Page 59 of Hideaway Reunion

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.