Page 151 of Crossed Wires: The Complete Series

He swallowed heavily, beating back the sudden rush of anger.

“And before you go into that house with guns blazing, I think you need to talk to Harper about it. And maybe you could tryreallylistening to her. You know, pay attention.”

He chuckled. Saucy little wench. God, he loved her.

His breath caught, then he threw caution and common sense to the wind. “I love you, Amy.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up into his face, her eyes shining with happy tears. “I love you, too.”

Epilogue

Amy shielded her eyes with her hand as she looked out over the expanse of valley below. Andrew spoke to the camera. They were in Virginia this week and had just tackled Blackrock. The lush, green valley was more beautiful in real life than the pictures she’d studied online and trillium was blooming all around them.

She glanced at Andrew’s handsome face and smiled. They’d had so many adventures together this year. He filled her days with discovery and her nights with passion.

“Hey, Amy. The rest of the crew is about to head back down before it gets dark. Last chance to change your mind and sleep in the comfort of the hotel. Tom says it gets cold up here in April.”

She knew he was teasing her, trying to get her to give in. They’d sort of dared each other to do some backcountry camping while on this excursion. There was a definite chill in the air that they wouldn’t be able to counteract with a campfire. Fires weren’t allowed.

Even so, she wasn’t worried about the cold.

“I’ll be fine. But if you’re backing out?—”

Tom laughed and gestured for the rest of the crew to pick up their equipment. “These two will never cry uncle. Let’s roll. See you guys tomorrow afternoon. Happy anniversary.”

Amy grinned. It had been one year to the day since she’d agreed to join Andrew as his personal assistant. Obviously, Andrew had told his best friend they were celebrating. They’d agreed to talk tonight about her job and the relationship. Amy jokingly referred to it as their contract renewal negotiations.

Andrew didn’t speak as the others left. Instead, he took her hand and the two of them picked their way through the woods, following the path to the camp they’d set up earlier in the day.

When they arrived, Andrew unzipped the tent and gestured for her to crawl inside. The wind was picking up and their chilly night was indeed turning cold. They would have to eat their simple dinner inside, sheltered from the brisk air.

As soon as they were snug in the tight space, Andrew sank down, pulling her with him to cuddle on his sleeping bag. She relished the familiarity of his arms. They’d spent month after month in each other’s arms. Amy had never regretted her decision to leave home, to follow her heart.

“Happy anniversary.” He’d mentioned the one-year milestone a few times today and she sensed he was anxious to see if she would return home or stay.

Foolish man. Was it really a question?

Sitting up, she reached for the tiny flask she’d snuck into her backpack. Uncapping it, she lifted it. “Here’s to many, many more years.”

She took a sip then passed the Bundy to him. She’d made a rum lover of him this past year.

He accepted the flask then added to her toast. “Here’s to a lifetime.” Rather than take a drink, he reached into his pocket.

Amy’s heart began to race the moment he pulled out the small ring box.

Andrew flipped the lid back, revealing the most beautiful engagement ring she’d ever seen. “Marry me, Amy.”

So much for popping the question. Andrew, in typical fashion, made it a demand.

And as always, she responded in kind. “Hurry up and put that ring on my finger.”

They laughed as he slid the diamond in place.

The perfect fit.

Sharing Their Lover

A “life swap” with her Australian friend finds Harper on Farpoint Creek Cattle Station, resident teacher for the next two weeks. Having rarely left Chicago, she’s unprepared for many things Down Under—not the least of which is an instant, and instantly intense, attraction to not one, but two Aussie ranch hands. She’d promised herself an adventure, so when the handsome pair come calling, Harper dives in. Literally.