Page 60 of Finding Love

“Are you okay?” He looked at the scratch on her arm.

“Yes. I’ve had worse after wrestling with my cousins,” she joked as she wrapped her arms around him. “I’m sorry. She asked to use the bathroom. I hadn’t expected her to head upstairs.” She shook her head.

“No, I’m sorry. I should have changed the codes to the safe.” He sighed.

She leaned back and looked up into his eyes. “Why did she do this now? I mean, weren’t these in the safe the entire year you were gone?”

Ryder frowned at her. “No. I stopped by the bank the other day and got them out of my security box.”

Brook waited, but when he didn’t expand, she asked, “Why?”

Instead of answering right away, he took her hand and walked over to sit down on the sofa.

“I’ve put the house on the market. I officially closed on the house in Pride today and have every intention of making that move a permanent one.” He smiled at her. “And, well, the ring… I’ve already told you why I want that close by.”

She smiled. “You did.” She handed him both items. “For when you’re ready.”

He chuckled and set both items on the coffee table. When he turned back towards her, his smile was gone. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t.” She stopped him by placing a finger over his lips. “There’s no way you could have known she would do something like this. She’s a spoiled child acting out.”

He nodded. “Right.”

Then she smiled. “You really did close on the house today?”

His smile returned. “I did.”

“Good, because I have a dozen more ideas to show you.” She pulled out her phone.

Ryder laughed and then sat back as she scrolled through the many Pinterest designs that she’d picked out earlier.

After that, Ryder returned the two items to his safe and changed the code. She was happily surprised when he shared the numbers with her. Then they decided to head out for a quick dinner.

“It’s the day I saved Willy,” he said with a smile.

“A very good day indeed,” she said, hugging the dog to her chest.

She changed into a sundress and him into a pair of shorts and a button-up cotton shirt with flip-flops. The more relaxed attire suited him better than the dress clothes.

They ate at an outdoor restaurant overlooking the water while Willy lounged and slept under their feet. A perfect ending to a very strange day.