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She froze, watching him collect his bags, open the front door, and jog down the wide front stairs, heading for the car that would take him back to Redemption Creek and the life he’d built there.
She closed her eyes, sending up a silent prayer for illumination, for the courage to take the leap and join the future that Mason had offered her.
And then, before she even realized what she was doing, she was racing after him.
“Wait!” she shouted, her voice ringing out across the driveway.
Mason turned, his eyes wide with surprise and hope.
“I’m still technically on vacation, and I know exactly how I want to spend it.” She launched herself toward him.
He dropped his bags and caught her in his arms, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around in a dizzying circle. “Outstanding.”
Avery laughed, her heart soaring with happiness as she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on tight. The feel of him, strong and steady against her, washed away the ugliness of Ryan’s heinous betrayal and filled her with hope for a bright, shining future.
Together.
CHAP 51: EPILOGUE
The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the crowd huddled in Bridger and Jane's living room. Mason's heart swelled as he surveyed his team, his family, gathered to celebrate this momentous day. His gaze settled on Avery, and gratitude surged through him. She was here, by his side, smelling, somehow, of green apples, the promise of something extraordinary stretched before them.
He sent up a silent prayer of thanks.
Fenn peered out the front window. "I can't believe the adoption’s finally official. It's been a long road for them."
Kate grinned. "They deserve this. Kellen's one lucky kid."
"And he's stuck with us now," Graham added from the couch. "Poor kid won't know what hit him."
Tai, hunched over his drone monitor, shot a smirk. "Between Bridger’s dad jokes and Fenn's puns, he’s gonna have a lot to put up with."
"Hey!" Fenn clutched his chest in mock offense. "My puns are legendary."
Kate snorted. "Legendary for making people flee, maybe."
Paige, perched on the arm of the couch, rolled her eyes. "You guys are ridiculous. Kellen's going to be so loved."
"Kid’s been through hell," Mason said, voice gruff. "So have Bridger and Jane. It's time for a real family."
Graham grunted. “Too bad he got this two-bit outfit.”
His daughter, Tenaya laughed and elbowed him in the ribs. “Careful there, old man, you’re the senior member.”
The grizzled marine grinned. “Top dog. Just the way I like it.”
Avery slipped her hand into Mason’s. "What little boy wouldn’t want his own set of action heroes for a family?"
Action hero?Did that mean Avery included him in that group? Mason's heart swelled with pride and something deeper.Something he wasn’t quite ready to probe too deeply. This thing with Avery was so new, he wasn’t sure how to act.
Or how to feel.
Tai hunched over his drone monitor, the screen's glow illuminating his face. "Bridger's Jeep just turned off the highway." His whisper cut through the good-natured bickering and laughter.
"Shh! Everyone, hide!" Tenaya flapped her hands, ushering people into position.
In the commotion, Avery sidled closer to Mason, her shoulder brushing his. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light. "Thank you for welcoming me into this extraordinary family of yours."
Mason's throat tightened. He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze, trying to convey all he felt in that simple gesture.