Devon's hand stilled on her shoulder, and his heart plummeted to his toes. “Second thoughts already?”
She lifted her head to look at him. “Not about how I feel, but about what others will think. About how it looks. About what people will gossip about and put in online articles.” Her hand flattened against his chest. “And it’s not just about how it will affect my career, but this vineyard.”
“The rumor mill is already buzzing. Those pictures from three months ago are something we need to address.” He met her gaze steadily. “We can’t lie about this. If we do that, it’ll come out, and that would be worse.” He kissed her softly. “I don’t think it’s something we have to announce. Just answer truthfully when it’s brought up. But if I’m being completely honest here, we’ve got nothing to hide or be ashamed about.”
“This is a complicated story, and I don’t like it being on display all because someone is targeting me for a reason I can’t even fathom.”
“We’re going to figure this out. The PI my dad hired is excellent. And maybe this all has to do with the insurance thing your dad was involved in.” Devon pulled her closer.
“I have thought about that.” She rested her chin on his chest. “My father’s told me for the last year that things will eventually become clear. I just need to be patient and let the system work. That I’ll understand soon enough. It’s hard because he’s constantly telling me that he can’t talk about it. But I don’t know why someone would target me.”
“That’s what Declan is for,” Devon said. “You're not alone in this. Whatever comes next, we face it together."
She was quiet for a long moment. "I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"Of losing this. Of someone taking it away before we even have a chance to figure out what it could be."
"No one's taking anything.” The words came out rough, harder than he intended. Jaw locked, he caught himself leaning toward her before forcing himself to ease back against the pillow.Breathe. Don't crowd her. "We'll figure out who's behind the attacks, clear your name, build the authentication program, and prove everyone wrong. Together."
"You make it sound simple."
"It's not simple. It's probably going to be messy, complicated, and difficult. And my family is going to pick on us. Well me. And we do have to tell them that we are now a thing because of how this town likes to listen to the whispers in the vines.” Devon tilted her chin up, so she had to meet his eyes. "But I'm not going anywhere. You've got me, for as long as you'll have me."
Emery's eyes filled with tears, even as she smiled. “Have you ever had a girlfriend for longer than a few months?”
“If I say no, is that going to be a problem?”
“It’s one of the reasons I stayed clear for so long.”
“Can’t say I blame you for that.” He chuckled. “But I’ve never felt about someone like I do you.”
She kissed him, soft and sweet and full of promise. When she pulled back, the fear in her expression had eased, replaced by something that looked a lot like hope. "We should get up," she said reluctantly. "Your family has probably already noticed your truck parked in front of the guesthouse, and Bryson can’t cover for you all day at work.”
"Let them notice." Devon pulled her back down against him. "We've got time. It is Sunday, and while it’s still harvest, it was a traumatic night.”
She laughed, settling into his embrace. "Your mother is going to have a field day with this."
"Oh, absolutely. She's probably already planning the wedding."
“That’s not funny.”
"I'm kidding. " He grinned at her scandalized expression. "Mostly kidding. Though, knowing my mother, she's at least mentally redecorating the guesthouse for grandchildren and figuring out a way to talk you into talking me into moving into the main house.”
"We literally just admitted we have feelings for each other. Can we maybe get through breakfast before your mother starts planning my entire future?"
"That's optimistic. My money's on her cornering you before coffee."
Emery groaned, burying her face in his chest. "This family is going to eat me alive."
"This family already loves you." Devon stroked her hair. "They have for weeks. This just makes it official."
She lifted her head, her expression turning serious. "What if we don’t last? What if whoever's targeting me escalates? What if?—"
"Hey." He cut her off with a gentle kiss. "We'll handle it. Together. One day at a time."
"One day at a time," she repeated, as if testing the words. Then she smiled. "I can do that."
