Page 130 of Late Harvest

Heart bursting with love, Remy brushed her lips against his. “You’re a good man, Sebastian Wheatley.”

“Not all the time, but I try.” He shrugged with a tiny smile. “As I’ve said many times, I’ve been more than fortunate in this life. Helping others who truly need it is the least I can do.” He paused, sighing deeply. “Grayton, can you make sure Maddie is treated well? And please be in touch with her residence. This can’t happen again, for her safety and the safety of other residents.”

“Of course, sir. On it.”

“And I don’t wish to press charges. I’ll repair Arabella’s home.”

Grayton squared his shoulders, somehow looking both fierce and deferential. “Sir, that’s going to be a problem. My firm is taking care of it. We should’ve ensured coverage before Lewis left with Ms. Howes.”

Sebastian cracked a smile. “I’m not winning this argument, am I?”

“No, sir. You’re not.”

“So be it.” Sebastian stood and shook the former Ranger’s hand. “Also, I’m man enough to admit I’m slightly terrified of you.”

Grayton released a tiny huff of a laugh—which was likely the stoic man’s version of a belly-laugh—and Honor giggled from the circle of Brinder’s arms.

“Why don’t we get out of your hair.” Brinder eased to standing, keeping one hand on Honor’s shoulder, which he stroked tenderly. “You both could use some rest.”

Remy felt about two hundred years old, her neck and shoulders aching with tension. And, yet, she also had the sense of a massive weight lifted. “Thank you for letting us stay here, Brinder. You sure it’s not an imposition?”

“You really need to ask me?” He raised a brow and Remy hung her head, laughing.

“What about our things?” Sebastian asked.

Grayton waved his phone. “Text me a list tonight and we’ll get everything to you. Meanwhile, rest easy knowing we have a perimeter around your home and this building.”

“Thank you, Grayton,” Remy whispered.

“My pleasure, ma’am.” Grayton nodded. “And for the record, I also think you’re impressive. I know Army Rangers who’d quake in their boots and collapse if they had to face the things you did. And not only didn’t you collapse, you thrived. You’re an impressive lady, Dr. Remington. It’s an honor.” He offered her a deferential nod and headed for the door.

“My fiancé is a badass,” Sebastian echoed, then whispered in her ear, “and I’m beyond ready to make you my wife.”

Chapter Sixty-Eight

I’m not afraid to take up space and shine like the star I am.

—From Remy’s Affirmations for a Badass

Remy

The July sunset soaked into the vineyard, dappling the ground with patterns from the grape leaves. Remy gazed down at her left ring finger, where an eternity band now nestled against her engagement ring.

Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, a kiss pressed under her ear, making her shiver. “Happy, Dr. Wheatley?”

“So much so that I’m a bit scared,” she admitted, adding, “Mr. Remington,” with a smile as she turned in Sebastian’s arms.

“Oooh, I like the sound of that.” He gazed at her with soft brown eyes. “The Mr. Remington part, not the scared part,” Sebastian clarified. “What’s scaring you?”

Remy swallowed. Though they’d just said vows earlier, this, too, felt like one. “I’m scared of how much I love you.”

And I’m scared of what comes after this. Please don’t leave me anytime soon. Let me have this for as long as possible, she silently begged.

He tucked her head under his chin, swaying them side to side. “Big feelings can be scary. But I’m coming to learn that it’s absolutely worth it.” He kissed the top of her head and shifted back to rest his forehead against hers. “Seriously, though, I don’t expect you to take my name. You’re Arabella Remington, my magnificent queen. And now that I know more about the amazing women who also held that name…well, I’d fight you to keep it.” Sebastian startled, his face blanching. “Jesus, Arabella. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean fight like that⁠—”

She pressed two fingers to his lips, smiling sadly. Would the specter of her past ever dissipate? “It’s ok, Sebastian. I know you’d never hurt me. You have a huge personality and can gather wool like nobody’s business, but you’re the gentlest of men. A true gentle man.” She went up on her tiptoes, brushing her lips to his, a soft summer breeze lifting the strands of her hair.

Their bed and breakfast room had a balcony overlooking the grounds of the Virginia vineyard where they’d said their vows earlier that day. Sebastian had tried to whisk her to Napa, but Remy had wanted her friends, along with Brinder and Honor, to be there. This just seemed expedient.