“Extremely. But I’m also right.”
Before she could respond, he cupped the back of her neck and leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that silenced every doubt in her head.
“People are watching,” she murmured, though she couldn’t bring herself to care.
“Let them,” he replied, his thumb brushing the curve of her jaw. “They should know where I stand. With you. Always.”
The simple declaration warmed her from the inside out. Owen Booker, the man who’d spent years in shadows, whovalued anonymity above all else, was publicly declaring his allegiance. To her. In front of half the county.
For years, she’d chased ghosts—her cousin’s, her community’s, her own. Now one had chosen to stand beside her.
She straightened, squared her shoulders, and took his hand.
Tomorrow, the fight would begin, but tonight, she was going home with the man she loved.
epilogue
Anson,
Kintsugi!
I shouted it when I read your letter, but then I saw the photos you included and realized you had already thought of it. The mug is absolutely beautiful. I’m sure Ghost loved it, even if he didn’t say so.
I could use some of that gold joinery myself. Lately, it feels like everything I’ve built is cracking, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to hold it together. The harder I work, the smaller my world gets, and I’m so tired of pretending I’m fine.
You once told me Valor Ridge was a place for people learning how to start over.
And I really need to start over.
So I’m coming to Montana.
Please don’t tell me not to.
See you soon,
Maggie
She wrote to a stranger behind bars.
He built a life around the words she sent.
Now Magnolia Rowe’s stalker has found her—and the only man she trusts to keep her safe is the one she’s never met outside their letters.
But Anson Sutter has already lost everything once, and letting her close could destroy the fragile peace he’s forged at Valor Ridge.
To protect her, he’ll have to face the fire again.
To love her, he’ll have to embrace the scars he’s spent years hiding.
