“Seems they had a few other things on their minds. I can’t believe Brendan was arrested. They must have enough evidence to convict him—and now that he’s been exposed, you’re safe.”
“And so are you. I thought for sure it was Mason.”
“Brendan used to be so desperate for his dad’s approval. With Barry fixing to retire, Brendan was set to take over the investment firm. Then when you came back to town, I guess he must’ve feared you could reveal what he’d done.”
“I suppose when you run an investment firm your reputation is everything,” Gray said. “If people can’t trust your character, they sure won’t trust you with their money.”
“No matter what happens to Brendan from a legal standpoint, he’s out of the business for sure.”
“I’m struggling to find any sympathy right now.”
“Oh, he deserves everything coming his way. And so do you, Gray—all of it good.”
He leaned back enough to get his eyes on her. To cup her chin and gaze at her beautiful face. Streetlights cast a golden glow across her features, highlighting the curves of her cheeks, the soft swell of her lips. “You anchor me, Shel, in the best of ways. You believe in me. You always have.”
“I’m so proud of you. You’ve persevered in the face of so many challenges. You deserve to be accepted, Gray.”
He took in the words. Let them settle. “You make me believe that.” He leaned down and brushed her lips with his. Went back for seconds... and thirds.
Moments later her low moan had him deepening the kiss, pulling her closer, hands mapping the planes of her back. He couldn’t believe she was back in his arms—for good this time. He never wanted to be away from her again.
A long time later, with the discipline of a saint, he pulled back, set his forehead against hers. Love for her swept over him, engulfing him in the best possible way. “It’s always been you, Shel. No one else will do.”
“I tried to find what we had in someone else. It doesn’t exist. I love you so much.”
“And I love you.” He brushed her soft cheek, marveling at her words. “I guess it goes without saying I’m moving back home.”
“I was kinda hoping.” She gazed up at him, a gleam in her eyes. “How do you feel about a full-time job in a floundering bookshop?”
His lips twitched. “Depends. What kind of benefits can I expect?”
She leaned back, aiming those smoldering eyes at him. “What kind were you hoping for?”
“Kisses in the middle of the workday.”
Her low chuckle had him buzzing like a neon sign. “That was quick.”
“I’ve got a whole list.”
“I’m confident we can come to a mutual agreement.”
A bark startled them both. Shadow’s shiny nose protruded through the window’s gap.
“Poor guy. You’ve been very patient.” Gray unlocked the door and the dog leaped out. He collected attention from them, his tail wagging boldly.
Shelby glanced into his back seat, which was packed to the ceiling. “Looks like we’ve got some unpacking to do.”
“And at least a couple truckloads from my apartment up north.”
Shelby’s expression sobered. “How do you think Gavin and Wes will take the news? They were hoping you’d be their partner.”
He seemed to consider this. “They’ll probably be disappointed. But they’re family men through and through, so I think they’ll be happy for me too.”
“Will you hate leaving the job behind? The community you’ve been a part of?”
That buoyant feeling overwhelmed him again.Hopefilling him to the brim. It was a new feeling. A new start. He put his arms around her once more, pulling her to his chest, and set a kiss on top of her head. “How could I regret anything when I’ve finally found my home?”
Epilogue
