Gideon | Amazon Warrior

Epilogue

June 2022

Why did I agree to do this again?

Because you love me?

About that...

Is everything okay?

You're not having second thoughts, are you?

Faith answer me.

Are you having second thoughts?

Faith?

Answer me.

It's just too much...

I can't do this anymore...

Where are you? I'm coming to you.

I'm starting to rethink everything.

I just need time to sort things out.

Are you in the dressing room? Where are you?

Something is missing.

Faith please don't do this baby. It's our wedding day.

Faith? I'm coming right now. I don't care if you're dressed or not.

I'm outside. Open the door.

OH, HAHA you thought I meant the wedding. My mother keeps asking me where I want the chairs to go for the reception.

_____________________

The door to my dressing room busted open to reveal my very distraught fiance in all his brooding glory. His chest was heaving, with a wild look in his intense eyes. Immediately, I felt guilty for committing the prank, but what else would he expect from me? Our entire relationship was built off my endless practical jokes and witty remarks. He said that I balanced him; he was the serious and strategic half where I was the fun, loving, entertaining, radiantly glowing, and interesting... He could be entertaining, don't get me wrong, but I was more of the jokester in our little family that we had sewn together.

I was the trouble-maker where he was the rule of law.

I stood in my wedding dress, a beautiful satin gown that fell off my shoulders. My chestnut hair cascaded down my back in elegant wavy curls that tickled my exposed lower back. I dropped my phone and opened my mouth to explain to him that it was all a joke, but we stood staring at each other in awe.

I needed to let him know that I still loved him- that he was still the only person that allowed me to breathe, but I was mesmerized by the sight of him in his black form-fitting tux that showed off his broad shoulders. It was like a scene from a James Bond movie with him in his Tuxedo, pieces of wood from the doorframe still fluttering to the floor. All that was missing was the glass of scotch in one and a handgun in the other.

My lips curved upwards at the thought of him busting through the door like I was some criminal he was about to arrest. He was my sexy Deputy, the type of man that would smash his way into a room like it was an everyday occurrence, and he was going to be my husband.

"You think you're hilarious, don't you," He accused, fighting the urge to smile. I let out a shaky breath once I realized he wasn't angry with me. My smile grew and I walked towards him with my dress trailing behind me.

"Well, I think we've already established what a comedic genius I am. I think you're just upset that you fell for my charming ways again," I teased, the look in my eyes dared him to argue with my statement.

Gideon's hands reached forward, grabbed ahold of my forearms and tugged me into him. He pulled me into his chest- into his intoxicating smell.

"You're lucky I love you enough to put up with you."

"Oh, Sheriff," I pulled away and tapped his nose with my freshly manicured finger, "I think you're lucky to lov-" His lips caught mine in an urgent kiss that put all of our previous kisses to shame. A strong hand gripped my jaw just below my ear while his other hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him so there was no more room left between us.

I poured all of my love into this moment- a moment we would always remember for years to come. He would always be the protector of my heart, the man that would hold me while I cry, and the man to break down doors to get to me when he thought I was running.

The man I would call my husband in less than an hour pulled away slightly, his lips hovered above mine.

"You're right, Ammy. I am so lucky to love you. I am so lucky to call you my wife- my beautiful wife," He said before pressing his lips to mine once more in sweet sincerity.

"I'm not your wife yet."

"Well hurry up because I've waited long enough," He said with a handsome grin. I glanced down at my imaginary watch before locking eyes with him.

"I'd already be walking down the aisle to you if you hadn't been-"

"Mommy! Daddy! Star smooting' and hurry this show up. I need food!" My son's small voice shouted through the broken doorway.

We both turned around to see Daisy catching up to Link with an apologetic smile. Garrett, on the other hand, had a guilty grin. He must have put him up to the interruption.

I mouthed the words 'Star smooting' to Garrett and with his hands in his pockets, he laughed, shrugging his shoulders.

"He was supposed to say 'Stop smooching' but close enough," Garrett said while inspecting the door frame that was no more.

"What happened to the door? Did he think I was in there with you?" He joked, bringing up the fact that he used to have a crush on me. My eyes just about bugged out of my head before turning to Gideon who was rolling his eyes.

"No, you idiot. And stop bringing that up. You need to find yourself a woman," Gideon said after smacking his brother upside the head. I covered my mouth to suppress a laugh as I thought back to what I had done.

"I already talked to him about setting up an account online," I commented.

"Don't bring that up! I've been trying to fight off those cougars for weeks!"

I laughed out loud when I glanced over to see Gideon's confused expression. He didn't know that I had signed his brother up for a dating service where young men find older women. He had been getting messages day and night. Some of them were very forward... very.

"Mommy, I want a cougar!" My son shouted with enthusiasm. We all cracked up at his innocence and Gideon didn't skip a beat before turning to Link. The toddler's face fell once he realized what was about to transpire.

Gideon yelled with his hands up like he was about to pounce.

"Daddy, no! No!" He squealed and tried to escape the impending tickle fight, but he wasn't fast enough. The man that had taken in my son as his own captured my little boy and turned him upside down. Lincoln's giggles echoed down the hall as the three of them made their way towards the event room where the ceremony was to be held.

Gideon looked over his shoulder and gave me one last smile before disappearing through the wooden doors with our family.

To be continued...