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“That’s a change. You said being here is worse than medieval torture.” I shake my head. What a fool I was for far too long.
“I never shared with you where my treasure hunt led.” I put all kidding aside. The smiles drop off my brothers’ faces as they wait for me to go on.
“I didn’t want to pry, but I’m damn curious,” Zach says.
“I think part of our problem for a lot of years was in not sharing our lives. I allowed Cori to walk away from me after receiving this.” I pull out the ring box, open it, and set it on the table.
“Is that Grandma’s ring?” Zach asks.
“Yeah. Think the beings above were trying to tell me something?” I question.
“How in the hell can the ring be at the end? That means Grampshadto have been involved,” Callan says.
I won’t give the game away. “Maybe Gramps knew the lady in the lake. We’ll never know. Those boxes were sealed. Callan needs to open his box next. He needs to see where his game will take him.”
“Hell no. I saw the hell you went through with this game. I want nothing to do with it.”
“What if it was Gramps’s last wish? Do you really want to tempt the fates by refusing him? I wouldn’t. I tried fighting my gift and I’ve been miserable for weeks. I wasn’t happy until I set foot back in Washington. I want a new journey for my life, and I have no doubt that I won’t make it if I’m not here.”
“Holy crap, I never thought I’d hear anything like this from you of all people,” Zach says, sitting back in awe. I’m a bit shocked at my words too. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m happy.
“Why did you let her go?” Zach asks.
“Because I’m an idiot.”
“Are you going to do something about it?” Callan asks.
“I hope it’s not too late.”
“I think you need to go get the girl. If it’s true love it’s never too late,” Zach tells me.
“She loves you, Blaze. I saw it when you came to the mountain,” Callan says.
“What if she says no?” I ask, hating that I sound weak.
“Then you change her mind,” Zach says with a smile.
I sit back for a moment and laugh. Leave it to my brothers to make such a complicated situation simple. I reach over and grab an ice-cold beer, lean back, and grin as I take a long swallow.
“I think it’s time to get the girl.”
“Hell yes, it is,” both Callan and Zach say. I put down my beer, stand, and walk away, my brothers catcalling behind me. I have a new hunt — and this one ends with the treasure in my armsandin my bed for the rest of my life.
Epilogue
Courtney
Sitting on a beach in Fiji, I shouldn’t feel this dang miserable. Sure, I can put on a smile. I’ve grinned so much my cheeks hurt, but the tears I cry every single night show how broken I truly am.
I knew it would hurt. I knew letting Blaze go after having all of him for a few beautiful weeks would make it harder. I still have no regrets. I’d do it all over again, knowing the pain I was about to go through. I’d rather have a piece of the only man I’ll ever love, than to have nothing of him at all. It helps my pride stay intact by being the one to walk away this time. Yes, it was because he’d wanted me to, but I was still strong enough to do it, to not beg him to stay. I’m also glad no cruel words were spoken. There was no need for that.
He would’ve stayed if I begged. I think he would’ve because he does love me. But his love would eventually turn to resentment had I asked him to be someone he’s not.
Luckily my sister’s been busy during our trip. We only have a few days left, and it seems every business on this island wants her in their shops to do videos. I didn’t realize how famous my sis is. She’s really good at what she does. Hell, I want to buy theproducts she posts about. Each video makes the items look like the single greatest thing that was ever invented.
It’s been two weeks since I last saw Blaze, and the pain of this loss will sit heavy with me for a very long time. My one consolation is I won’t have to run into him here. I’m grateful he’s far away. I’m afraid I’d be too weak to keep away from him if he was a few miles down the road. I’m too weak where he’s concerned.
Going back to work for a few days before Jenny and I left was hard, harder than I thought. After my adventures with Blaze, returning to a normal, boring life is stifling. I’m glad I’ve come with Jenny to this beautiful island. I’m going to cry anyway, so I might as well get a tan while I do it.
