Torn (Deep 8, #5)

Epilogue

ROGER

Once Harlow healed, our paths split, taking us to opposite corners of the globe to debrief with our respective agencies. The weight of our parting settled heavily on my chest, a constant, gnawing ache I couldn’t escape. I tried everything, stopping short of begging her to come back with me, but she needed time to process. My head and heart waged a silent war to come to terms with understanding the need for separation and space.

On the flight to Washington, D.C., I dialed my mom, the familiar voice a balm against the turmoil inside me. I won’t know what I can share with her until after the debrief with the President and the rest of the PAX op team.

As the miles rolled by, I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on the mission and the seismic shift it had caused in my life. My father—once the grand illusionist, a badger masquerading in peacock feathers—had shattered the boy I once was. Now, the man who emerged was fierce and focused, my gaze fixed on a future that felt suddenly clear and urgent.

"Mr. President," I said, extending my hand as the rest of my team stands at attention, the weight of our shared experiences hanging between us.

"Roger, you’ve been on an op that will stay with you forever." He unbuttons his jacket and settles at the head of the table. "Have a seat, everyone."

His eyes meet mine, a silent acknowledgment of something I can’t quite define. Harlow was correct. There is depth to him, an unspoken gravity that resonates with the people who meet him.

"This newly formed team has been without a leader for a reason. I’ve watched each of you navigate challenges to gauge your mettle. The members of this team are exceptional. However, Roger has proven himself to be irreplaceable, displaying the courage and bravery we need to lead us. Going head-to-head with your flesh and blood in such circumstances is no small feat, but Roger handled it with remarkable professionalism. I’m proud to introduce you to your new leader."

The room buzzes with congratulations, each word heals my battered soul. Their praise and recognition ignite a newfound sense of purpose and confidence that surges through me, reshaping my essence.

The debrief is a whirlwind of classified details and protocol. I seek permission to tell my mom what happened to her ex-husband. The President grants me the liberty to share the broader details, understanding the importance of discretion.

Afterward, exhaustion sets in, and I take some much-needed time off. The President provides a private jet for my trip to Texas. I haven’t reached out to Harlow, allowing her the space she needs to find her own path, which I hope will lead back to me.

She had to endure the shattering revelation of her father’s true nature and face the man who killed him. Death is a frequent companion in our line of work, but when it encroaches upon our personal lives, the lines blur painfully.

After I arrive at the airport, I pick up my rental and head to Highland Park. I pull up to the white brick house and I’m met with the unexpected sight of a crowded driveway. My mom hadn’t mentioned a party, but I did give her last-minute notice.

I climb the stairs and my breath catches. Harlow is a vision of beauty in the white dress from the shopping mall in Australia. Her face radiates, unmarred by the scars of our recent mission.

She gazes down at me from the top step, a playful glint in her eyes. "You were right. I love your mum. We get along like this." She holds up her crossed fingers.

She floats down the stairs into my arms and I pick her up, twirling her around, overwhelmed by a surge of longing. Our lips meet in a kiss, wrapping up the moments we missed, a tender yet desperate connection. "I missed you something fierce," I whisper against her lips.

Our bodies meld together and never lose contact trying to merge into one. "If there weren’t so many people here, I would take you on the stairs. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to take care of things."

"No can do, Longhorn. We have a house full of people," she teases and takes my hand, leading me to the front door.

We walk through the kitchen toward the pool area filled with faces I recognize from MBK and my team. "What’s going on?" I ask, trying to make sense of it.

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "You’ll see."

We step out onto the pool patio and a chorus of greetings surrounds us. Big bouquets of flowers grace the center of several tables scattered around the pool patio. A trellis filled with white roses at the far end creates a magical setting.

She guides me under the floral arch and hands me a black box. "We’ve proven we work well together," her voice trembling slightly. "I was hoping you would ask me to marry you." Her cheeks flush with anticipation.

The box contains my mom's engagement ring with a magnificent four-carat round diamond. The two diamond baguettes flanking the center stone transform it into something even more stunning.

The crowd watches, but all I can see is Harlow. "I haven’t heard from you in weeks and now you want to marry me. I don’t know if I'm ready," I say with a touch of uncertainty, trying not to break into a smile.

"You have to ask me to marry you. This is an engagement party." She crosses her arms with a playful pout.

Everyone grows quiet as I recite Shakespearean words from my heart. "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite."

Tears spill down her cheeks, mingling with her glowing smile. "Harlow Pierce, will you marry me?"

"I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life." Her voice is a soft and affirming whisper as I slide the ring onto her finger.

"I think it’s too big," She jokes, her eyes filled with mirth.

"Diamonds can never be too big," someone shouts from behind us, eliciting laughter.

I kiss her with tenderness, but our hunger swims beneath the surface. We look at the crowd behind us and take in what it means to be part of our new family. My mom’s tears of joy and her embrace are the ultimate affirmation of our new chapter.

"I need to remember. You two together are trouble," I chuckle and hug Harlow.

Dean and Leigha stand together and Mac shouts, "What about a double wedding? Dean and Leigha, you and Harlow."

Harlow wipes her eyes, a smile breaking through. "I would love nothing more."

I glance over to see Sean holding his newborn son, a gentle affection in his gaze as he kisses Jess. Something softens in me, a longing for my own family.

Peter wheels around everyone to introduce us to Roscoe, his new service dog, and the nurse who cared for him in the hospital in Australia. She’s gorgeous and looks at him through loving eyes. He always wanted an Aussie gal.

Beck stands beside Pippa who’s resting on a lounger. I excuse myself from the group to check things out. "Are you okay Pippa? You look paler than normal."

She has dark circles under her eyes and gives a weak smile. "Who does this to themselves? The big guy here got me preggers. This is going to be one robust kid because I’m sicker than hell."

"Congratulations. That’s wonderful news." I’m touched by the shared moment.

Harlow squeezes my arm, her gaze soft. "They are going to be great parents." She sighs with contentment.

"If this baby is as big as you are and it’s coming out of here, you better knock me out," Pippa comments as we laugh, then drift off to see other people in the group.

Mac and Marabella are in the pool with their daughter, Kendall. Marabella is sporting a belly, getting ready for their second child. Campbell and Quinn huddle in the corner like two lovesick teenagers.

Declan watches Poppy bob up and down in the water with a snorkel and flippers as if she’s in the Caribbean. Liv nurses their four-month-old son.

Neil McFadden and Liv’s mom Margot sit at the bar watching the crowd with a glow on their faces. Word has it Neil is retiring so they can travel the world in style. This leaves an opening for new leadership, perhaps it's Sean's turn.

My team stands at the other end of the bar with a drink in their hands and fear in their eyes. Most of them are in their late twenties and having a family is a foreign concept to them, but it won’t be for long.

Harlow snuggles into me as the warmth of her body brings me peace. "I never thought my family would ever be this big. I never had a sibling, but I have plenty of them now."

"It’s good to have backup in the family." Harlow leans up for another kiss. "And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Torn from our past, we relish the feeling of belonging and love that envelopes us as we embrace our new life together.

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Silent Night

She must save her brother. He only sees her betrayal. Will they find love or fall prey to a deadly rescue plan?

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Jean Luc has earned his galleries the hard way. As an established gallery owner, he is trusted with a unique exhibition of expensive ornaments. So when he hires Chloe’s brother to install the security system, he doesn’t expect to be thrown into the dangerous side of the art world.

Chloe makes a difficult choice, forcing her to betray her lover as MBK races to rescue her brother. But the plan may come together too late, leaving Jean Luc in the cold.

Can love rise above betrayal so they can find their happily ever after?

Silent Night is a novella that introduces the entire MBK Global Security team. If you like page-turning action, steamy scenes, and heart-breaking betrayals, then you’ll love Kenzie Macallan’s story.