A hush settled over every beating heart, so still and silent, Penny could almost hear the water droplets trickle down the blades of grass.
“Eliza Lansbury Carter…” Grant’s voice resonated with such ardent, all-consuming love, it appeared to take Eliza’s breath away.
She gasped, covering her mouth with both hands as he withdrew the ring from an inside coat pocket.
“We’ve had our fair share of storm clouds, but when I look at you, all I see is the sun. You radiate this undeniable light—in your smile, the way you take care of others, your unrelenting joy. You make me a better man and a better father. And with you by my side, I’m not afraid to sing—anddance—in the rain, no matter how many thunderstorms come our way.”
Holding up the sparkling ring with a dramatic flourish, he asked, “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
“It’s about time,” Eliza half cried, half laughed as she thrust out her hand.
After sliding the ring on her finger, Grant rose to his feet. “I assume that’s a yes,” he chuckled, his eyes filled with affection.
“Yes, but in case you’re not sure…” Looping her arms around his neck, Eliza kissed him fiercely amid boisterous hoots and hollers.
As friends and family gathered around the newly engaged couple to offer congratulations, Penny slipped away to find Colt.
Emerging from behind the courthouse, he held a finger to his lips. “Shh… don’t tell anyone about the hidden valve. It took me a few minutes to cover it back up.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” she promised, throwing her arms around him, drenched clothes and all. “You were pretty great out there, you know. If things don’t work out at Jack’s, you might have a career in showbiz.”
He grinned, nuzzling his forehead against hers. “Glad you didn’t change your mind after seeing my dance moves.”
“Not a chance.” She grazed his dimple with her fingertips, marveling at how her entire life had changed in the span of a single summer.
“It’s almost time for the fireworks,” Colt pointed out, drawing her attention to dusk settling around them. “Mind if I catch a ride with you?”
“Actually…” She trailed off, her heart thrumming. “I have a better idea.”
* * *
“Are you sure about this?” Colt asked, glancing over his shoulder.
Penny nodded, closing the visor of his spare motorcycle helmet.
After flashing her a devastating, dimpled smile, he revved the engine.
Penny encircled his waist with her arms and scooted closer, briefly mourning the added barrier of the bulky, padded jacket he’d asked her to wear for “safety purposes.”
She smiled to herself, recalling all the ways they’d inadvertently influenced each other over the last several weeks. Neither one of them would ever be the same again. And if she were honest, she preferred the version of herself she glimpsed in Colt’s eyes.
He saw her the same way her father had—beautiful and brave.
Colt gave her thigh a reassuring squeeze before revving the engine again, signaling the start of their next thrilling adventure.
As she nestled against him, her anxiety slipped away, replaced by a flutter of breathless anticipation.
And all at once, she realized that somewhere along the way…
Her happy place had ceased to be a place at all.
Epilogue
Bursts of red and blue sparks exploded in the night sky, reflecting off the shimmering surface of Willow Lake.
Oohs and aahs swirled around him, but Jack couldn’t summon the same enthusiasm. Although the Bryant brothers outdid themselves each year with their elaborate fireworks display, an inexplicable hollowness in the pit of Jack’s stomach kept him from fully appreciating each colorful crescendo.
Normally, Jack didn’t mind his solitary, simplistic lifestyle. In fact, he preferred it. But as his friends paired off, one by one, he couldn’t help wondering if they knew something he didn’t.
