A month later, desire for the money overriding any guilt, Shane told Pete’s father what he’d done and why he’d done it. Anthony had been devastated. When he’d threatened to go to the police, Shane had warned that he’d only done what Anthony wanted him to do. Unable to bear Eudora learning the truth, Anthony had kept the awful secret. Two years later, when Rory was granted the opportunity for a new trial, the fear and guilt that had been eating away at both men got the better of them.
It was during the sorting of all those awful details that Rory learned Pete was the one to rent all the cottages in that little cove. He’d wanted everything to be perfect for their short honeymoon. She would miss him always, and he would forever own a piece of her heart.
Now, thankfully, the truth had been revealed, and she could go on with her life.
Austin was beside himself with happiness. The two of them had waded through what was left of Lulu’s cottage in search of salvageable family treasures. She smiled at the idea that Lulu’slittle yellow bug was out in the driveway. Rory had decided to use it until she figured out where she was going and what she was doing next.
The best news of all was Chance. They had spent the past few weekends together, getting to know each other better. But they were taking things slowly. No rushing into whatever came next.
As if on cue, the sliding doors opened, and he stepped out onto the deck. “Good morning.”
She set her coffee aside and rushed to greet him. They shared a kiss. “Your flight okay?”
“It was.”
He’d flown from Chicago to Nashville early that morning and driven down. He would be staying the weekend again. Rory couldn’t wait to tell him her news.
“I was thinking,” she offered as they stood together, arms around each other and staring out over the water, “that we might have a late breakfast out somewhere.” They’d spent most of their time right here hidden away to avoid the reporters. But things had calmed down now. Plus there was a new restaurant in nearby Guntersville that served breakfast all day.
“Sounds good to me.” He kissed her forehead. “Things okay here?”
She nodded and turned to face him. “Things are great.”
He smiled, his dark eyes crinkling. “Does that mean you’ve decided what’s next?”
“I’ve thought about that a lot.” She sighed, a happy, contented sound. “I think I’ll wait a year before going back to teaching only because I need to work out a few other things first.”
“You deserve a break,” Chance agreed. “No need to rush into anything.”
“I don’t want to stay here, though.” She frowned. “Too many painful memories. Austin plans to stay in Nashville, so there’s nothing holding me here.”
His smile widened. “You are a free woman, Ms. Aurora Harris.”
“Well—” she hesitated “—there is this one thing that has a hold on me.”
He dipped his head and brushed his lips against hers. “What’s that?”
“It’s you.” She tilted her head back, stared into his eyes. “I think we need to take that next step. I may not know exactly where I want to live or work, but I know exactly who I want in my life. I’m not waiting another minute on that part.”
He nodded. “If you’re certain.”
“I am certain.” She reached down and started to unbutton his shirt. “Maybe we should start right now. Do a little testing to make sure we’re a good fit.”
He laughed, the deep sound rumbling in his chest, making her tingle with anticipation. “Oh, I’m absolutely certain the fit will be perfect.”
“Only one way to find out.” She went on tiptoe and kissed him long and deep. He lifted her and carried her inside.
They undressed each other on the way to the bedroom. Breakfast could wait. The whole world could wait.
Butthis…this could not wait another second.
