“Right away. She’s engaged and should have a ring to show off.”
“At least take her somewhere special. Go to the water or somewhere else you two enjoy.”
“Thank you, Aunt Lucille.” He wrapped his arms around her.
“My pleasure.” She returned the embrace, then they headed back downstairs.
Canyon tucked the ring safely in a pocket before reaching the first level.
“I have somewhere to be now,” Lucille announced. “You two have a good rest of the night.”
“Thanks, Auntie.” Maggie kissed her on the cheek.
Canyon gave her a little nod, his pulse racing at the thought of giving the ring to Maggie. Should he propose again or simply surprise her with it?
Lucille headed back upstairs, her little white dog following at her heels.
He turned to Maggie. “Would you like to go to the beach? Maybe to our secret spot?”
She held his hand. “I’d like that.”
Canyon nodded, then they walked toward the back door for easier access to the beach. His pulse drummed faster. He was more nervous about this than he had been proposing—that’d been spur of the moment.
Halfway to the beach, she turned to him. “Are you okay? You’re awfully quiet.”
He smiled. “Just enjoying your company.”
Maggie squeezed his hand but didn’t look like she believed him.
Once they reached their spot, she leaned against him and wrapped her arms around him. “This is nice, and you know what’s even better?”
“What’s that?”
She looked up at him, beaming. “We don’t have to hide our love from anyone.”
“About that…” He stepped back and dug into his pocket.
Maggie tilted her head and scrunched her brow.
His pulse was out of control. It was so loud, he couldn’t hear any other noise at the beach. He fumbled with the ring in his pocket, then took a deep breath before pulling it out.
Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth.
Canyon knelt on one knee. “I love you more than life itself, Maggie, and I’m the luckiest man alive because I get to marry you. You deserve nothing other than the best, and now you can at least have a ring that comes close to matching your beauty.”
Tears shone in her eyes.
He took her hand and slid on the ring. By some miracle, it was a perfect fit.
Maggie held it up, studying it. “It’s so gorgeous, I just can’t believe…” Her voice trailed off and her eyes widened. “Is that Aunt Lucille’s?”
Canyon rose and kissed her. “It was, but now it’s yours. She wants us to have it.”
“I never thought she’d part with it. She’s never even entertained the idea of remarrying that I’m aware of, so I never thought she’d let go of this ring.”
“She seemed really happy to pass it along to you.”
Maggie threw her arms around him and held him tightly. “She must really believe in us. You’ve done well at winning her over.”
“More importantly, I’ve won you over.”
She grinned and gave him another kiss.
He was definitely the luckiest guy in the world.
Thirty-Six
Epilogue
Maggie smiled as they pulled up to their little home. Canyon turned to her, squeezed her hand, and kissed it. Then he climbed out and opened the door for her.
She stretched her legs and took in the sight. It was nice to be home.
Canyon opened the back passenger door. Little Lucy scrambled out and called for the cat. Canyon went over to the other side and pulled out the baby car seat.
Maggie went over and kissed him, then their newborn boy. She reached for the car seat handle, but Canyon shook his head.
“You aren’t supposed to carry it yet.”
She was about to protest when Lucy called out, “Mama! Daddy! Come look at this!”
Maggie closed the car door.
They found their daughter jumping up and down near a bush. “Look! Emma had her kitties! Just like you, Mama.”
Maggie ruffled the three-year-old’s hair. “Luckily, I just had one.”
“We have kitties and a baby!”
Canyon laughed. “I think you’re more excited about the kittens than your baby brother.”
“Oh, Daddy. You’re just silly.” She threw him an exasperated glance. “Are we going to bring them inside?”
“We probably should, but first, the baby.”
After Lucy had given her new brother a tour of the house, she and Canyon brought the kittens and their mama inside. Lucy bounced around, so excited she could hardly contain herself.
Maggie watched Lucy, her heart filled to overflowing. It was hard to believe there had been a time she’d thought a family would be out of her future. Now she had not one, but two wonderful children and a husband who adored both of them and her.
Little Nolan finally woke, and Maggie pulled her son from the car seat. Lucy ran over, her long hair flying behind her, and chatted a mile-a-minute to her brother, telling him all about the kittens.
Nolan stared at her as though taking in every word, then let out a cry.
Lucy’s eyes widened. “Did I break him?”
Maggie kissed her cheek. “I think he’s hungry. I’ll feed him, then you can finish your story.”
“Okay.” Lucy skipped away.
Maggie made herself comfortable, then nursed the baby.
Canyon plopped next to her. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think Aunt Lucille gave Lucy several cups of coffee before we picked her up.”
Maggie grinned. “She’s just excited. Kittens and a new baby all in one day.”
He yawned. “At least she should sleep well tonight. She’ll probably be the only one.”
Ding-dong!
Maggie and Canyon exchanged a glance.
“Are we expecting anyone?” she asked.
“Not that I’m aware.” He patted her knee. “I’ll get it.”
“Oh, hi!” Canyon said. “What’s this?”
Maggie craned her neck but couldn’t see the door from where she sat.
“Dolly Mayes is here.” Canyon poked his head around the corner. “Is it okay if she comes in?”
“Of course.” Maggie covered the nursing baby. “Come on, Dolly!”
The tall redhead came over, carrying a large brown box. “This is from all the families at the dance studio, darlin’. Enough food to feed your family for a week!”
“You’re so sweet.” Maggie beamed. “Thank you.”
“Everyone wanted to come and see you and Nolan, but that can wait until you settle in. Mind if I get these meals in the fridge?”
“Go right ahead.”
Dolly rushed into the kitchen. “Shall I warm one of these up now?”
“That’d be great,” Maggie called. “I’m famished. Hospital food leaves a lot to be desired.”
Dolly laughed. “Isn’t that the truth?”
Canyon came over and gave Maggie a quick kiss. “Wasn’t that nice of them?”
“It sure was. I’m too tired to even think about cooking.”
He put his arm around her. “And you know I won’t let you cook while you’re busy taking care of a newborn.”
Dolly appeared. “All set! The timer should go off in about forty minutes. It’s my special pot roast and grits recipe. Enjoy!”
“Thank you, Dolly.”
“Don’t mention it. Congrats, you two!” She blew Maggie a kiss before heading out the door.
Canyon drew in a deep breath. “I’m exhausted. I can’t imagine how you feel.”
“I’m on cloud nine.” She gave him a quick kiss.
Knock, knock!
They exchanged a glance.
“Who now?” Canyon asked.
Maggie handed the baby to him. “I’ll get it this time.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” She plodded over to the front door and opene
d it.
Her brother-in-law and father-in-law stood on the door, both holding presents wrapped in baby-blue paper.
She grinned. “Canyon didn’t tell me you two were coming to town!”
“He didn’t know. I heard my grandson is home and I dropped everything.” Felton Leblanc wrapped his arms around Maggie. “Is the boy ready to meet his grandpa and uncle?”
Maggie squeezed him back, then gave Dayton a warm hug and waved them in.
They both greeted Canyon warmly, then fawned over Nolan. Lucy heard the commotion and ran into the room and nearly knocked over Dayton with a hug.
Their home was filled with laughter and family. Maggie’s heart was fuller than she ever imagined it could be.
Canyon put his arm around Maggie. “This is the life, isn’t it? A gorgeous wife, two beautiful kids, extended family, and even clients who love us like family. What more could we ask for?”
She kissed him, scratching her cheek on the scruff on his face. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”
If you enjoyed Sweet Reunion, you’re sure to love reading about the tight-knit Hunter family as they find their loves in their seaside town!
You can start at the beginning, or you can start where we first get to know Cassidy and her doggie paradise in Bayside Destinies. But she hasn’t found her happily ever after yet… It will be coming soon in Bayside Dreams.
The Hunters
The Seaside Hunters
Seaside Surprises
Work hard. Play often. Love unconditionally.
Tiffany Saunders is on the run. When she winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her horrific past and kept moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local changes everything.
Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.
Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rear view mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever. Just as the walls around Tiffany’s heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. Will true love be able to conquer all?
Seaside Heartbeats
Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it.
After years of hard work, architect Lana Summers just wants a relaxing vacation in the beach town of Kittle Falls. Instead, she suffers unexpected heart problems, and finds herself in the office of a gorgeous cardiologist—who only makes her heart work harder.
Brayden Hunter left his successful cardiology practice in Dallas to be closer to his aging parents. Focused on building a health care clinic in his hometown, he doesn’t want any distractions. However, the beautiful Lana is one he can’t seem to avoid.
As their attraction grows, they stumble upon a 160-year-old mystery. Brayden catches her adventurous spirit as they chase after answers, and he can’t help falling for her. But can he convince her to stay in the small beach town and with him?
Seaside Dances
Dream big. Dance often. Love completely.
Zachary Hunter is no stranger to rejection. After multiple failed efforts to get his novel published in New York, he’s counting on a trip home to turn his luck around.
Jasmine Blackwell has big dreams. She hopes her internship as a dance instructor in Kittle Falls will be the stepping stone she needs to achieve her lifelong goals.
After a chance meeting, neither Zachary nor Jasmine can deny their attraction. They fear their aspirations are too big to let a relationship tie them down. Can they have both love and the careers of their dreams?
Seaside Kisses
People change, but some feelings last forever.
Rafael Hunter never thought he’d return to Kittle Falls, but life gave him no other choice. Los Angeles chewed him up, spit him out, and sent him back to square one.
Amara Fowler has lived in the small beach town her entire life. She’s overcome her shyness to grow into the woman she always knew she could be, but she never forgot her secret crush. When the alluring Rafael returns, he can’t help but stir in her a whirlwind of old feelings.
They’ve both changed so much. Has life kept them incompatible or has it molded them into a matching set?
Seaside Christmas
He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink?
Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor.
When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about.
If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.
Purchase links.
Seaside Hunters Short Stories
Seaside Beginnings
This is the story of Robert and Dawn, the five Hunter brothers’ parents. We meet them in each of the Seaside books, and they’ve grown on readers almost as much as the brothers themselves. Now we get a glimpse into their story.
Seaside Memories
Sophia is the youngest of the Hunter siblings. Each of her brothers hold her memory in a special place. Her story is one of first love, second chances, and enjoying life.
Seaside Treasures
Allen and Jackie’s story is of an unlikely love and healing old wounds. They couldn’t be more different, but that could be exactly what they need.
Read these and many other short stories in Tiny Bites, a snack-sized multi-genre collection by Stacy Claflin.
The Bayside Hunters
If you enjoyed falling for the Seaside Hunters, you’ll love their Oregon cousins just as much. We’ve already met Logan, Sullivan, and Dakota. They and their two other siblings—twins, Freya and Shale—are about to find the loves of their lives… they just don’t know it yet.
Bayside Wishes
She’s guarding a family secret. He’s investigating a murder. Will a second homecoming lead to true love?
Freya Hunter is living the fabulous life. The west-coast girl rakes it in as a fashion model in New York City, but everything changes after she returns home for a quick visit.
The reunion with friends and family in Enchantment Bay is sweet, especially when she hits it off with Nico Valentin, a ruggedly handsome police sergeant. As Nico investigates a murder, Freya learns a family secret big enough to turn her world upside down.
Freya is torn between her new life and her hometown — the life she loves vs. the brother who needs her and the sergeant who wants her. When her decision doesn’t go nearly as well as she planned, she wonders if she can help her brother and keep her growing feelings for Nico at bay before they consume her.
Bayside Evenings
She’s single and stuck. His relationship is going nowhere. Will the next wedding they plan… be their own?
Dakota Hunter is great at wedding planning but terrible at finding a guy. Each one she encounters is worse than the one before… until she meets Clay. There’s one teensy problem: her attractive new assistant has a long-term girlfriend.
Clay Harper is thrilled to land his new job with Dakota, surrounding himself with happy couples day in and day out. But when he sees true love in person, he realizes his own relationship is far less than happy. It doesn’t help that being around Dakota feels easy. It feels right.
As Dakota and Clay grow a deeper connection, Clay’s girlfriend refuses to go down without a fight. Can the wedding planners go from seeing happy couples… to being one?
Bayside Promises
She's wounded. He's driven. Could they be exactly what the other needs?
Ten years earlier, Haley Faraway fled home without looking back. After her father’s death, she reluctantly returns to Enchantment Bay to help her mom and sister. Painful memories haunt her, and Haley finds herself pouring her heart out to the one person she least expected—the impossibly gorgeous, albeit short-tempered, Sullivan Hunter.
Sullivan wants nothing more than to focus on his newly-acquired realty business. But when Haley comes back to town, he can't deny his attraction to her. After a string of bad relationships with gold-digging women, she's a breath of fresh air. Or is she? Just as he begins to get comfortable with their burgeoning relationship, he discovers she’s a realtor, too. His temper gets the best of him as he suspects he’s being used by yet another woman.
Every time Haley and Sullivan clear one hurdle, another looms larger in their path and they push each other away. Can they move on from from their painful pasts and find love—or are they doomed to repeat old mistakes?
Bayside Destinies
What do a fifteen-year-old pact, a fake engagement, and a stalker have in common? Audrey Hughes.
Audrey’s ex-boyfriend won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. A master manipulator and a violently selfish man, he’s decided Audrey is his property. And he’s determined to get her back. Forcibly, if necessary.
She flees to the one place she ever found ‘family’—to Enchantment Bay. More precisely, to Logan Hunter.
Logan is a successful attorney and consummate bachelor. His work is his wife, and that’s the only long-term relationship he sees for himself. Until a childhood sweetheart shows up and reminds him of the pact they made years earlier—to get married.
Sweet Reunion (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series Book 11) Page 14