Page 74 of Cade

We’d raised more money than I ever thought possible, and Rhodes had matched our efforts. To say I was floored and humbled was an understatement.

Weston handed me my check with a smirk and a wink.

“Such a good boy,” he said in a whisper only we could hear, making me turn ten shades of red on stage in front of everyone.

And then he took the microphone from his father to make his own speech.

“Rhodes Enterprises has always been a fixture of this town and community. At the heart of this company, we are built by your compassion, your kindness, and your passion. Which is why events like this one, and the others you may or may not have attended this week are so critical. This company is nothing without its community. It’s taken me a long time to understand that, but now that I do, it is my promise as the future CEO of Rhodes Enterprises that there will be more of a focus going forward on this community as a whole. Because you aren’t just consumers to us. You’re family.”

My blood chilled and I swear I almost dropped the damn check.

Weston accepted the job.

That meant...

“I’m sure you will all have a lot of questions, but those will need to be saved and addressed for another time. Congratulations to Cade and the Jasper Springs Pet Hospital on raising such an extraordinary amount. No doubt this will help so many animals and the humans who care for them. Well done!” he said as he clapped, and the audience roared with applause in return.

Someone came out and grabbed the check, I think it was Diane. Weston ushered me off the stage into the wings.

I felt frozen, immobilized.

What just fucking happened?

“You’re...”

“Staying,” Weston said as soon as we’d gotten off the stage.

They words hit me like a thousand sacks of potatoes.

He was staying.

Here, in Jasper Springs.

“Why?” I asked, suddenly overcome with too much emotion I could barely process his words.

Weston reached out to brush my hair behind my ear, his eyes sparkling in the light.

“Because everything I’ve ever wanted is here, and I’d be a fool to give it all up.”

“Everything?” I asked, my voice shaking.

Weston settled his free hand on my hip and pulled me close, his lips brushing mine softly.

“Everything,” he whispered before he kissed me, and I melted into his arms like butter.

Sometimes things work out.

And when they do... it’s the most amazing thing in the world.

“You want to get out of here?” Weston asked haughtily.

“Yeah, I think I do,” I answered confidently, my smile stretching ear to ear.

“I think I know just the place.”

EPILOGUE

Cade

---