Miem took the tissue and dabbed under her eyes. “This is different,” she sniffed. “This is yours, Poppie. Yours. I am … so happy for you. Justin loves you … so … much.” Her chin wobbled and she dabbed furiously. “And he’s so good to you. Good for you.”
“Darn it, Miem,” Suzette muttered, taking a tissue of her own. “Now you’re making me cry.”
But her friend was right. She had never anticipated being this happy — never expected to find a love so vast and glorious it swept away her doubts and fears, wrapping her in a blanket of confidence and immense joy. No matter what problems their life together brought, they would rise above them.
Just as they had over the last twelve months …
The past year had been a mix of triumphs and challenges — good days and messy ones. Unfortunately, they were apart more than together. Justin started the year in LA finalizingA Soldier’s Echoand filming in-studio forOperation: Last Stand.
She flew to him in March and had five lovely days together at his Malibu house, although she preferred the quieter and simpler life of Paternoster. Then it was on to Europe and on-site filming for him, and Texas for her to celebrate Sophie’s first birthday.
It was heartwarming to see how Esther had settled into married life — and especially motherhood.
Bonding with Max’s baby daughter had taken Essie a little while, but witnessing the depth of their connection now was something truly special. No one would ever guess they weren’t related by blood. She had also spent some quality time with Branna and Jonathan, and of course, Maebh.
The octogenarian preened with delight, taking full credit for her and Justin’s relationship. “Ah now, the moment I saw you dancing with him, I knew. You’ve a long happy life ahead. One filled with love and blessings.”
The flight home from Texas had been, well, long, and it took everything in her not to throw caution to the wind and join Justin in Europe. But his filming schedule was relentless, and she’d hardly see him even if she did. Instead, they video-calleddaily, and every morning she woke to a message from him — small, steady reminders that she was always on his mind.
She had put her time alone to good use, overseeing the renovations to the house the Meirings — after lengthy negotiations — had finally agreed to sell him. Well, her, really, since Justin insisted on putting the deed in her name despite all her protests.
How much time they’d spend in Paternoster was still undecided, and with that in mind, she had promoted Alma to assistant manager, training the woman in the areas where she lacked formal experience. That way she could take extended breaks, knowing the hotel and her team were in good hands.
Suzette joined Justin for a week in Budapest at the end of May. It was there, during a twilight cruise along the Danube, that he slipped a solitaire oval-cut aquamarine onto her ring finger.
SuZie fans went absolutely gaga over the photo JK posted, his caption simple and perfect: “She said yes!”
Naturally, he added a second photo — the obligatory kissing shot that somehow made its way into all his posts. Emily had long since abandoned any attempt to lecture them about being too cheesy.
Of course, there were detractors too, but neither of them spared those a moment’s thought.
Justin finally arrived back from Europe on a blustery, wet and cold day at the end of August. He was in Paternoster for a well-deserved two-week break before the month-long worldwide release tour forSoldier’s Echothat would take him across five continents and multiple cities.
Best part … she would be going with him on the tour.
No more long stretches apart. No more counting down the days until he came home. He had stepped into her world and changed her life, and she was done missing him for monthson end. Yes, they’d had that magical week in Budapest, but everything between then and now had dragged unbearably.
His return happily coincided with the completion of the renovations made to the beach house and they were moving in.
“I hope you like what I’ve done,” she murmured, nerves suddenly sweeping through her as they stood in outside the front door. Justin had given her carte blanche with the renovations and the decorating.
She’d talked him through every step, of course, but seeing the changes in person was vastly different from viewing them via video calls or photos. The bottom level of the house had been divided into three distinct areas — one reserved for the on-duty security team, another a private suite for guests, and a generous entertainment space with access to the pool, a full gym, and a dedicated screening room. But the upper floor, with its three bedrooms, sun-warmed office, and a living area that opened onto an endless sweep of ocean, belonged only to them. Their own private sanctuary in the world.
He pushed the door open and swept her into his arm. “Show me our bedroom first,” he murmured, starting up the stairs.
She laughed softly. “Why did I know you were going to say that?”
“Maybe because I’ve been dying to peel away every layer on your delectable body since the moment I saw you at the airport. It’s been a very long two-hour drive … preceded by an even longer two months.”
He tumbled them onto the bed, and for a blissful stretch of time, everything became about rediscovering each other — slowly, hungrily, completely.
“Never again,” he murmured, trailing lazy circles over her back as she nestled against him, the haze of lovemaking slowly lifting like sun-warmed mist.
She tensed, her hand going still. “Never again … what?”
He pressed his lips to her hair, his breath warm against her forehead. “Being apart,” he murmured. “I’m jealous of every moment I don’t get to spend with you.”
Relief flooded her, loosening every tight place inside her. She pushed up onto her elbow and gave him a serious look. “It’s inevitable.”
