moment.” She smiled widely.
Apparently, his subconscious had been ready to make a commitment long before he could say the words.
“Thank you.” She touched his face. “But there’s one thing we should discuss before we decide to move forward.”
He didn’t like the question mark her statement implied. “What’s that?”
“On the train down, I kept thinking about how this would work. I like my life and my business in Sanctuary Sound. I like living near my parents and knowing all my neighbors. But I know you’d be stifled there. Trapped.”
“You’re here now. You came to the city alone. If there weren’t so much to say, I’d be speechless. But I can bend, too. What if we split our time? Weekdays in Connecticut, so you can work with Steffi and see your family, and weekends here. When I travel for work, you’d be at home, too.”
“You won’t get bored in Sanctuary Sound?”
“I’ve told you many times, Claire—you never bore me.” He caressed her face. “Never.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him so hard he stumbled backward. “How do you like your new bed?”
“It’s amazing.” He kissed her nose. “Want to test it out?”
She nodded with a smile, so he lifted her off the ground, saying, “Let’s go christen our new home.”
Epilogue
Ryan, Steffi, and Claire stood near the stern of the yacht’s second-story deck, whispering to each other beneath the dusky sky, painted in brilliant shades of orange and magenta, as the boat made its way back toward the marina. Caterers worked quietly on both levels to clear the few tables while guests enjoyed their final glasses of champagne.
Claire’s parents sat inside the cabin below with some other guests. Claire didn’t recall seeing them outside except before the ship left the marina, but at least they’d come to celebrate.
Peyton appeared beside Claire, tugging her aside before she pulled her silver silk organza wrap around her shoulders. The wind ruffled her short bangs as she leaned in to whisper, “I think they loved this.”
“It was a great idea. I’m glad you talked me into it. Thank you.” There. She’d done what she’d said she’d never do. She’d thanked Peyton for something. It hadn’t been as hard as she would’ve expected. They’d seen more of each other these past two months, planning for this event, and because of Logan.
“I’m known to have some now and then,” she joked. Her old smile flickered, and Claire couldn’t help but return it. She did rejoice in seeing Peyton looking healthier. Her skin no longer looked sickly.
Claire knew from Logan that she still suffered from bouts of lethargy and depression, and that her weight wouldn’t normalize until after she’d finished the full course of medication. But Peyton put on a brave face in public.
Logan joined them now, having been temporarily detained by Steffi’s father, and wrapped his arms around Claire’s waist. After planting a quick kiss on her neck, he asked, “Peyton, have you heard back from the two agents who asked for the full manuscript yet?”
“No, but it’s only been a few days. I’m sure they have many submissions to read, not to mention work for existing clients.” She squeezed his forearm. “Chill.”
“Imagine how antsy he’d be if he weren’t busy pulling together the installation at KRM Gallery.” Claire craned her neck to catch his eye, proud of the show he hoped would raise money and awareness for the unaccompanied minors still stuck in the refugee camps. His images had tugged at Claire’s heartstrings, and she was certain the installation would be well received.
He released her and nodded. “Patience isn’t really in my DNA.”
“No kidding,” Claire teased.
More people had filled the deck now, eager to catch the vista and the last rays of sun before darkness closed in.
The clanking of a spoon against a glass hushed all conversation as the crowd turned toward the stern, where Ryan had his arm draped over Steffi’s shoulders. He raised his glass and, above the dull roar of the engine, called out, “We want to thank Claire and Peyton for planning this beautiful celebration. We are blessed to have the support of friends and family who wish us well. Who’ve traveled along the winding road that brought us all back together. We can only hope that each of you find as much happiness as we have.”
“Cheers!” cried the crowd before they gulped down their drinks.
Peyton sipped from her glass and smiled, but Claire noted wistfulness in her gaze.
Logan kissed Claire’s temple and whispered, “I’m as happy as Ryan and more.”