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Talon climbed into the golf cart with Lori and headed back down the path.
“We should go,” Sebastian said to us, his hand around Ember’s. Addy was next to her, chatting about the nutcrackers. The girls seemed oblivious to the tension.
“You think these two will be all right?” Knox asked.
“Heath’s an adult. He can handle a little boundary dispute with a neighbor,” Sebastian said with an easy smile.
We turned and walked with him down the path.
“Talon wouldn’t have put the structures here if he knew about the property line. I wonder if we operated as if it were ours all these years, but when the property transferred ownership, someone did the survey and realized the Matthews’ property extended further than anyone knew.
“It’s too bad you won’t be able to acquire the property like you wanted,” Knox said.
Heath appeared. “She moved here thinking she could renovate that inn and make a go of it. But what does she know about business ownership or construction?”
“Are you saying you think she’ll change her mind?” Knox asked him.
“I’m counting on it,” Heath said firmly, a muscle ticking in his jaw.
I hope you loved Sarah and Knox’s story! Read more about their happily ever after in their bonus epilogue.
Heath and Marley’s story is next in Reviving Hearts. Get 30% off the ebook when you purchase on Lea’s Shop. Use Code: REVIVINGHEARTS30.
“I’m not doing what’s good for you, Heath Monroe.” I was vaguely aware that we weren’t alone. But my gut churned with his betrayal.
I thought I was done thinking about him in any capacity. But now he was standing in front of me, looking way too good for words.
Heath raised his hands in a defensive stance. “We didn’t go onto your property on purpose. It’s just that no one from your family has been in these woods for years.”
My face flushed. Was he referring to how we’d meet up in these woods when we were teens? “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m planning on renovating the inn and reopening it before the holidays.” I couldn’t believe I’d said that. I didn’t have any plans other than to renovate it and possibly sell it. What was it about Heath that had me saying things I didn’t mean?
“I, for one, would love to see the inn renovated and open again. I think it will be great for the surrounding area,” Heath’s mom, Lori, said from her seat on the golf cart.
“Gram would have wanted me to reopen the inn.” When she was alive, I knew she wanted me to come home and manage it. But I didn’t want to return to this town. Not where I’d grown up in a trailer with parents who didn’t view me or my brother, Aiden, as a priority.
I’d felt awful about it, but I’d built a beautiful life for myself in California, and I hadn’t wanted to come back to the one place I’d always felt less than.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, dear,” Lori said as she rose from the golf cart and moved closer to where Heath and I stood across from each other in a tense standoff.
I’d always envied the Monroe brothers, with their tight-knit family. Whenever I saw them interact, there was so much love.
“Thank you.” I took a step back from the group, feeling out of place. They’d obviously come here as some sort of family gathering, and I was the one intruding. I didn’t belong here.
“It’s good to have you back, Marley. Let us know if you need anything. We’re happy to help.” Lori patted my shoulder and returned to the golf cart. “I’m going to head back. I’m tired.”
Talon got into the driver’s seat and drove away.
“We should go,” Sebastian said, with his arm around a little girl with dark hair. There was a second girl next to her. I wondered if she was Heath’s.
I vaguely recalled the updates Gram would give me when I called to check on her. Their father had died a few years ago, which must have been devastating for them. And Sebastian had a little girl now. I’d blocked out whatever she said about Heath because I didn’t want to hear if he was happily married with kids. It was probably childish, but I’d never been mature when it came to him.
Now that everyone was leaving, my heart beat erratically in my chest. I wanted to escape to the haven of the inn.
I wrapped my arms around myself, mainly to shield myself from the cool wind but also to protect myself from Heath. He had the power to hurt me before.
“You’re cold.” Heath moved closer, his voice gruff.
“I should go back to the house,” I said, but I stood rooted to the spot as Heath came within a foot of me and then stopped.
