One Hot Chase (Hot Brits #12)

Epilogue

Declan

The sun shines in a clear blue sky as we stand at the altar in front of the pastor, who recites the traditional wedding vows. Mother nature blessed us with perfect weather---sunshine and temperate conditions. The sunlight casts a warm glow over the lawn at Sommerleigh House, where the Parrish family has lived for generations. They graciously allowed us to have this double wedding here. It's the loveliest venue we could have hoped for.

Only six days have gone by since I proposed to Sabrina.

I can't help but steal glances at my beautiful bride, her strawberry blonde hair cascading in loose waves around her shoulders. Sabrina's green eyes sparkle with joy, and I'm struck once again by how lucky I am. My bride notices me watching her and throws me a playful wink. Her lips curve into that teasing smile I've grown to love.

Inada Ren made it to the wedding, and I can spy him in the second row. He waves and smiles. Roger the taxi driver and Daniel the desk clerk at the Savoy were invited as well. They both played a part, unwittingly, in making this day possible.

The pastor's words fade into the background as I recall the whirlwind of the past week. From our impromptu engagement in London to the mad dash to find the perfect dress for my bride, it's been a blur of excitement and anticipation. I hear my brother Leo chuckle behind me, no doubt amused by the moronic grin plastered across my face. But I can't bring myself to care. Not when I'm about to marry the woman who turned my world upside down in the best way imaginable.

The pastor's voice breaks through my reverie. "Declan Joseph Wilde, will you take Sabrina Bluebell Remington to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?"

I lock eyes with Sabrina, my voice steady and sure. "I do."

The pastor turns to my bride. "Sabrina Bluebell Remington, will you take Declan Joseph Wilde to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?"

Bree's eyes twinkle with mirth as she replies, "Well, I suppose I'm stuck with him now, aren't I?" A ripple of laughter runs through the gathered guests. She squeezes my hand and says, "I do. With all my heart."

As we exchange rings, I marvel at how perfectly they fit. Just like us. The pastor pronounces us husband and wife, having already married Tabitha and Spencer. I waste no time, crushing Sabrina to my chest and kissing her with all the passion and devotion she deserves. Her lips are soft and warm against mine, and I can feel her smile as we embrace.

The pastor smiles and declares, "I now pronounce you husbands and wives. Please welcome these two couples to their new lives---Tabitha and Spencer Halfenaked, and Sabrina and Declan Wilde!"

The cheers and applause from our friends and family fade into the background as I lose myself in this moment, unable to stop myself from claiming her lips again. When we finally break apart, Bree's cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are shimmering with happy tears.

"Well, Sir Declan, I think you might be stuck with me."

I grin, unable to contain my happiness. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Lady Wilde."

We turn to face our guests, hands clasped tightly together. Tabitha and Spencer look equally as radiant in their newlywed bliss. Tabitha gives Bree a tearful smile, and I'm struck by how similar yet different the two sisters are. Tabitha's elegance complements Spencer's quiet charm, while Bree's vivacity matches my own restless energy.

As we make our way down the aisle, showered with rose petals and well-wishes, I can't help but marvel at how quickly life can change. Just weeks ago, I was a lonely sod with a satisfying career yet an emptiness inside me that I never spoke of. Meeting Sabrina changed everything. I became an adventurer, bouncing from one far-flung locale to the next, chasing the most enchanting woman I'd ever met. Now I'm married to a woman who challenges me, excites me, and makes me want to be a better man.

The reception is a blur of toasts, laughter, and dancing. I twirl Bree around the dance floor, and her joyful spirit infects me too. Once we finally sit down to relax for a moment, my wife turns toward me.

"This is the best day of my life," she tells me. "I never thought I'd be the type to have a whirlwind romance and get married so quickly. But with you, it just feels right."

"I know exactly what you mean, love. It's the best day of my life too." A sense of deep satisfaction comes over me, and my eyes sting---with happiness. "Who would have thought a chance encounter at a posh hotel would lead to this?"

Bree laughs, the sound melodic and sweet. "Certainly not me. I was too busy trying to avoid you and your obnoxious charm."

"You loved my insufferable attitude from the start."

"That, and your persistence." She takes hold of my tie, running her fingers up and down the silk fabric. "But it was your ability to keep up with me on our little globe-trotting adventures that sealed the deal."

I glance round to make sure we're truly alone. Then I whisper into her ear. "Speaking of adventures, Lady Wilde, how do you feel about starting our next one tonight?"

Bree as she pulls back to meet my gaze, her eyes alight. "Why, Sir Declan, are you suggesting we make an early exit from our own wedding reception?"

I grin. "Of course I am. We do have a honeymoon to start. How does Patagonia sound?"

She toys with the hairs at my nape. "Mm, I like that idea."

"I've heard Torres del Paine National Park is a must-see."

The next morning, the four of us gather on a runway at Gatwick airport to depart for our respective honeymoons. Tabitha and Spencer are on their way to Scotland on Diana Hahn's jet. Apparently, Tabitha has always wanted to go to the land of kilts and single-malt Scotch. But I have different plans for my wife.

Once Tabitha and Spencer have boarded their jet and it's rolling down the runway, I carry Bree onto our jet. It used to be only mine. Now it belongs to both of us. We've just settled in with me in the pilot seat and Bree as my copilot.

"Where are you taking me, Declan?"

"To Patagonia, of course. I never renege on a promise." As I start up the engines, I glance at my wife. "Are you ready to see guanacos, Patagonian foxes, and stunning glaciers? We could also try out hands at gaucho life on an estancia . That means Patagonian cowboys and ranch houses."

She snuggles up to me as much as she can while strapped into her seat. "Ooh, that sounds fabulous. How soon will we get there?"

"Patience, my love," I say with a wink, my fingers dancing over the controls as I prepare for takeoff. "You'll find out soon enough. This will be a long flight, but it'll be worth it in the end. I have quite a few stops planned along the way including overnight stays. We could even check out Machu Picchu and anywhere else you'd like to visit."

She claps and literally jumps up and down---which is quite a feat considering that she's restrained by her seatbelt. My wife also throws in a whoop or two.

I chuckle, enchanted by her enthusiasm.

As we soar into the sky, leaving London behind, I can't help but steal glances at my new wife. The morning light streaming through the cockpit window makes the gold flecks in her green irises seem to glow.

"Where will we stop first," Bree asks. "Mexico? Panama?"

"I'm keeping our first destination a secret. Guess all you like, but I shall never tell."

With a dramatic sigh, she settles back into her seat. "Just remember, payback's a big hairy yak with bad breath."

I laugh, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "That's not the version I've heard, but yours is far more creative."

As we cruise at altitude, I can see Bree's eyes darting between the instruments and the vista outside the cockpit, her quick mind no doubt trying to piece together our destination. I've made sure to file a flight plan that's deliberately vague, wanting to preserve the surprise for as long as possible.

"You know," she muses, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "for someone who claims to be so adventurous, you're awfully fond of mysteries."

"Only when it comes to surprising my beautiful wife." I adore the way her cheeks flush every time I use the word wife. It's still new to us both, this shift in our relationship, but it feels bloody fantastic.

"Okay, Your Knightliness," Bree says, unbuckling her seatbelt so she can stand up. "If you won't tell me where we're going, I'll just have to find other ways to entertain myself."

She stretches languidly, her lithe form silhouetted against the morning sun. Her blouse has become almost transparent, and her nipples jut out as if they're inviting me to devour them.

I swallow hard, helpless to stop my eyes from tracing every curve of her body. "What did you have in mind, Lady Wilde?"

"Oh, I don't know." She stretches her arms high, exposing her navel. "Maybe I'll go explore the jet. See what kind of trouble I can get into."

"Sabrina," I warn, my voice low. "You're playing with fire."

"Good thing I like it hot, then."

My wife sashays toward the back of the jet, swaying her hips in a deliberate attempt to tease me until I give in and fuck her.

I groan, gripping the controls tighter as I try to focus on flying. But my mind keeps drifting to thoughts of Bree and what she might be up to in the cabin behind me. The autopilot is engaged, but I'm reluctant to leave my post. After all, I am the pilot.

A few minutes later, I hear the soft pad of bare feet approaching. Sabrina reappears, now wearing nothing but one of my dress shirts, the white fabric barely skimming the tops of her thighs.

"Mm, I'm getting warm all over," she purrs, perching on the edge of my seat, "I was thinking, since you won't tell me where we're going, maybe I can seduce the information out of you."

I inhale sharply, my eyes roving over Bree's long, bare legs and the pearls of her nipples that I can just see beneath the fabric. Those peaks have stiffened even more. My voice turns husky when I point out, "Darling, you're making it very difficult for me to fly this jet."

"That's the idea, Sir Declan." She leans over the back of my seat to brush her lips over my ear---and to give me a fantastic view of her bare tits. "Now, one more time, are you going to tell me where we're going, or do I need to up my game?"

I grip the controls tighter, torn between lust and responsibility. "Sabrina, darling, as much as I'd love to play this game with you right now, I really do need to focus on flying."

She feigns a pout, running a finger down my chest. "Spoilsport. Fine, I'll behave...for now."

With a sassy grin, she settles back into the co-pilot's seat, crossing her legs in a way that makes my cock twitch. I force my attention back to the controls and struggle to focus on our flight path. But Sabrina isn't done toying with me. She spreads her thighs just enough that I can glimpse the pink, slippery flesh of her folds.

My barely clothed wife gets a sneaky look on her face. "I could always just check the flight plan myself."

"Nice try, pet. But I've made sure it's not that easy to figure out."

She sinks back in her seat. "I do love a good puzzle."

For the next hour, Bree alternates between trying to guess our destination and attempting to distract me with increasingly creative methods. It's a delightful torture, and I find myself both dreading and eagerly anticipating our arrival. At least my wife put some clothes on. She halfway to giving me a heart attack.

Finally, as we begin our descent, I turn to my wife. "Ready to find out where we're going?"

Bree sits up straighter. "Yes! I've been dying to find out."

I grasp her wrist when she tries to lean over the console and get a peek at our itinerary. "Uh-uh-uh, Bree. Do I need to blindfold you?"

She covers her eyes with her hands. "Tell me when I can look."

As we make our final descent, I guide the plane toward our destination. The lush green landscape below comes into view, dotted with vibrant colors and sparkling water.

I pat her thigh. "All right, darling. You can look now."

Bree uncovers her eyes and gasps as she takes in the panorama. Crystal clear turquoise waters stretch out before us, fringed by pristine white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. In the distance, majestic mountains rise up, their peaks shrouded in mist.

"Declan," she breathes, her eyes wide with wonder. "Is this...are we in Bora Bora?"

I spread my arms wide and grin. "Welcome to French Polynesia, Lady Wilde. I thought we could use a bit of paradise for our honeymoon. After that, we'll make our way to South America. You can choose the flight plan for that leg of our holiday."

We touch down on the small island runway, and I taxi into the hanger. Bree can barely contain her enthusiasm. The moment we come to a stop, she's unbuckling her restraints and bouncing in her seat like an excited child.

She flings her arms around me. "Oh, Declan, it's absolutely breathtaking! I can't believe you planned all this."

I reach over and take her hand, bringing it to my lips for a soft kiss. "Only the best for my bride. I wanted our honeymoon to be unforgettable."

"Come on, let's go," she urges, tugging at my arm. "I want to feel that sand between my toes."

I laughter and her enthusiasm are infectious. "Patience, Bree. We've got two whole weeks to explore every inch of this paradise."

The moment I open the door, Sabrina races down the stairs, and I rush to catch up with her. She leaps into my arms, her hair flying around her face. I can't resist ravishing her mouth with steamy kisses. As my wife drags me away from the jet, a wide smile stretches my lips and I feel something I never imagined I'd experience.

Happiness. Pure, unadulterated happiness.

And I'll have the rest of my life to enjoy it.

I hoist Bree up into my arms. "Let me carry you to our bungalow, darling. A knight should treat his bride like the treasure she is."

And our adventure has only just begun.