel, framed by white flowers. Sunlight poured in from the cloudless bright blue sky—the sort she swore she’d only ever seen in Texas. Around her, about forty people were gathered to witness the ceremony. She sat beside Kata, who rubbed her belly with a smile. On the other side, Tara clasped Logan’s hand, and they shared a grin. Carlotta and Caleb had been only too happy to watch the twins today.

She saw a few other familiar faces from the bench seats. Happiness flowed through the place, and Bailey was touched that Callie had invited her to attend one of the most momentous occasions of her life. Everything was perfect—or would be if Joaquin were by her side.

Refusing to let her sadness ruin the moment, she shoved the thought aside. The faint background music suddenly swirled to a crescendo, and a romantic classic filled the air, played beautifully by a string quartet in the corner.

A little blond princess, probably four or so, walked down the aisle in a frilly white dress. Her blue eyes looked saucer wide, but she braved a path forward, throwing a mixture of red and white rose petals on a gray velvet runner.

“Aww . . .” Kata groaned beside Bailey. “Isn’t Chloe precious?”

“She is,” Bailey murmured. “Adorable.”

“That’s Luc and Alyssa Traverson’s daughter.” Tara pointed discreetly to a couple across the aisle from them.

Bailey had heard of the gorgeous, famous chef. His wife was stunning. They looked like such proud parents.

Behind the little girl walked two boys, one bigger than Chloe, one a bit smaller. Both carried little pillows with shining rings on top.