“It’s beautiful,” Amy breathed, taking in the historic downtown with its colorful shops, hanging flower baskets, and glimpses of marina between buildings.
“Wait until you see the inn,” Nash said, making a turn toward the waterfront. “The Stone Family Inn is something else.”
After the tense flight from Utah, during which Amy had sat gripping his hand tighter with each bout of turbulence, Nash welcomed this moment of pure discovery on her face.
Despite everything—the danger, the uncertainty, the lingering disappointment over Porter Rockwell’s gold being a myth—she looked genuinely happy.
The road curved, and suddenly the Stone Family Inn came into view, perched majestically on the waterfront.
Amy gasped. “Oh my goodness.”
The inn stood like something from a coastal dream—weathered blue exterior with crisp white trim, wide wraparound porches supported by elegant columns, and meticulously maintained gardens bursting with colorful flowers. American flags fluttered from both corners of the roof. The late afternoon sunlight painted the entire scene in a golden glow, reflecting off the numerous windows that faced the water.
“I knew it would be impressive from everything you told me,” Amy said, “but this is breathtaking.”
Nash smiled, pleased by her reaction. “Wait until you see inside,” he said, pulling into the circular driveway where several vehicles were already parked.
As they stepped out of the truck, the front door of the inn burst open, and Cheyenne came running down the steps, her face alight with excitement. Behind her, the veranda was filled with people—the entire Cross and Stone extended families had gathered to welcome them.
“What do you think?” she asked Amy.
“It’s incredible.”
Nash watched as Amy took in the scene—Porter standing with his arm around Sadie, little Denver at his side while Little Rock ran circles around them; Colt and Sierra sharing a private laugh; Blaze and Eden holding hands; Chance and Kelly chatting with Tim; Trey with his commanding presence, Ava beside him with her gracious hospitality; Brooks with his analytical gaze; Trent and Liberty holding hands. Marshall holding the baby with Kat by his side. Hunter and Cheryse grinning at them.
“It’s like a small army,” Amy murmured to Nash.
“And they’re all on our side,” Nash replied, placing a reassuring hand at the small of her back.
Ava stepped forward, greeting them warmly. “I’ve got the Mermaid Room all ready for Amy.”
“The Mermaid Room?” Amy asked, raising an eyebrow at Nash.
“All our guest rooms are themed,” Ava explained with obvious pride. “Ocean view, double oh six room.”
“It’s even more elaborate than it sounds,” Nash whispered in Amy’s ear as they walked inside.
“This place is incredible,” Amy said, turning slowly to take it all in. “How long has it been in the Stone family?”
Ava grinned and began telling her the story of the Stone family inn.
They began walking up the stairs.
“Nash.”
He turned and Porter and Trey stood at the bottom.
“I’ll take her,” Ava said.
He waited.
Amy nodded at him. “It’s good.”
He moved down to them.
“Meeting in thirty minutes,” Porter said without preamble, his ranch-boss efficiency in full force. “The library. Brooks has updates.”
Nash nodded, his eyes following Ava as she led Amy up the magnificent staircase, pointing out various historical features of the inn. “Let me just make sure Amy’s settled first.”
