Page 76

Drew and I put away the last traces of dinner after our friends had gone.

Quiet settled around us. One that felt like peace. It struck me that all of my choices, even the flawed ones, had led me to him. Any regrets I had about my past were drowned out by the hopeI had for the future and the joy I had in the present. Without my family, Anya Rose wouldn't exist. Without Anya Rose, there’d be no Serenity Studio and Vi as a housemate. And without Vi, I would never have met the reclusive older brother who kept to himself at the farm.

Every choice. Every mistake. It’d all led to a life I wouldn’t give up for a thousand clean slates.

“I got you something,” Drew said, dark gaze heated.

“Is it something in your pants? Because I could be very interested in that…”

He chuckled. “That too, but I was referring to this.” He slipped a wrapped package out of the coat closet, carrying it to the kitchen island.

For half a breath, I thought it might be a ring, but the package was too large. Measuring at least three feet across and wrapped in floral paper, it had to be something for the house. I tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a smooth wood sign beneath. Flipping it over, I read the inscription:The Fenwicks—nudus currere et loqui sordida.

Chuckling, I traced the letters. They’d been carved into the sanded madrona wood. “I love it.” I glanced up, catching his gaze on me. “Did you make it?” He nodded.

I held my breath, heart racing. “It’s beautiful. There’s just one problem: I’m not a Fenwick.”

“You say problem; I sayopportunity.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his expression earnest. “Anya, will you marry me? I can’t imagine my life without you, and I want us to officially become a family.”

My stomach tumbled in a mix of jittery excitement and honeyed warmth, like drunken little butterflies had invaded, flooding me with happiness. With our love as a foundation, we could build a home. A family. A life.

“Yes. I want that more than anything.”

He pulled me into a hug, lifting me and swinging me around the living room until I was dizzy with laughter. Slowly, he let me slide to my feet. I was aware of every contour of his body against mine, my blood buzzing with need.

He stroked my cheek. “Welcome to the family, future Mrs. Fenwick.”

I stretched up on my toes, brushing his mouth with mine. “Welcome to our home, future Mr. Fenwick.”

Giddy with a mix of desire and love, I stepped away, extending a palm to lead him toward our bedroom.

He groaned softly, eyes alight with love. “Tactical error—there are no sheets on our bed.”

“Then we’ll just have to improvise. We picked a house with a shower large enough for two.”

“Future Mrs. Fenwick, have I told you that I love the way you think?”

I could only hope he’d still say that after he saw my housewarming gift for him. His was adorable and thoughtful. Mine was… not.

*** Drew ***

“What the—”

I flinched, taking a moment to register what I was seeing. Laughter overtook surprise, my quiet chuckle turning into a full-belly laugh as I put it all together. Anya was claiming her spot in the Fenwick family on her own terms, and I couldn’t love her more.

The cardboard cutout of Gran illustrated her in all her glory: pink hair, rude smile, and, thank everything, fully clothed in a rainbow muumuu. Anya had positioned her behind my recliner in the living room.

“Game on, honey.” I grinned. Life with Anya would never be boring.

Epilogue – 1 Year Later

Drew steadied our kayak at the dock, helping me step inside before pushing away. Water lapped at our boat, the gentle slap of waves a peaceful soundtrack. I inhaled, dragging the sea scents deep into my lungs, letting the embrace of nightfall calm the frenetic energy from our day. We’d taken all the wedding photos Drew and I could handle earlier, leaving tonight for just us, dressed comfortably for our adventure.

The rest of our wedding party launched a few minutes later, joining us on the water. Drew’s parents shared a kayak, paddling with the ease of experience. Their synchronized strokes made it easy to picture Drew and me, decades from now. Our friends ranged around us in a fleet of singles and double kayaks. Gran and her boyfriend, Ollie, bickered quietly about who should sit in front, launching last. Predictably, Gran got her way.

I hid a smile. We’d done everything just a little bit backwards, but I wouldn’t change a minute of it. From waking in Drew’s arms at our house, to a garden party reception at the farm, the entire day had been glorious—full of laughter and fun.

A sunset toast at Lime Kiln to our new life together had capped a brilliant wedding day. But the best was yet to come.