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It’s fifteen stories high with a winding staircase, custom built from reclaimed white stone just like a real historic lighthouse. Red bands glisten in the sun going up its length, each spaced evenly in fresh paint.
“Holy—Miles! That’s no shed.”
I shrug. “A little white lie for a good reason.”
“It’s seriously beautiful. Pinnacle Pointe hasn’t had a lighthouse since the old one was torn down in the fifties. Gram used to mention it.”
“Right. The original lighthouse wasn’t far from here, supposedly. The builders had to make adjustments for changes in elevation. The top isn’t functional like a true lighthouse either, but it does have ambient lighting, an observation deck, and an elevator. I told them to preserve the spirit of the original as much as possible. It’ll bring in tourists for sure.”
Her face screws up with happiness as it dawns on her.
“Totally.” Then before I can get in another word, she breaks into a run. She doesn’t stop until she’s at the entrance, looking back at me impatiently. “We’re going in, right?”
I laugh as the dogs sprint around her.
“Thought you didn’t want to see my stupid shed, kitten,” I call after her.
She looks back and grins. “You’re lucky I don’t mind you being a crappy liar when the lies are actually good. This town rarely gets new attractions.”
In a couple large strides, I’ve closed the space between us. “It may be a tourist attraction, but I built it for the woman I love.”
She stops in her tracks and turns to face me. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Landers,” I say for old time’s sake.
With any luck, I won’t be calling her by that name again.
“Shall we?” I pull the door open and hold it for her while the Dobermans run ahead, sniffing around the smooth floor.
She looks around slowly, reverently, and then goes up the first two steps and stops. She’s staring up at the winding staircase.
“That is a lot of stairs. Do you think the dogs will be okay?”
“There’s always the elevator.”
Grinning, she steps back down into my arms. I lead her and the dogs into the elevator.
“This is even classier than I thought,” she whispers, laying her hand against the copper and custom brass finishes I had installed.
“Only the best. My kitten is demanding.”
Cream lets out a loud yip! of agreement.
“Any chance I can use this place for wedding pictures and include it in my packages?” she asks with bated breath.
“Woman, what part of yours don’t you understand? You can use this place to dance around naked in the moonlight for all I care. Hell, I might endorse that use more than anything.”
“Stop!” Laughing, she smacks my chest just as the elevator stops on the top floor.
“Between the new boat tours, the fresh honey, and a flipping lighthouse... I think Bee Harbor is in for a strong year.”
“Yeah,” I agree as the doors slide open and I give her a minute to soak it in.
I know she’ll need it.
Jenn gasps at the floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean.
“Oh. My. God.” She walks straight to the window and sits down in front of it on the bench nearby. “This is straight from a dream, Miles. You’ve done so much for me...”
“I told you, we’re partners. What’s good for you is better for me. Just one problem.”
Her face tenses. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to formalize this partnership.”
“Well, yeah. I’ve always told you I’d sign a contract, whatever you want, and even repay you for your investments.”
I shake my head slowly, trying not to laugh at her clueless expression. “No. I have something else in mind.”
She stares at me, her eyes wide with wonder even before I make my move.
I drop to one knee, retrieve the velvet box from my pocket, and flip it open.
“Oh my—oh my God! Miles!” she gasps, looking into the box. “It’s a bee? Itsabee!”
She flies up and hugs my neck so fast it bowls me over.
I go down laughing, bracing as she stamps a dozen kisses on my neck, my lips, my everything.
I deepen the kiss as long as she lets me.
“Technically, I was supposed to ask for a yes, but if that’s your answer—”
She giggles until she’s red in the face. “Miles Cromwell, you know I love you.”
“Enough to be Jennifer Cromwell? That was the question.”
Her eyes ripple like polished jade.
“God, yes. I’ve wanted this forever.”
I kiss her again, pushing her to the ground. The dogs are crouched behind her, and I hold up a finger in warning, asking them to stay.
“I would have asked sooner, but I couldn’t chance scaring you off.”
She’s shaking her head fiercely as Coffee reaches his limit.
The big black dog rushes us, nosing into the action so he can lick the side of my face. Like always, Cream follows, burying Jenn in about thirty sloppy dog kisses.
I think the entire lighthouse shakes from how hard we’re laughing now.
