Dad’s jaw drops while Mom blinks into the camera. If it wasn’t for the heat of Colt’s palm on my leg, I’d jump up and run away.
Sara Jean is the first to react. She wraps an arm around our shoulders, hugging us from behind. “Isn’t that wonderful! I always knew you were sweet on her, son.”
Now it’s Colt’s turn to gawk. “How did you?—”
“A mother knows these things.” Sara Jean says sagely. “But I’m so happy for y’all. Dad and I love you both to the moon and back, and I know Mike is smiling down on us from heaven, too.” She wipes a tear from her eye. “He’d be so relieved to know that Hailey is in good hands with his brother.”
Colt and I glance at each other. We both know the bastard is rotting in hell and he’d be pissed if he knew about us.
“Well, I’ll be damned…” Earl mumbles, petting Gracie absentmindedly. He’s clearly taking a little longer to process what’s happening. Finally, he slaps Colt on the back. “Congratulations, son.”
Colt blushes. “Thank you,” he brings out gruffly and the men exchange stern nods.
“I thought you hated each other?” Dad asks.
Mom nods. “Right? Those two are like cat and dog! Fire and oil! Magnets with the wrong poles?—”
Dad waves a hand. “I think they get the point.”
I laugh. “Guess that was right once upon a time, but you know what they say: The foundation of love is kindness and forgiveness—and a healthy smattering of insults and arguments. Colt is still an arrogant bastard with a giant stick up his ass, but he isn’t all bad. My favorite enemy.”
Colt scoffs, but a smirk sneaks onto his lips. “Watch your tone, woman.” He curls an arm around my shoulders and kisses my cheek. “You’re the only person I wanna argue with for the rest of my life.”
Our parents’ collectiveawwechoes around us.
“Since Mike’s death, Colt and I spent a lot more time together, trying to process our grief,” I say, using our practiced explanation. No one needs to know about the dirty texts and the mistaken identities. That’s another secret we’ll keep. “We realized we have a lot in common and it feels so right to be with Colt. I love him, too.”
“This is the most beautiful thing!” Sara Jean exclaims.
Mom grins, tears spilling from her eyes. She takes off her glasses to wipe them away before launching into full-blown ugly crying. Dad smiles, wrapping her in a hug.
“If that’s what you want, honey, then we’ll support you,” he says, and Mom sobs something that sounds vaguely likehappy for you.
Colt turns slightly, making eye contact with his father. “Oh, and somethin’ else. I’ll live here in Sunridge Hollow or I’ll follow Hailey wherever she wants to go, but I ain’t goin’ back to the military. No point trying to change my mind. I’ve already told my commander that I’m not re-enlisting. I served proudly for over a decade, but I need to stay with my love now.”
Earl grits his teeth. The two men stare at each other for a long moment and my pulse spikes.
Please don’t tell me they’ll start arguing.
Earl exhales. “I understand, son, and I’m proud of you for forgin’ your own path,” he grumbles.
Colt gives a tight-lipped, bashful smile. “I appreciate it.”
The weight pressing on my shoulders disappears. My eyes get misty and Colt sets a gentle kiss on my lips.
“Suppose we’ll be planning a fall wedding before our Christmas party,” Sara Jean says, clapping her hands together. She’s really in her element as a hostess and event planner.
“I’ll help!” Mom sobs from the other end of the internet connection.
“Right! I’m not lettin’ this year end without officially callin’ Hailey my wife,” Colt agrees and I flush.
Our mothers talk over each other, already coming up with a million wedding ideas. My tears flow faster, but they’re happy tears.
When those naughty texts turned to read, I thought my life was over. But sending dirty videos to the right number was the best plot twist of my life—and Colt wasn’t the wrong man after all.
Turns out the guy I hated is the one I can’t live without. He’s a pain in my ass, grumpy, and stubborn as hell, but being in his arms feels like coming home to a place I didn’t know I missed. It’s where I belong.
“I can’t wait to become one of those bickering old couples with you,” I whisper in Colt’s ear.
He snickers and his breath tickles my face when he leans close, keeping his voice low. “In my head, I already put a ring on you sixteen years ago. It’s about time that reality catches up. You’re mine, Spitfire. For better, for worse, and for every single time I’m gonna stuff your bratty mouth with my cock. Hope you’re ready to be fucked like a whore and worshipped like a goddess for the rest of your life.”
