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“I was wondering when you’d get around to saying it,” he teases.
“You knew?”
I must be an utter dumbass because I only realized it a few seconds ago.
“I wasn’t one hundred percent certain, but yes, I was fairly confident that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way.” He grins. “I am an eternal optimist, you know.”
My heart does something strange in my chest and I’m almost lightheaded.
I gape. “So, does that mean…?”
He rolls his eyes fondly. “Oh, darlin’, I’ve been a goner for you from the start. You’re it for me, Callum Fraser. Heck, I love you more than a basket of Clanton peaches in July.”
I blink a few times. “Erm… That’s good, right?”
“Just you wait until you try one of those peaches. Pure heaven.”
“Glad to know I rank above fruit,” I reply dryly.
Beau snickers. “Trust me, it’s a massive compliment where I come from.”
“This relationship just took a big leap into the commitment zone. What exactly does that mean for us now?” I can’t stop the worry from creeping into my tone.
“Well, sugar, since I’ve been quite a few steps ahead of you this whole time, I’ve already been thinking on this. So you let me know if you’re game for what I’m about to suggest. Oh, and you’re gonna have to help me persuade Mama.”
I’ll do nearly anything to keep Beau at my side.
“Lay it on me, sweetheart.”
He grins. “Well, you see…”
EPILOGUE
Nine months later…
Edinburgh
Beau
“I’ve brought you boys some lunch,” Helen says, striding into our brand-new office with a carrier bag full of food. “And you too, Poirot.”
Our unofficial business mascot meows loudly and rubs up against Helen’s leg.
“Welcome, Helen,” I say with a smile, getting to my feet to help her. “Thanks for dropping by.”
She nods. “Good, you’ve finally dropped the Miz.”
I give her a sheepish smile. “Yes, ma’am.”
Ever since Callum and I moved to Edinburgh to set up our business and home, his mother has been doing her best to feed us on a daily basis. The moment she first saw me, she clucked her tongue and said, “You’re a looker, you are, but you’re far too thin. We need to get some more meat on those bones so you can handle a Scottish winter.”
Callum returns from the back room and sighs fondly when he sees Helen.
“Mum, you don’t need to keep doing this. We won’t starve to death.”
She waves a hand dismissively. “I like doing it and poor Beau’s still far too thin. Besides, now that I’m retired, I have too much time on my hands. This gives me something to do for my son and his handsome partner.”
My phone starts ringing with a video call, and I answer.
