Page 104

“Yeah. I came back for you, Reg,” he said in a low tone. “The night I got to Richmond…I knew it was a mistake. I thought I had to live with it, but…no. Fuck that. I asked to be transferred back to Wood Hollow the next day. There was some red tape involved with moving again, and it’s kind of messy. I can’t get out of my lease for another month, and I have to hire someone to take my place, but my job here is open if I want it. Artie’s not gonna love that, but⁠—”

“Cooper knew?”

“I requested a transfer, so…yes. But I wanted to talk to you in person. I just didn’t know I’d get pulled over.”

“Yeah, well…the whole damn town is going to be talking about us.”

“Let ’em. I don’t mind.” Waylon grazed his knuckles along my jaw. “I’ve been running my whole life, Reg. And then I felt guilty about it. I’m still worried about Misty and Em, but I can’t live for them. I have to let go and try to grab a little sunshine myself. This place is home, Reg. You’re home. You and your goofy-ass dog and your wacky family. I want to stay here…with you. I want to build a life…with you. I want to grow old…with you. I love you, Reg. I love you.”

A passing car honked, another joined, and yet another. We laughed and held on tight.

Let them talk. Let them know that their chief of police was wildly in love with the sexiest man who’d ever come to town. Let them know that I was proud, that I was grateful that he was mine.

The road ahead was filled with possibility, and I couldn’t wait to begin this journey with my mountain man.

EPILOGUE

“What is done in love is done well.” —Vincent van Gogh

Two and a half years later

Waylon

The view from the deck was breathtaking. The autumn colors of the trees along the water’s edge reflected lovingly on Lake Norman’s surface. It was a riot of reds, oranges, and golds mixed with evergreens and a gorgeous blue sky.

“There’s an access to the lake from your side gate. You share that with your neighbor, who I believe is one of Silas Anderson’s football friends. He lives in New York full-time, so really, this property gives you everything on your list—more space, a view, and privacy.” Jess clicked her manicured nails on the listing sheet and handed it to my fiancé, who didn’t quite manage to hide his shock. His ex noticed and chuckled. “Wood Hollow has become a desirable area, Reg. This is prime real estate with amenities out the wazoo. It’s not going to be on the market for long.”

Reg set his hands on his hips as he took in the view. “It’s very nice.”

“It is indeed.” Jess checked her watch. “I have an appointment in Pinecrest, but I’ll leave you two here to soak in the atmosphere and do some thinking. Close the gate after yourselves.”

I nodded. “Will do. Thanks, Jess.”

“No problem. Don’t forget to pick up Gretchen from her piano lesson. Or remind Rhys to do it,” she called out.

“He has football practice. We’ll get her.” Once we were alone, I stood behind Reg and hooked my thumbs through his belt loops. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s insane. Why do houses cost this much money?”

I snort-laughed. “I don’t know, but it’s a nice one. And you said you wanted to live closer to the lake.”

“True, but this is big. Too big?”

I kissed his neck and draped an arm over his shoulder as I stood beside him. “It’s a lot of house, but we have a big family.”

“Rhys is seventeen. He’ll be in college soon.”

“Yeah, but Gretch has another couple of years at home, and Emmett is here every summer. And…we did talk about getting a friend for Tate,” I singsonged.

Reg widened his eyes. “A puppy or a dog?”

“Yes.”

He nudged my elbow and shot a rueful glance my way. “Chaos. This house will be absolute chaos.”

“True, but we thrive on chaos.”

He chuckled. “We do.”