I continued to gape, and likely would have continued, until Brakkor squeezed me. “She’s delighted, Augustus. Just can’t form words.”
He raised a teasing brow at the male by my side. “Don’t you think you ought to allow her to accept herself?”
“Sure, and she will. I know my Mate well enough to know what’s going through her brain.”
“Mate?” Frapp glanced between us with a little smirk. “Oh, how exciting. Congratulations, you two, and congratulations to me too!”
“Congratulations,” I whispered still in a daze. “You must be very happy.”
“About your success and hiring you?” The old man burst into laughter. “Youarea little mixed up, dear, aren’t you?”
I felt Brakkor’s chuckles before I heard him. He wrapped another arm around me, pulling me up against his chest, and kissed the top of his head.
“Tell Augustus how happy you are to accept his offer, Mate.”
Shaking my head, I blinked away the confusion. “Y-yes! That’s…wow. Three years, really?”
“Is that enough time? You said the cliffs might collapse?—”
“That’s incredible, Augustus,” I told him sincerely. “I can ensure that the lighthouse is moved with utmost care, to avoid damaging the site, and I’m sure the foundation will reveal plenty of interesting treasures as well.”
“Which we’ll display in the new museum!” The older man clapped his hands, then clasped our arms and squeezed. “I’m so pleased. Welcome to Eastshore, Jocelyn!”
And with that, he spun about and called to another friend, and when he hurried off, his kilt swayed about his legs.
“Wow,” I whispered, but I didn’t have time to say more than that, because Brakkor swung me about to face him.
“In about three seconds, everyone on this damn island is going to show up here to ask you questions. I’m going tobe at your side cheering you on, Joss.Always. I just wanted you to know that.” His green gaze darted over my face. “I love you, and while I’m grateful you’ve just been handed your dream job, I’m also grateful it’ll keep you here on Eastshore.”
I felt myself blushing.
It was blunt, it was straightforward…and it was probably the most perfect thing anyone had everyone said to me.
“I love you, Brakkor,” I whispered.
“Good.” His kiss was quick, hard, over too fast. “Because I love you, Mate. And later, when I get you home toourapartment, I’m going to prove how much.”
With that promise, he swung me back around, and yep, it seemed like half the town council and a third of the island was clamoring for my attention, calling questions and logistics. I shared a smile with Kesha, who was holding Jay’s hand, and returned Jess’s wave, and knew I was right where I belonged.
Surrounded by friends, in a town I loved, being held by my Mate.
Home.
Epilogue
Brakkor
Evenings had becomemy favorite time of day.
Don’t get me wrong; I was a big fan of mornings, when I woke up with my Mate cuddled against me. I loved how deeply Jocelyn slept, her lips parted enough that she made those adorable little snores, which turned to moans when I woke her with my mouth.
But both of us we were working hard enough these days that our mornings were over too quickly, even our pleasure finishing fast enough to get breakfast started as we hurried off to work.
The evenings, however?
They were made for lingering.
Today wasno different.
