Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29
C onnor made frequent trips to New York to visit Amanda, and then she moved back to Magnolia as soon as the gala finished. Brooklyn and Megan were at his cottage when she arrived, and Brooklyn launched herself into her arms. “You’re back. And you’re lucky. Uncle Connor said you get to live here forever.”
“I do. I just need to find a place to live. Luckily, I got the cottage next door to live in for the next month. That will give me time to find a place.”
Megan hugged her. “Welcome home.” She looked over at Connor. “You’ve made my brother a very happy man.”
Her gaze met Connor’s. “He makes me happy too.”
“Okay, it’s my turn now.” Connor winked. He came over and wrapped her in a hug, kissing her thoroughly. Brooklyn’s exaggerated groan made Amanda laugh as she pulled away.
“Ugh, Uncle Connor. Are you going to start kissing her all the time now?”
“I plan to, Princess. I plan to.” He grinned, his eyes twinkling with unabashed happiness.
“I’ve got no complaints.” She smiled up at him.
She felt a profound sense of belonging as they all sat down for dinner. For the first time in a very long time, she felt like she was sitting down for a family meal. Megan and Connor’s playful banter filled the air, their sibling rapport evident in the way they teased each other with effortless ease. Brooklyn entertained them with wild stories about how she wanted to ride a sea horse.
Beneath the table, Connor’s hand found hers, intertwining their fingers. The simple gesture sent warmth blossoming through her. His smile was quick and often, so different from when she’d first met him. He had an ease about him now.
Megan rose from her seat, gathering up dishes. “You go walk Amanda to her cottage. I’m going to clean up.” Megan turned to her. “I filled your fridge with some supplies, and there’s freshly roasted coffee for tomorrow.”
“Thank you. That was sweet.”
“Of course. We’re all truly thrilled to have you back here.” Megan hugged her.
Contentment washed over her as Connor took her hand and they walked the familiar pathway to the neighboring cottage. “It feels so right to be back here.”
“It feels right to have you back here.”
“I’ve got to find a permanent place to live though.”
“About that.” Connor shifted nervously from one foot to the other. “You’re an amazing woman, Amanda Kingston, and I’m so glad you came to Magnolia. You’ve changed my life. In a really good way.”
“I feel like I’m different since I met you too.” Her heart swelled with happiness and a sense of belonging at his words.
“How would you like to… live with me?” He frowned. “No, not that. I’m messing this up.” He dropped to one knee. “Amanda Kingston, would you marry me and make me the happiest man on the planet?”
Surprise and joy surged through her as tears began making hot trails on her cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes. Yes.”
He jumped up and swept her into his arms, twirling her around on the deck. He set her down abruptly. “Oh wait, I messed up again.” He dropped to his knee once more and held out a ring box. “I was supposed to show you this when I asked you.”
A single solitaire diamond sparkled in a simple gold setting. “Oh, it’s beautiful.”
He stood up and slipped it onto her finger. “Not as beautiful as you. And we’re going to have a beautiful life together.” He tenderly brushed away her tears.
“We are.” She was certain they would.
A little voice piped up from behind the palm bushes lining the deck. “Uncle Connor, did she say yes?”
“She did, Princess.” Connor threw his head back and laughed.
“Brooklyn Dempsey, you get back here right this minute and leave them alone,” Megan called out.
“Momma, she said yes.” Brooklyn raced across the sand back toward Connor’s, her voice carrying over the distance.
“Congrats, you two. Welcome to the family, Amanda.” Megan called out again.
“I guess you’ve got a readymade family, too.” He grinned at her.
“Couldn’t ask for a better one.”
And here she was. Living the life she wanted to live. Where she wanted to live. With a man she loved and a new family.
Who knew that when her parents had brought her to Magnolia Key all those years ago, it would lead her right back here where she belonged?
Dear Reader
Thank you for reading my stories. I hope you enjoyed this addition to the Magnolia Key series. Next up is Tidal Treasures .
Tidal Treasures:
A woman desperate for a fresh start. A chance discovery. And a journey that could change everything.
When Jenna buys an old cottage on Magnolia Key, she's hoping to leave her troubled past behind. But as she peels away layers of wallpaper, she uncovers more than just dated decor—she finds a hidden box containing love letters from the 1920s.
Drawn into the mystery of star-crossed lovers from long ago, Jenna finds herself falling for Nash, the charming local contractor helping her renovate. But as she digs deeper into the island's secrets, she realizes that some mysteries are better left unsolved.
In this heartwarming tale of second chances and small-town charm, Jenna must decide if she's ready to confront the ghosts of her past and open her heart to a future filled with love and belonging.
Magnolia Key—where old secrets and new beginnings intertwine like sea grass in the coastal breeze.
As always, I thanks for reading my stories. I truly appreciate all of you. Until next time, Kay