Reckless Surrender by Zoe Blake
Epilogue
Two years later
“Time to wake up, Professor Lawson.”
Phoebe opened her eyes and smiled at Michael.
“Or should I say Dr. Lawson?” he asked with a wink. “You don’t want to miss your first class of the fall semester.”
Phoebe had taken the last two years to earn her doctorate in English Literature so she could become a full professor at Puller Academy. Not a day had gone by where she regretted leaving her life in New York behind to be with Michael. The murder case which brought them together was a distant memory but their life hadn’t become any less exciting. With Michael at the helm as commander, Puller Academy had finally made the transition into a co-ed military academy. The addition of women had added a whole new energy and dynamic to the school, and kept them both busy creating all new procedures, classes and traditions.
She still liked to challenge and fight with Michael, keeping him on his toes…or as he would call it…pushing his buttons, but oh it was so much fun to make up with him! Her now-husband had a penchant for taking her in semi-private places around campus, like the library, gymnasium and empty classrooms. It was a miracle they hadn’t got gotten caught yet…although they did have several close calls which made it that much more exciting for them both.
He had also gotten quite creative with his punishments.
Pulling on her bound right wrist which was secured to the bedpost with a black silk tie, she teased, “Then perhaps you had better untie me.”
Michael leaned in to give her a quick kiss before untying her wrist. As she got out of bed, he swatted her ass with a rolled up newspaper.
“Hey!” Phoebe laughed as she scooted out of the way.
“Thought you might like to see your latest article. Henry sent up a copy.”
To Henry’s delight, she had continued to write the occasional feature piece for the Ledger, usually during the summer or winter breaks. Michael wrapped his arms around her waist from behind as she opened the newspaper to check out her headline and article.
Pushing her long soft curls aside, Michael kissed her on the neck just below her ear. “So, have you decided what your next project will be?”
“What do you mean?”
“The school is co-ed and you have your doctorate which means you now have free time on your hands, which I know from experience can be very dangerous. I need to keep you occupied and by my side so you don’t go running off halfway across the country to chase down some crazy headline for the Ledger.”
Turning in his arms, Phoebe wrapped her arms around his neck. “There was a headline I was particularly interested in, but I think it’s something only the school newspaper would print.”
His brow lowered. “What would that be?”
“Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lawson and Dr. Phoebe Lawson welcome first child.”
“Are you pregnant?” asked an astonished Michael as he gripped her hips and lifted her into the air.
“Why, Commander! I don’t think you’re allowed to ask an employee that,” teased Phoebe with false affront.
“I’m asking anyway,” he growled as he carried her back to the bed. Laying her down among the rumpled covers, he covered her body with his own.
Running her fingernails down his naked, muscled chest, she cooed, “Maybe if you ask me nicely, I’ll tell you.”
“Oh, baby, I’m a Marine. We don’t do…nice.” Michael ran his hand over her stomach to cup one full breast as he nipped at her shoulder.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Phoebe.
* * *
Later that night,Michael surprised her with a celebratory dinner. He made them spaghetti and meatballs, her favorite. He drank wine. She had grape juice.
The end.
