Page 72 of Three Hearts Hideaway

Logan cursed. “Named it as in you filled out some official paperwork or wrote it on a sticky note and stuck it on the fridge?”

“Named it as in I commissioned two laser-cut steel signs the day after Ava said she’d stay. That’s when I thought of it. I may have filled out a few official documents, too.” His sheepish tone didn’t minimize the excitement in his eyes.

“And you had us meet you at the coffee shop because…” Logan probed.

“Because I installed the signs at both ends of our driveway while you were out, and I wanted it to be a surprise. Like I said.”

“Shit,” Logan said, resting his face in his hand. “It’s going to be named something like The Egg-cellent B&B or Here Today, Scone Tomorrow.”

She tried to contain the amusement bubbling in her chest, but couldn’t manage it any longer. Her laughter filled the cab, along with a few snorts.

“Hey—you have to live and work there too, sweetheart. You really want to spend your days marketing a place named No Place Butter than Here?”

“Oh my gosh. Roman, please tell me that’s it.” She wiped away a tear. “Everyone loves a good butter pun.”

Logan slumped back in his seat, letting his head thump against the rear window. “We’re screwed.”

“Make all the jokes you want, but the name is perfect. I promise you.” His tone was pure confidence. He didn’t appear to be rattled by their joking.

Ava patted Roman’s forearm. “I believe you.”

His eyes brightened. “You do?”

She nodded. “If you were confident enough to get signs made and file with the registry, then yes, I believe you.”

“Am I the one rational person in this truck?” Logan piped in. “His track record is terrible.”

“Well, you’re about to find out if I struck out again or if I hit gold. Close your eyes.”

“I am not closing my?—”

“Do it, Logan.”

With a reluctant sigh, Logan closed his eyes, and Ava joined him. She felt the truck turn onto the dirt road driveway that led to the bed and breakfast. The truck slowed to a stop.

“Okay. I need you to both keep your eyes closed as you get out. Ava, I’ll help you.”

Roman’s door squeaked open, then slammed shut. A few moments later, her door opened, and Roman’s familiar gentle but firm hands led her onto the ground safely.

“I’ll make my own way,” Logan grumbled behind them. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Here, take Ava’s hand.” Roman put one of her hands in Logan’s, but kept hold of the other. “Now, walk this way. A few more steps. Open your eyes.”

It took a second to focus properly, then she saw the beautiful sign a few feet in front of her. A metal stand was anchored in the ground, with a large sign hanging off a crossbar, swaying ever-so-slightly in the breeze. Three pine trees were cut into the black steel—one for each of them.

Her breath caught in her throat, and tears burned her eyes as she read the sign.

Three Hearts Hideaway.

“What do you think?” Roman asked. He’d been quiet, letting them take it in and digest.

“It’s absolutely perfect.” She let go of Logan’s hand and threw her arms around Roman’s neck, kissing the delicate flowers etched there. “I love it. But are you sure? What if we don’t work out? What if the three of us being together is too hard? What if?—?”

“Ava,” he said, voice smooth and soothing in her ear. “No what-ifs. I knew the moment I saw you that you were mine. I have no doubts. It’s time to stop worrying and embrace what we are.” He leaned down and kissed her. A slow, sensual kiss that invaded her senses and left her breathless. Drawing back, he said, “Can you do that for me, love?”

His tawny eyes filled with something she was a little too scared to name. It was too early. But the look warmed her to the core. “I can do that, Roman.”

She shifted in his arms. Logan stared at the sign, arms crossed, with a wrinkle in his brow. His default expression. Grumpy, pissed-off, angry-looking Logan was really just normal Logan. She smiled at the progress she’d made getting through his very high walls.

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