“Good to meet you. I’m Karson, and this is Ivy.”
“Our director, Roland Black, has asked to do the key handover personally. I’ll let him know—”
An immaculately dressed man appeared from a nearby doorway. “Mr. Wells, Miss Lawrence, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He extended his hand. “I’m Roland Black. Your keys are right here. Such a fine home. I’d like to extend congratulations to you both on behalf of the agency.” He held out an envelope toward us.
Karson gestured toward the envelope. As I reached out, Roland placed it in my hand.
“Thanks for all your help Roland,” Karson said as he shook his hand.
“My pleasure,” Roland replied as we walked to the door. “Welcome to Summer Beach, you two. You’re going to love it.”
33
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
IVY
We’d barely fastened our seat belts before we turned onto our new street. My stomach fluttered as Gus slowed to a crawl.
Itookinthe cars lining both sides of the street, with barely an inch to spare.
“Here we are, my love,” Karson said.
Gus pulled up as the whitewashed garage door glided open, then we drove in.
“And now,” Karson said, kissing my hand, “it’s all ours. You ready?”
“So ready!”
We stepped out, and I breathed in the salty air, pausing to admire the elegant Hamptons-style home.
The house was painted pale blue and crisp white, with a charming stone porch leading to a lavender-filled garden. White-shuttered windows framed the turquoise front door, while the spectacular gum tree swayed in the breeze as a currawong sang nearby.
Karson’s eyes lit up as we strolled onto the porch together. “You do the honors.” He stepped aside and waited.
“Is this really happening?” I smiled uncontrollably, pushing the key into the lock.
The door swung open. “Have I mentioned lately how much I love you?” His lips brushed my forehead. “I’ve been waiting to carry you over that threshold.”
He scooped me up as I looped my arms around his neck.
“It’s the main reason I wanted to buy a house!” We laughed as he carried me into the immense foyer.
“Wait.” I stiffened in his arms, peering toward the other room. “Did you hear that?”
“SURPRISE!” a collective roar erupted.
My mouth fell open as familiar faces emerged from their hiding spots and surrounded us.
Karson set me down as cries of ‘congratulations’ echoed through the foyer, before we were showered in hugs and kisses.
I turned to Karson with raised brows. “Why don’t you look surprised?” He winked at me and waved to a group of guys opposite us.
“Happy housewarming, my love!” he whispered, pulling me into a hug that sent heat shivering down my spine.
Olivia rushed over. “Congratulations, guys!” She wrapped me in a tight hug. “Damn, this place isamazing.”
“Olivia!” I squeezed her tightly. “It’s so good to finally see you.”
