Epilogue
By the time the holidays rolled around, Veronica had almost forgotten the intense summer chaos.
The Brookwell music festival had been bigger than ever, bringing in loads of good press and revenue for the entire town.
Fall had come and gone with many community events, a visit from their dad, and a bit more drama they managed to survive generally unscathed.
More than that, she and her sisters were actually thriving. Settled, but with a contentment rooted in quiet joy and excitement. The perfect vibe with Christmas just days away.
To celebrate, they’d closed outside bookings for three weeks so they could enjoy the Hideaway together. With their family growing through the addition of significant others, it was the best place to get together.
And tonight, Roni, Celeste, and Natalie were hosting the first official Brookwell Holiday open house. Spearheaded by Celeste, of course, the Brookwell Island B&Bs had gone all out with holiday decor and opened for tours. The event started at the Monroe B&B and ended here.
Naturally, tickets had sold out and now, with the guests departed and the day melting into a lovely wintery twilight, Roni and her sisters were ready to relax with family and a few close friends.
Roni walked through the rooms they’d opened, admiring the results of their cooperative design skills. Each of the other B&Bs had been beautiful in their own right, but here the atmosphere was pure holiday magic.
Maybe she felt that way because, deep down in her heart, this was home.
But she thought they’d nailed the assignment with the pine and holly garlands lit by warm-white fairy lights at every door and weaving up through the stair railing.
In the front room, a fire crackled in the hearth, the woodsy scent of cedar and oak blending with the rich aromas of spiced mulled wine, baked pecans, and hot apple cider drifting from the kitchen.
The mantel was a work of art thanks to Natalie’s creative display of Christmas trees made from all kinds of materials.
Veronica stood near the parlor doorway, a glass of sparkling cider cradled in her hands, taking a moment to simply absorb the breathtaking sight of her home—full of life, full of laughter, and completely safe. For now and forever.
No longer teetering on the edge of corporate extinction, the house was filled with the people they loved and cared about.
Folks who had jumped in and helped when they needed it.
Folks they’d helped along the way. This gathering underscored everything about the hospitality she and her sisters valued.
Near the new chess table, Sharon Trumble was laughing animatedly with Betty Jo Monroe, both women holding plates piled high with Celeste’s famous holiday crab dip.
In the corner, Jess Billings stood arm-in-arm with her husband, Nash, chatting with Chief Caldwell, who looked relaxed and entirely off-duty with his wife at his side.
Even Bobby had accepted the invite she’d extended.
The former Indigo Reef worker had officially left the company to start an independent coastal carpentry firm.
Roni couldn’t be prouder of him, or more pleased that he chose to stay in the area.
It amused her to see him engaged in a spirited debate with Natalie and Trent about trends with custom trim and finishes.
A warm, radiant swell of gratitude filled her chest. They’d really done it, with plenty of help, of course. Still, it felt incredible to stand here having successfully defended their home and legacy. Together.
“What are you thinking about?”
Roni turned and smiled at her older sister. Celeste looked stunning in her strapless cranberry velvet dress. Her long blonde hair, styled in loose waves, was held back from her face with jeweled combs and her shoes sparkled with gold beading and sequins.
“How fabulous we are,” Roni admitted. The three of them had gone to the Beach Belle for their dresses.
The owner, Grace, had made the brilliant suggestion for them to wear the same fabric, in the styles that suited each of them best. Natalie’s dress had a sweetheart neckline, thin straps, and a full skirt that ended in a flirty hem well above the knee.
Roni had chosen a v-neck wrap dress with a longer skirt that made her feel like a model.
“We are fabulous,” Celeste agreed. “It’s been quite a year.”
“And we’re all better for it,” Roni said. “In every way. Look at this place that we’ve built.”
“I’m not arguing,” Celeste said with a grin as Natalie hurried over.
“Are you two brainstorming a New Year’s bash without me?” she teased.
“We would never,” Celeste promised. “And also, I thought we said no bash.” Her eyes sparkled, though. Roni suspected Celeste was looking forward to ringing in the new year in a big way.
“But Trent and Brayden were discussing fireworks—” Nat said as Roni waved her off. “I mean, Merry Christmas to my favorite sister.”
Celeste started to laugh. “You two are incorrigible.”
“It’s a gift,” Nat said. “We need a picture, just the three of us.”
“In front of the fire,” Celeste suggested. “We’ll have Brayden handle the photography. He brings out Roni’s best smile.”
She felt her cheeks go hot and shamelessly blamed it on the champagne. Although she actually didn’t mind being called out. Being in love with Brayden had done wonders for her. She was more relaxed, more hopeful, and happier than she’d been since losing their mom.
“You can’t fault me for that,” Roni said as her eyes locked on Brayden.
Celeste sighed and Natalie laughed. “No, we really can’t,” Nat said. “Though I will say, I told you so.”
“You did.” Nat had been shipping her with Brayden from the start. There were times when her little sister being right would bug her. This definitely wasn’t one of them.
Celeste slid her arm around Roni’s waist on one side. Nat did the same on the other. They pressed in close as Brayden took several pictures. Roni was so focused on him, she lost track of the conversation.
“...Dad called three times today,” Celeste was saying. “Checking on the open house and asking about the menu.”
“We’ll send him this picture,” Nat said, peering over Brayden’s shoulder as they all reviewed the images. “He’ll love it.”
Tears pricked the corners of Roni’s eyes. David Hargrave’s return to their lives hadn’t happened overnight, but his visit during the Fall festival had opened a door to real, lasting healing. For the first time in five years, she felt as if they were a whole family again.
Trent delivered glasses of champagne and Brayden snapped more pictures as Celeste offered a toast. “To the Hideaway.” Celeste raised her glass. “And to the three of us.”
“To the best sisters around,” Natalie added, clinking her glass against theirs. “Y’all make me so happy and proud. We’re unstoppable.”
“To us,” Roni cheered, sipping her champagne.
As her sisters drifted back to their individual conversations, Roni felt a familiar warm touch settle over her waist from behind.
She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Brayden. His intoxicating masculine scent wrapped around her, making her pulse skip with the wonderful, addictive rhythm that had defined every single day of her life for the past months.
Brayden leaned down, his lips brushing the sensitive curve of her neck just behind her ear, sending a delicious shiver straight down her spine.
“Have I told you tonight how breathtaking you are?” She felt those words rumble along her skin, sending a jolt of instant heat through her body.
She turned in his embrace, resting her hands against the broad expanse of his chest. He looked impossibly handsome in a dark charcoal suit and crisp white shirt, his deep brown eyes fixed on her with that intense, possessive tenderness that always took her breath away.
“You might have mentioned it once or twice,” she teased, her fingertips smoothing over his lapel. “Any training ops between now and the new year?”
“No.” He let her nudge him back into the kitchen, out of sight of the party. “My bosses are smarter than that when things are optional.”
“So you’re all mine?” She brushed her lips against his.
He groaned. “You know it.”
He took the kiss slow and deep, the pleasure mounting until she wondered if they could slip away, down to the beach or even back to her place across town for some privacy.
“Come on,” he rasped. Taking her hand he hurried out through the sliding glass door, aiming straight for the beach.
“You’ve read my mind,” she said. Near the fire pit, she slipped out of her dress shoes and left them behind. Heels and sand weren’t a good mix.
The night was clear, the brisk ocean breeze tugging her hair loose from the sleek updo. She gave in and pulled the pins, tucking them into Brayden’s breast pocket.
He ran his hands through her hair, gently massaging her scalp. “That’s perfect.” Her head dropped back and she gasped at the blaze of stars across the ink-black sky. At their feet, the ocean pushed the white foam runners along the shore.
Brayden trailed his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, lacing his fingers through hers. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She snuggled closer to his constant warmth. “I’ve never been so happy, Brayden. This is the best Christmas I’ve had in years.”
He laughed. “It’s days away yet.”
“I said what I said.”
He stilled and for a time they just watched the dark ocean and sparkling stars, content to be quiet with each other. She’d been so lucky when he walked into her life, first as her friend and now as her forever partner.
She felt him sigh and nestled closer, fluttering a kiss along his jaw. Whatever he wanted to say—or not say—she was here for it.
“We stood on this beach right after that heavy storm, but we never got our dance,” Brayden said. He pulled out his phone. A moment later an arch of white lights sparkled in the night and beach music flowed from his phone.
How had she missed him setting this up? She laughed. “You are the best.”
“You inspire me.” He pulled her into a kiss, then moved them into the easy shuffle of the dance.
He’d clearly been practicing, though he moved with his athletic confidence through every task. He gave her a spin and brought her back close to his chest and she was lost to the sheer happiness of the moment. Tossing her head back, she sang along until the song ended.
When he stopped short, she thought he’d fallen, then realized he’d dropped to one knee. In his hand, a small square box waited. He opened it and a brilliant diamond solitaire ring sparkled and fired under the lighted arch.
She gasped, her breath catching in her throat as hot, happy tears instantly welled in her eyes. “Brayden...”
“Veronica Hargrave,” his voice cracked slightly with emotion as he took her hand in his. “I’ve spent half my life loving you from a distance, trying to be your friend first and always, afraid to wreck us by admitting I’d fallen in love with you.
“You loving me back was a dream come true. Being with you as your partner, loving you more with every passing day makes my life brighter and better.” His gaze held hers. “Roni, will you marry me? Please?”
Tears spilled over Veronica’s lashes and she blinked them away, wanting to remember every detail with perfect clarity. “Yes!” she shouted it, pulling him to his feet. “Yes! A thousand times, yes!”
He slipped the ring over her finger and she admired it for a moment, her hand supported in his.
Then she turned and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him close enough to feel his heavy sigh followed by a deep, triumphant laugh.
He held her in his strong embrace as if she was the most precious treasure in the universe.
That’s how he made her feel every day: Treasured. Adored. Loved.
When he finally pulled back, his hands framed her face as he leaned down, his lips meeting hers in a deep, slow, and breathtakingly romantic kiss—a promise of a lifetime built on trust, fierce devotion, and an unbreakable love.
Dreams came true. The two of them were living proof, as was the Hideaway behind them. She could hardly wait for all the ways to love him more as they followed their next dreams into a future as wide and bright as the starry sky overhead.
* * *
Thanks for reading Hideaway Reunion!