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Over the following week, he and Trina gave their statements through various meetings with prosecutors. They learned Gallo would be tried for the crimes he committed in Brookwell, including stalking, harassment, attempted murder, kidnapping, and several more technical issues regarding fraud and his crimes at the airport.

Through it all, they made an effort to find their rhythm as newlyweds in what he hoped was a temporary small-town spotlight. Trina had met up with her trivia night crew and they’d logged another win while Rhett and Knox played darts with the guys.

Determined to set everything right, they deliberately walked the beach at sunset each day, hand in hand, kissing whenever the mood struck. No ugly memories would be allowed to fester and cast shadows over the life they’d chosen.

There was her first family brunch as hiswife, where she was welcomed with open arms by his parents, the aunts, Uncle Bruce, and several other close family and friends.

Brunch had gone far better than his introduction to her parents over a video call that was brittle and rocky. His father’s attempt to pave the way hadn’t done much. Marco and Talia were deeply hurt that Rhett had not made a traditional request for Trina’s hand.

Trina refused to allow them to stay upset with him. Clutching his hand in hers, she shared a sanitized version of Luca’s initial crimes against her when she’d been a teenager. As the bigger picture emerged, as she revealed the pain that had festered for too long, her mother had wept. Her father too.

The subsequent apologies might’ve gone on forever, if Trina hadn’t deftly steered them toward happier plans. Like an invitation to Brookwell and the opportunity to help plan a wedding reception for both families to celebrate.

“You’re a miracle worker,” he said when the video call ended.

“We’re a miracle team,” she countered. “I could never have told them the whole story without you right here with me.” She dropped her head on his shoulder, giving a weary laugh. “You make me stronger.”

He kissed the top of her head. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Her eyes sparkled with happiness when she looked up at him. “And we’re gonna need every ounce of our combined forces when they arrive.”

He laughed with her, grateful beyond measure that somehow he’d found the perfect partner to navigate the happiest life possible.

Epilogue

Three monthslater

Rhett had to admit, a week of getting acquainted with his in-laws had culminated in an incredible party. Although he and Trina had refused to have a second ceremony—their first had been perfect—they were happy to have an official reception for their families. As wedding receptions went, he figured this one was over-the-top regardless of Harper and Trina denying the claim.

He couldn’t argue. The excessive celebration was basically a necessity after such an unexpected elopement.

They had decided to host it at the Ellington resort, mostly to give Trina a break from her work environment. Her parents were staying at the Inn and getting all the behind-the-scenes history and tours they could ask for. They were blatantly monopolizing her, in the most supportive and adorable ways.

Clearly, they’d missed the closeness they’d had with her as a child.

He tried to hide his amusement over how much they wanted to see Trina at her workplace versus how little they wanted to see him at all.

He couldn’t really blame them. She was an amazing manager.

It was just bonus points that his dad wanted to show off the newly remodeled and refurbished spaces at the resort.

Rhett didn’t mind stepping back, giving others the limelight. After all, he had everything he needed—a lifetime to love Trina.

His dad and his new father-in-law were spending a great deal of time together. Likely concocting some grand scheme for a new location or some kind of combined effort.

For Rhett, being married was collaboration enough.

Ilsa, Max, and Annie had come up for the week to help Rhett keep Trina from overdoing it. He wanted her to feel like the special and adored bride that she was.

Although he wouldn’t confront his sister yet, he was well aware she was using every opportunity to mine Ilsa for ideas on building wedding packages for the Charleston properties.

Glancing around the room, his gaze paused on each of the faces he recognized from the Guardian Agency. Of course, he’d invited the people that had helped him rescue Trina. And he’d requested extra security for this week specifically. He doubted anyone from his family realized how much personal protection expertise was in the room, but he wasn’t taking any chances. Not with any of them.

He smiled, watching his sister work the room on her way to join him. She gave him a quick squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Me too.” He nudged her lightly with his elbow. “I finally got my wish,” Rhett said as they watched Trina dance with her father.

Harper shot him an incredulous look. “You arenotgoingto stand here and tell me you wished for Trina your whole life.”