Epilogue
Two months later
Berkley walked through the uncluttered sitting room with Nick by her side. “I can’t believe I’m finally done.” Was that a hint of wistfulness in her voice? Why yes it was. She was really going to miss working inside the Carmine Mansion.
She’d found a jewel-toned rug rolled and wrapped up in the attic in basically new condition, so she’d moved the dark teal and purple rug into the sitting room.
Instead of going heavy on the dark-colored walls, she’d ended up having them painted a lighter color and used a lot of jewel tones in the decorations.
She thought of it as more modern Victorian, because while she loved color, she wanted the space to feel bigger.
And this way the future owner would be able to imagine their own belongings in place.
“You did an incredible job.” Nick slid his hand into hers as they approached the bay of windows overlooking the front yard and quiet street. “You’re amazing.”
“Well I can’t hear that enough,” she murmured.
It might be officially spring, but the weather hadn’t shifted yet and there was still a chill in the air. When spring finally hit, however, the yard was going to be as stunning as the interior—full of color and life.
It had taken her a little over a month to catalogue everything, then Nick and Clover had needed to decide what they wanted to keep for the sale.
Though they’d asked her opinion for everything, and if she said it needed to stay, it stayed.
She wasn’t sure if it was because she was dating Nick—and staying at his place basically every night—or if they trusted her opinion so much, but she’d had a heavy hand in getting the mansion ready for sale.
Much more than she normally did with other auctions.
Either way, the house was stunning. And she would live in it if possible. You know, if she could actually afford it. “So when are you going to put it on the market?”
“We already have an offer.” His deep voice pulled her attention to him.
Not that it was ever fully off the gorgeous man. If he was anywhere nearby, he owned part of her attention.
“Wait, what?” She blinked up at him. “Already? I mean, I guess I’m not surprised, but that was fast.” She tried to keep that stupid disappointed note out of her voice. This was a good thing! She’d already been contacted by four different companies who restored historic homes, asking for her help.
Word of mouth was spreading about this project—and the fact that she’d been linked to a murderous monster in the national news probably wasn’t hurting the spreading of her name.
She’d officially hired Dana full-time to keep up with all the admin stuff and to filter out the jerks who only wanted to meet her because of what had happened.
“I realize this is fast,” Nick said as he slid down on one knee.
“Well yeah, but that’s a good thing… Wait, why are you…” She stared as he pulled out a small box with the symbol of a local jeweler on the front and opened it to reveal a vintage art deco sapphire engagement ring. A gasp escaped as she realized what was happening and she stared at him.
For the first time since she’d met him, he actually looked nervous. “Like I said, I know it’s fast, but we can have a long engagement. I love you, Berkley, and I hope you’ll marry me.”
“I love you too. And yes.” She didn’t even have to think about it. After her first experience, she’d never thought she’d want to get married again, but that had taught her everything she didn’t want.
And everything she did want. Which was Nick Storm.
His smile was infectious as he slid the ring on her finger. “Now that you’ve said yes… This is our house. You already know Sunshine loves it too.”
That sweet dog absolutely loved it, had picked out her favorite spot in the sitting room every time she came over. “What!” She couldn’t stop the shout that escaped. “Are you serious!” Still shouting. Come on girl, get yourself under control.
Grinning, he stood and pulled her into his arms. “This is your place. You belong here—we belong here. I didn’t lead with the house because I wanted to make sure you wanted to marry me for me,” he said on a laugh.
“I think you’re only partially joking.” She slid her arms around him, her heart so full she could barely stand it. This was their place? Oh god, he’d been smart to lead with the proposal.
“Oh, I’m not.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers. “Since you said yes, we can expect your family over in an hour for a celebration.”
“You told my family first?”
“I didn’t mean to. I just asked Krystal for her opinion on the ring, and she told Apollo, who told—”
“Silvia and likely Micah, who told Cormac.”
He snickered. “That’s exactly right. In that order. Apparently I have a lot to learn about your family.”
“You really do. I seriously love you so much. With or without this house, I love you.”
“Well in that case—”
“Don’t say it. Don’t even joke it.” They were keeping this place.
He grinned down at her, his gunmetal gray eyes full of mischief. “I would never.”
“Think we have enough time before everyone gets here?” She didn’t specify what she meant because he knew exactly what her intentions were by now.
His eyes heated at her question. Then he kissed her and she had her answer as they lost themselves in each other.
Thank you so much for reading Knight's Storm.