Page 35 of Hidden Harbor (Evergreen Rescue #1)

T he last of the leaves were falling in the yard as Drew carried the final box out to his truck. We’d lucked into a dry weekend for our move.

Zach honked, waving as he pulled out of the drive, heading toward our new house with Rae and Vi next to him on the bench seat. Lucy, Clay, and Lee had taken an earlier trip and waited for us at the house.

I locked the back door, pausing for a moment. The house I’d shared with Vi had given me sanctuary when I needed it most. She’d welcomed me into her life and ultimately into her family, helping me make friends I’d treasure forever.

“Ready?”

I turned, smiling up at Drew. He was my anchor, guiding me through the deep waters as I navigated my past to my future. To him.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I stretched up, catching his mouth in a soft kiss. “I’m excited to start our life together.”

“Me too.” He extended a hand, helping me into his truck before rounding the hood and driving us out to the house we’d rented.

We’d found a beautiful place near Westcott Bay. It was tiny, but ours. My favorite thing about the cottage was the back deck. It’d be perfect for early morning yoga. Drew liked the open floor plan and the proximity to the farm.

We spent the afternoon unloading boxes, finally relaxing in the evening with burgers and hot dogs on the deck. Everyone seemed mellow in the fading light, devouring dinner in record time.

“Thanks for your help today,” I said. “We really appreciate it.”

“I’m going to miss you,” Vi admitted.

“You’ll still see me all the time, but I know it won’t be the same. I’ll miss you too.”

“Mom has already issued the invite for family dinner next weekend. You’ll be there?” Vi asked.

“We wouldn’t miss it.”

The sky lit with oranges, pinks and finally purples as the sun set. Lucy emptied the last of her beer before pushing to her feet. “Who’s taking me home tonight?”

Clay’s hand shot up, and she glowered. “I didn’t mean it that way, Robertson.”

Zach chuckled. “The Fenwick family bus for Friday Harbor leaves in ten. We’ll drop you and Lee off.” He tutted at Clay. “Sorry, man. You’re on your own. Not enough seatbelts.”

Clay opened his mouth. Lucy held up her hand, forestalling him. “If you say I can sit on your lap, I’m going to punch you.”

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 hope I 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 say opportunity .” 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.