Page 58 of Hideaway Reunion

“You’re not happy about it?”

“I’m thrilled, actually. As much as I love it here when it’s all for us, we have a business to run.”

Which meant they needed to decide where they were going to live. “Did your dad call her last night as promised?” Brayden queried. David had done a video call with all of them together, then scheduled time individually with his daughters.

“He did.” Roni’s smile rivaled the rising sun, warming Brayden down to his soul. “She said they talked for over an hour. It’s not perfect, not the same, but it’s progress. He says he’s coming to Brookwell for the Fall Festival.”

“That’s a big step,” Brayden said, leaning down to press a soft, reverent kiss against her forehead.

“It is,” she whispered, her hands sliding up to frame his neck. “And none of it would have happened if you hadn’t come here. You saved our home, Brayden. You saved me.”

“See, that’s giving me too much credit,” Brayden corrected softly, his hands moving to rest on her hips, holding her steady. “You saved yourself. The whole way. You stood up to Vanbeck, you opened your heart to those stranded workers, and you held your family together when everything was falling apart. I just made sure nobody got in your way.”

“Now who can’t take a compliment?” Roni chuckled, her blue eyes shining with unfiltered joy. “You were my shield, Brayden. You always have been.”

She shifted her posture, leaning up on her tiptoes, and brought her lips up to meet his.

The kiss wasn’t rushed. She took her time, slow and deep, she stole his breath. He felt it like a sweet, lingering declaration of everything they’d built together over a lifetime of friendship and the new unbreakable love that would define their future. Brayden held her close, feeling the steady, rhythmic beat of her heart against his own, tasting the warmth of her lips and the quiet promise of a thousand tomorrows.

When he finally pulled back, both of them were slightly breathless.

“Gamble and Swann sent me a new offer letter last night.” Brayden’s fingers sifted through her hair, tucking a stray lock behind her ear.

Veronica blinked at him. “They’re calling you back to Chicago?”

“No, actually.” He stole a kiss. She was irresistible. “Guardian wants me to head up a regional threat-assessment training branch. Here. In Brookwell. It means a salary bump and regular hours most of the time.”

Roni gasped, her hands tightening on his shoulders. “Brayden... that’s incredible!” She went still. “Is that what you want? You won’t miss the action of active assignments?”

“If it means being here with you, not for a second.”

Her eyes went wide, then she jumped into his arms. “Yes. You’re mine.” She peppered his face with kisses. “Mine. Mine. Mine.”

They were laughing so hard, together, he had to set her on her feet. “I take it that works for you.”

“Of course that works for me. I love you. You’re where my heart is safe and happy.” She pulled him into another passionate kiss. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Roni,” Brayden vowed against her lips, lifting her effortlessly into his arms as the warm ocean breeze swept through, rustling the ancient live oaks and carrying the sweet sounds of the surf. “Always have. Always will.”

He’d come to Brookwell—to the Hideaway—to protect her, the most important person in his world, and found the love he’d dreamed of. Giving her his heart had been the smartest move of his life and he couldn’t wait to celebrate all the future sunrises together.

EPILOGUE

By the time the holidays rolled around, Veronica had almost forgotten the intense summer chaos. The Brookwell music festival had been bigger than ever, bringing in loads of good press and revenue for the entire town. Fall had come and gone with many community events, a visit from their dad, and a bit more drama they managed to survive generally unscathed.

More than that, she and her sisters were actually thriving. Settled, but with a contentment rooted in quiet joy and excitement. The perfect vibe with Christmas just days away.

To celebrate, they’d closed outside bookings for three weeks so they could enjoy the Hideaway together. With their family growing through the addition of significant others, it was the best place to get together.

And tonight, Roni, Celeste, and Natalie were hosting the first official Brookwell Holiday open house. Spearheaded by Celeste, of course, the Brookwell Island B&Bs had gone all out with holiday decor and opened for tours. The event started at the Monroe B&B and ended here.

Naturally, tickets had sold out and now, with the guests departed and the day melting into a lovely wintery twilight, Roni and her sisters were ready to relax with family and a few close friends.

Roni walked through the rooms they’d opened, admiring the results of their cooperative design skills. Each of the other B&Bs had been beautiful in their own right, but here the atmosphere was pure holiday magic.

Maybe she felt that way because, deep down in her heart, this was home. But she thought they’d nailed the assignment with the pine and holly garlands lit by warm-white fairy lights at every door and weaving up through the stair railing. In the front room, a fire crackled in the hearth, the woodsy scent of cedar and oak blending with the rich aromas of spiced mulled wine, baked pecans, and hot apple cider drifting from the kitchen.

The mantel was a work of art thanks to Natalie’s creative display of Christmas trees made from all kinds of materials.