Her feet were cemented in place. But Peter took another tentative step toward her. “Veronica? Are you okay?”
She nodded again, trying to hold back the sob in her throat.
“I know you said to leave you alone, forget about you, but…I can’t.”
She swallowed hard. “Tiago was hoping you’d come.”
“He was, huh? And what about you? Because, Ronnie, I’ve been going insane without you.”
She finally looked him in the eye and caught a shimmer in those hazel wonders. He held out the rose. “This is for you.”
Her hands shook as she reached out for it.
“It’s the brightest pink one Claire Atwood could find. Even though she’s still on maternity leave, she came into the florist shop and helped me in person.”
His nervous babble and shy smile drew her toward him. “I suppose I have you to thank for that heart on the wall of my bedroom too?”
He moved closer. “It’s not Berry Kiss paint. The closest I could find was Razzle Dazzle Rose. And let me tell you, the guys at the paint counter had a field day with that. But if you don’t like it, you can paint over it if you want. Cole said to paint the apartment whatever color you like.”
The vision of Peter asking for Razzle Dazzle Rose paint made her giggle. Then she noticed the blue and green bruising around his left eye. “Oh, Peter, your eye. That looks like it hurts.” She instinctively reached out to examine the bruise, but he stopped her hand. Clasped it to his chest.
“Not as much as hurting the woman I love.”
She dropped the rose. “Love?”
He took her other hand as well. “I’m not sorry I held you back from the building, but I am sorry I hurt you. You have to understand, though—I couldn’t let you go into that building, Veronica. I couldn’t.”
“And what if Tiago had—” Ronnie couldn’t choke out the word. She turned away from him.
“Then I would’ve kept holding you and we would’ve gone through that together. I know you told me to leave you alone, but I can’t. I love you and I’m here for you. I’m here for Tiago. And you should…you should just get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere.”
She turned to face Peter. “What about your family? They hate me. They blame Tiago—”
“My job is not to please them. It’s to stand up for the truth. And the truth is that you are worth fighting for.”
She heard the words, but still didn’t believe them. “Vivien told me you fought Elton.” She bit her lip. “But that’s craziness. Family is everything to you. What possessed you to do that?” She stepped closer, hope soaring as she waited for his answer.
“I thought it was obvious. I’m crazy for you. You make me do things I would never do.” He reached out for her again. “But I’m a better man for doing them. You give me courage to stand up for what I believe in. And yes, family is everything to me. If you’d let me, I want to build a family with you and Tiago.”
The last bit of hesitation melted as she moved in and rested her hand over his heart. “Sure you have enough room in that big ol’ family of yours?”
“Always.” He leaned down, and she gladly surrendered to his kiss.
Epilogue
“Hurry up! All the good seats will be taken.” Peter tugged once more on Ronnie’s arm as they stood outside the auditorium entrance. It seemed like everyone in town wanted to see her and hear about Tiago’s recovery. And, yeah, it was good to see how many people cared, but couldn’t they wait until after the performance?
“Look who’s bossy now!” Ronnie smirked and kissed his cheek.
Well, that was one way to distract him.
He pulled her close for a real kiss just as Seb came up to them. “Am I interrupting anything?”
Did he really have to ask?
Ronnie laughed. “Yes, but that’s okay because we were just going in to find our seats.”
Seb handed her a folder. “I’ll make this quick then. I’d like you to look over the contract there. We’ve changed your ninety-day clause. As far as Deep Haven is concerned, we think you are the best fit for the CRT medic. But feel free to take your time and think it over.” Then he leaned toward Peter. “Make sure she signs it, Dahlquist,” he said in a stage whisper.
Ronnie appeared speechless.
But Peter had questions. “What brought on this change?”
Seb offered a nonchalant shrug. “Nothing.”
“Really? Just out of the blue, you decided to change the contract?”
Lucy Brewster came and poked Seb’s side. “That’s not what he told me.” She held out a hand to Ronnie. “I’m Lucy by the way. Seb’s wife.”
Ronnie shook the offered hand. “And you own World’s Best Donuts, right? I need your recipe for roly-polys. The lemon ones are my favorite.”
But Peter had tasted Ronnie’s baking. And more importantly, he wanted to hear what Seb had to say. “Why don’t you leave the baking to Lucy and let’s hear why Seb wants to change your contract all of a sudden.”
“Fine. I heard a little rumor that Ronnie was thinking about finding a new job, and I didn’t want to lose the best paramedic I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
Lucy nodded. “Now that’s what I remember you saying.”
Ronnie grinned. “I don’t need to read over the contract. I’ll sign it right now.”
“I won’t argue with that.” Seb handed her a pen and she signed on the last page. It was official. She was here to stay.
The lights in the commons flickered. Showtime.
Megan and Cole waved them down to the front row of the auditorium where they had seats saved for them. Seats right next to Peter’s mom and dad.
His mom snapped pictures every time Tiago was onstage. Dad must be coming around to the idea of Ronnie and her brother being part of the family too, especially since he’d talked with Tiago about football over dinner last night.
And while the original musical he watched with Ronnie on their first date was about the most depressing thing Peter had ever seen, this version, a children’s comedic version—West Side Toy Story, about two rival toy companies in Manhattan—had the audience in stitches.
Tiago sang with the rest of the cast for the ending number and waved at Peter and Ronnie before taking his bow.
Yes, there was no doubt—Peter had found what he wanted most in life. He’d found something worth fighting for.
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Other Deep Haven Novels
Deep Haven Collection
Only You
Still the One
Can’t Buy Me Love
Crazy for You
Then Came You
Hangin’ by a Moment
Right Here Waiting
* * *
Deep Haven Series
Happily Ever After
Tying the Knot
The Perfect Match
My Foolish Heart
Hook, Line, & Sinker
You Don’t Know Me
The Shadow of Your Smile
* * *
Christiansen Family Series
Evergreen
Take a Chance on Me
It Had to Be You
When I Fall in Love<
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Always on My Mind
The Wonder of You
You’re the One That I Want
* * *
For other books by Susan May Warren, visit her website at http://www.susanmaywarren.com.
* * *
Turn the page for a sneak peek of the next Deep Haven novel, Then Came You …
Sneak Peek
Then Came You
Vivien Calhoun needed a man within the next five minutes.
Unfortunately, the Sunday Fish Pic crowd filling the Deep Haven Coast Guard station parking lot brimmed with either the townees who knew her or tourists who’d come with their families in tow.
But she’d do anything to avoid a mortifying face-to-face with her evil half sister. Sabrina Calhoun stood on the sidewalk, her blonde hair loose, in a teal mini and white tank. She might look innocent enough to the casual observer, but Vivien knew the truth.
Sabrina knew how to draw blood and the fact that she was here in Deep Haven, on the North Shore of Lake Superior, couldn’t bode well for Vivie. What on earth was she—the ruthless mean girl—doing in Vivien’s hometown?
Vivie didn’t care—she just knew that she couldn’t be seen as the loser in the unspoken war between them. She glanced at her reflection in the side mirror of the 1954 Chevy Bel-Air next to her. Excellent. The August heat hadn’t unseated her false lashes. She tossed her long sable locks over her shoulder and promptly whittled down her extensive eligible-bachelor criteria to three stellar qualities in a man.
Single, attractive, and present.
She scanned the crowd of the Fish Pic car show, hoping Sabrina hadn’t yet spotted her. Maybe she could buy a few more minutes to execute her plan.
There, standing near a red Mustang. Tall, blond, and, wow. Definitely not a local. Pale blue eyes took in the festival-like atmosphere and a brush of whiskers darkened his jawline. Short-cropped hair. His tan said he spent a lot of time outdoors and he had muscles to boot. Oh, she’d cast him as a hero any day.
The newcomer couldn’t possibly be single—she jockeyed into position to view his left hand. No ring. No indentation. Not even the faintest hint of a telltale pale line.
No. Way. Today might be her lucky day.
Mr. Hottie was her man.
She pressed her lips together, ensuring full coverage of her hour-old lipstick, smoothed her vintage sundress over her hips, and wove through the crowd, keeping her eyes on the stranger. He wore a faded green T-shirt over his tan cargo shorts. Definitely ready for an adventure. His blue eyes landed on her with the kind of arresting gaze that caused a woman to surrender.
“Vivie!” Her roommate snagged her arm, drawing her attention away from the target. “Did you already announce the Labor Day weekend play?”
“No, Ree, and you have terrible timing.” She pulled Ree Zimmerman behind a green 1970 Chevelle parked on the scruffy grass at the edge of the lot. “Get down,” she hissed.
“Have you lost your mind?” Ree squatted down beside her and tucked a wave of her long blonde bob behind her ear. “Why are we hiding?” She adjusted the cuff of her denim shorts and straightened her Mad Moose Motel T-shirt.
“Because for some reason, Sabrina is here.” Ree was one of the few people who knew the truth about Sabrina. Vivien flicked grass blades from her sundress before pulling Ree’s back away from the sleek car. “Hey—be careful. Don’t scratch the paint.”
“Sorry.” Ree scooched away from the car. “Why would she be here?”
“I don’t know.” Because, really, seeing Sabrina was more than enough reminder of everything that had gone wrong in Vivien’s life.
Ree popped her head over the Chevelle. “I think I see her. If she’s the blonde in the teal skirt that seems to be missing a few inches of fabric at the hem, she just went around the corner toward the music stage.” She slid back down next to Vivien. “I wonder what she’s doing here.”
Vivien blew out a breath. “No doubt trying to make my life even more miserable than it already is.”
“Well, I’m still trying to finish up the news story on the community theater event. I need a few quotes from you to polish it up.”
“Right now? I’m a little busy.” She gestured toward the car they hid behind.
“Now’s a perfect time. I tried to do it last night, but you came in too late and I have to get the article to press this afternoon.” Ree shuffled through her purse and withdrew a piece of note paper and pen. “Okay, sorry, reading through my notes here—so, you’re opening up the community theater. How will that support your return to Broadway?”
Vivien’s stomach turned. “I don’t—um, I think I’m done with that.” She smiled and declared, “For a while.”
“What? That’s always been your dream. Why aren’t you going back?”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t ever going back.” Vivien shook off the waves of nausea and straightened her back. “You know what? I just want to focus on being behind the scenes this summer. Give myself time to decide what I want to do.”
“Are you kidding me? You were born for the stage.”
Maybe born for it, but a stalker, a two-timer, and an on-stage disaster had pretty much destroyed those plans. “I’m ready to be a director.” She gave Ree another assuring smile. “For now. I mean, I’ll go back, of course.” Someday. Maybe.
Ree’s jaw dropped open. “Of course? Please. I have been your best friend since second grade. I know your tells. What’s the deal?”
The problem with dear friends is they didn’t always know when to let something go. “The best directors have been on the stage, Ree. I think it’s great to do both. Diversify. I mean, look at Robert Redford. Angelina Jolie. Jodie Foster. So many.” She waved her hand in the air, dismissing the discussion.
“Viv—”
She patted Ree’s shoulder. “I’ll show you I’ve still got it. See Mr. Hottie by the red Mustang?”
Ree took a look. “I take it you don’t mean Nathan Decker.”
“Obviously not. No, Mr. Hottie, the guy talking to Nathan.” Vivien leaned forward and took a quick peek to make sure Sabrina hadn’t come back through. “He’s going to be my plus-one for a little while so I can rob Sabrina of her smug, self-serving victory.” She winked. “He just doesn’t know it yet.”
Ree’s mouth fell open, her eyes wide. “I thought you said you were done with relationships. I’m pretty sure you used the word indefinitely.”
“I am. I simply need a plus-one for today. A stand-in.”
Ree tugged on her arm. “Viv, you can’t do that. You don’t even know that guy.”
“Oh, watch me.” She fluffed her dark waves. “It’s not like I’m preying on a defenseless man, stealing his fortune. I just need him for the next few minutes and it really doesn’t look like he has anything else going on.” Besides, it was just another role for her to play in life.
“I can’t talk you out of this, can I?”
“Nope.”
“Well, then I should warn you Sabrina’s still on the prowl.” Ree pointed with her pen toward the judges’ booth where the prima donna was engaging locals in conversation, her laughter less than genuine.
“Then, take notes, my dear. This is how it’s done.”
Vivien stood and made her way around the Chevelle to the red Mustang as Nathan departed. The man turned, his eyes meeting hers across the hood of the car. He stilled. Stared.
“Nice ride.” Vivien smiled, looked down, and ran her hand across the pale interior of the convertible. “Is this the 225 or the 271 V-8?” She raised her eyes back to his.
He tilted his head, smiled. “You know your cars. The V-8.”
Oh, yeah, she knew the beautiful car had the V-8 under the hood. “This must be your first time in the car show. I’d definitely remember this car.” And its driver, who managed to look even better close up. She stepped closer and a faint hint of cologne, a blend of citrus and sandalwood, reached her. A woodsy, masculine scent that made her want to lean into it.
“Tha
nks. It’s actually not in the car show. She’s just my baby.”
Definitely not married.
“Oh?” She held out a hand to him. “Vivien Calhoun. And you’re…?”
“Late.” He said it with a twinkle in his eyes and pulled his car keys from his pocket.
She laughed. “Okay, Late. Hey—I need your help with a little something—you look like the kind of guy who’d help out a girl in trouble.”
He frowned. “What kind of trouble?”
Sabrina had started wandering through the cars.
Vivien placed a hand on his arm, gave it a little squeeze. He stopped in his tracks and looked down at her, a little blaze in his eyes. “Here’s the deal. All I need is for you to take a walk with me—you know, like we’re…together…so Ms. Venom-for-Blood leaves me alone.” She tilted her head toward the blonde interloper who’d started toward them.
He gave Sabrina a casual glance and turned back to Vivien. “Ouch.” He smiled, something slow and teasing. “What if I told you she’s my date?”
“Oh, hon, if she’s your date, then you really do need me to save you.”
A rich, warm laugh broke free. The kind that thrummed through her like a favorite show tune. “I thought I was saving you.”
“We can save each other.”
He laughed again. “I’m sure she can’t be that bad.”
“Trust me. If you consider the totality of her transgressions, she is exactly that kind of terrible, no-good, very-bad person.”
Several drivers started up their engines, the rumble so deep she could feel it in her chest.
“I’m really sorry, but I need to get going.” He stepped away.
“Ten minutes into town and of course, I run into you.” Sabrina sauntered over, ensuring she was loud enough to draw stares. Sabrina was beautiful, with her long legs, perfect white teeth, and deep blue eyes.
But Vivien did have acting chops. She wouldn’t have landed the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast in New York if she didn’t. Vivien turned. Flashed her megawatt smile. “Oh, Sabrina. What a…surprise.” She seriously doubted it was the fishing contest or smoked walleye that brought Sabrina to the remote location.
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