Epilogue
ADAM
I leaned back and placed my arm around Lyla, pulling her close.
Steam from the hot tub surrounded us and made it the perfect late-night activity.
Too bad we weren’t alone. Other guests from The Lodge milled about the pool area.
I couldn’t be mad, but that didn’t stop me from considering pulling the fire alarm so they’d all clear out.
My love surprised me with the weekend trip for my thirtieth birthday.
Walking through the lobby earlier, I couldn’t stop picturing having our wedding there.
She’d mentioned she thought it would be a great wedding venue.
I smiled thinking about how her cheeks had flushed adorably as she’d stumbled over her words, attempting to clarify she meant in general, not for anyone in particular.
God, I hoped that was a lie. That it was us she thought of. Getting married was never something I’d ever considered, but Lyla as my wife made perfect sense.
First, I needed a ring.
“Has Zack found another player for the volleyball game?”
I stiffened at the reminder of the large fire last month that took the life of one of our own. It still sat heavy in my gut. He would be honored at the annual PD vs. FD volleyball game coming up next week. But I didn’t want either of us thinking about that right now and dampening our weekend.
“No, I don’t think so.” I smirked, pulling her closer to my side. “You sure you don’t want to join the team?”
She raised a brow. “Do you want me to get another concussion?”
“Fair.” I pressed my lips to her temple.
The water shifted as Zack stepped down into it. “Ahh… this feels good on my muscles after yesterday’s shift.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Thought you said you weren’t gonna intrude on our romantic weekend.”
He raised a brow. “Yeah, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to come use the pool and hot tub.” He pointed at us. “You could have stayed in your room.”
I huffed. He had a point, but Lyla wanted to swim and that was the only reason we were down here. We’d make good use of the tub in our room later.
“How’s the lodge going with your parents away?”
“Fine. It pretty much runs itself. I tell them this every year when they stress about going on vacation.” He looked over at Lyla. “You should have invited your friend Mia.”
She laughed. “On our romantic weekend away?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I just meant to come enjoy the pool and hot tub. Keep me company.”
Her eyes widened. “She hates you.”
“I’m pretty sure she hates everyone.” He shrugged. “I’ll grow on her eventually. I always do. Once she realizes how easily I make her smile and laugh, she’ll be putty in my hands.”
He had that glint in his eye, and I sighed. It had become very clear over the years that he liked a challenge, but I really hoped he didn’t have his eyes set on Mia. That was bound to blow up. Because I one hundred percent agreed with Lyla—Mia Carpenter actually hated Zack Stoer.
But what did I know? Stranger things had happened. Hell, six months ago I would never have believed this would be my life. That I would finally find my forever. I glanced down at Lyla as I tucked her further into my side, love and joy squeezing my chest.