Chapter 25
Todd
The ride back from Bangor feels lighter. Like we’ve crossed some invisible threshold and there’s no turning back.
Savannah is wedged between me and Colton in the van, absently brushing her fingers over the added weight on her left hand. It’s a silicone band, marbled in deep cobalt and copper, like ocean waves crashing over rusted steel. It’s tough and unapologetically different, like us, but most importantly smooth and safe when she works on her engines. It is solid and undeniable proof that she belongs with us.
Well, with me, in the eyes of the law.
But the ring isn’t the only thing marking her as taken.
Colton’s collar sits snug around her throat, black leather with a single silver ring at the front. Like the ring, it is subtle, elegant, and unmistakable. If she’s not playing with the wedding ring, she ghosts her fingers over the buckle, like she’s making sure it’s still there.
She wears both.
Ours, in every way that matters.
Since polyamory isn’t allowed in the States, we had to find a solution, and Savannah suggested the perfect one. Marry one of us and be collared by the other. It’s fitting for our relationship and dynamic, and I love it.
I lace my fingers through hers, lift her hand to my mouth, and press a kiss to her knuckles. “You sure you don’t need a big wedding?” I rest our joined hands on my thigh.
She exhales and tips her head back against the seat and to the side. “I’m not into fuss and think big weddings and white dresses are a waste of money anyway. Besides, I don’t think we could have found someone to perform a ritual binding three people”—she rolls her head to Colton—“and we’re a package deal.”
Colton huffs a low laugh from her other side. “We are.”
I squeeze her hand. “Pity your mom couldn’t come, though.”
She groans, turning toward me again. “She could have. She’s just moping because I won’t be returning to Florida. She will come around.” She closes her eyes and mutters something under her breath that sounds something like, she will .
I hope so. “I’m sure she loves you and wants what’s best for you.”
Her smile is somewhat sad. “And you and Colton are everything I could have wished for in a relationship.”
“And we love you, starling.” Colton reaches over to skim his fingers along the edge of her collar, right where leather meets skin.
By the time we roll into Northwick Cove, the sky is streaked in soft pinks and oranges, the late afternoon light giving the whole town a golden glow.
The van barely stops in front of the house before the front door swings open.
Mel stands on the porch, hands on her hips, and her sharp eyes flick between Savannah and the collar at her throat.
“Well, well,” she drawls, stepping forward as we climb out. “Look at you.”
Savannah hesitates, her fingers tightening in mine, maybe expecting judgment.
Mel grabs her hand and turns it over so she can inspect the ring. She flicks her gaze to the collar.
“Looks good on you.” A pause. Then, with a smirk. “Both do.”
Savannah relaxes.
Diana appears a second later, arms crossed, lips twitching like she’s holding back a grin. “So, are they married?”
Mel grabs Savannah by the shoulders and turns her toward Diana. “Not just married.”
Diana’s eyes widen before she grins broadly. “Party time!”
Colton groans and rubs a hand over his face. “Please, no party.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think we will get out of this.”
Obviously not.
Savannah laughs. And god, I love that sound.
Mel snorts, shaking her head. “Well, if you don’t want to let us celebrate, at least let us feed you. Henry’s already got food on at the pub.”
I tug Savannah closer and lower my voice. “You okay with this, starling?”
She exhales, leaning into me. “Yeah.”
I meet Colton’s gaze over her head, and we share a silent understanding.
She’s staying.
She’s ours.
And nothing has ever felt more right.
* * *
Colton
Todd slows the van down as he follows Diana and Mel toward the diner. The moment we pull into Northwick Cove, I know something’s up.
It’s too damn quiet.
Which normally would be perfect—ideal. Exactly how I like it.
But after years in this town, I know its rhythms, and right now, things feel off.
Todd must notice, too, for he taps his fingers against the steering wheel and makes eye contact over Savannah’s head. “Did we forget something?”
I grunt. “Doubt it.”
Then we turn onto Main Street, and?—
Boom.
Music. Lights. Unmistakable laughter and way too many voices for a regular Thursday night.
Todd whistles low. “Well, shit.”
The parking lot outside The Dockside Bar is full, string lights crisscrossing between poles, illuminating the familiar faces of folks milling around. Some hold drinks while others gather near a long table covered with food.
We get out of the van, and Mel and Diana flank us like we’re sheep and they are cattle dogs. Sam Whitaker stands near the entrance with a knowing smirk.
“Is that a—” Savannah leans forward between us, her breath warm against my neck. She gasps. “They did not.”
Oh, but they did.
A big-ass, handmade banner stretches across the bar’s front entrance. The words ‘ Welcome Home, Savannah !’ are painted in bold blue letters.
Savannah makes a sound that’s almost a laugh, almost a sob, bringing her hands up to cover her mouth.
I feel Todd looking at me.
I don’t meet his gaze.
Because—fuck.
I should be happy.
Savannah is happy.
She’s practically glowing, her eyes bright, her entire body vibrating with excitement. And seeing her like this? It does something to me.
But—
Crowds.
Loud parties.
People want to talk, congratulate, slap me on the damn back like I don’t already know I’ve committed to a lifetime with this woman.
I can already feel the headache forming.
“This is insane,” she murmurs, pressing her hands to her cheeks. “They did all this… for me?”
Todd chuckles. “That’s Northwick Cove, baby. Once they claim you, you’re theirs.”
She turns to me then, and her eyes shine. “Are you okay?”
I nod automatically, even though I’m not.
She’s too damn perceptive. She knows I don’t love this kind of thing, but I don’t want to dampen her excitement.
So, I lean in and brush my lips over her forehead. “Let’s enjoy the party, starling.”
She cups my cheek and plays her fingers warm through my beard. “Come with me?”
Todd claps a hand on my shoulder, squeezing just enough to feel it. “Come on, man. You can survive for an hour.”
I shoot him a look.
He grins. “An hour, then we can sneak out the back.”
I huff, shaking my head, but before I can argue, Savannah’s already moving. Taking a fortifying breath, I loop her arm through mine. Todd does the same on her other side. Over her head, our gazes meet, and he nods. Yeah, okay.
That’s the moment we’re spotted.
And then?
The cheering starts.
One hour! We’re staying one hour and not a goddamn minute longer.
* * *
Savannah
I can’t stop smiling.
The town’s warmth, the way people have welcomed me in—it’s overwhelming in the best way.
Diana nudges me with her shoulder. “You okay, babe?”
I glance at her, then back at the crowd. “I think I am.”
She tilts her head, studying me like she does when she’s trying to pull something deeper out of me. “You think ?”
I sigh, shifting my drink between my hands. “It’s just… a lot. This time last month, I didn’t even know where I’d end up. Now I’m here, surrounded by people who care, with two men who love me.”
Diana smiles. “That scares you.”
It’s not a question.
I huff out a laugh. “Terrifies me.”
She nods, takes a sip of her drink. “That’s how you know it’s real.”
I turn toward her fully. “How did you do it? With Jack, Mason, and Elliot?”
She raises an eyebrow. “Do what?”
“Let yourself believe it was real. Let yourself stay.”
Her expression softens. “I fought it at first. And the men fought each other as a matter of fact. Before they decided to work together, that is. After that, they never let me push them away. And the truth was, I didn’t want to. When you stop running, when you let yourself believe you deserve love, everything else falls into place.”
I swallow hard, something thick settling in my throat.
She leans in, lowering her voice. “You stopped running, too, you know.”
I blink.
She smiles knowingly. “You could’ve left after the first week. After Colton found you. After you realized your car was fixed. But you didn’t.”
I look down at my drink. “Yeah.”
“You chose to stay. That’s the difference.”
I draw a breath, letting her words sink in.
She’s right.
I did choose this.
Not just Northwick Cove, but them.
Todd’s laugh catches my attention, and I glance across the party, watching as he talks with Grady and Callum.
They’re deep in discussion, Todd gesturing as Grady listens with his arms crossed. Callum is more relaxed, hands in his pockets, but sharp gaze flicks between them, taking everything in.
I wonder what they’re talking about.
Then there’s Finn.
Standing just off to the side, hands in his back pockets, his posture loose while he is aware of what’s going on around him.
He reminds me of Colton. The quiet observer. Always watching, always calculating.
As if my though conjured him, Colton sidles up beside me. “Are you enjoying yourself, Starling?” His voice is low, meant only for me.
I tilt my head toward him. “I am, but I guess you long to take on the Sea Spirit .”
Instead of answering, he pulls me against him, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to my lips.
When he pulls back, his gaze is serious, unwavering. “Nah. It doesn’t matter where I am, as long as we’re together.”
Something deep in my chest settles.
I lean into him, my fingers curling into his shirt. “Good.”