Page 30 of Rose and the Grouch Next Door

"Let's go home…"

Honeybun interrupts with another playful bark, darting ahead of us.

"Right," Braxton says, following the dog's lead, “To home, where the real celebration begins."

With Honeybun bounding ahead, we make our way out of the coffee shop overlooking the harbor, the sunset painting the sky in shades of love and life and a future filled with laughter, passion, and the occasional stolen pair of pink panties.

I realize that this chaos, this love, this life is exactly where I'm supposed to be. With Braxton, with Honeybun, and with our friends and family in Sea Shanty Cove.

The End.

Epilogue

Rose

I can't stop smiling. My wedding dress swishes around my ankles as I turn to gaze at my new husband.

Dressed in his linen suit, Braxton’s hotness is next level today. His dark hair is tousled from the sea breeze, the top buttons undone on his white shirt allowing a peek of his tan, muscular chest.

And don’t even get me started on those glasses. Seeing him in those tortoiseshell frames, he looks like every gal’s hot professor fantasy.

"You're thinking bad thoughts, Primrose. I can tell." Braxton drawls, pulling me close, his voice low and seductive. "Ready to start our honeymoon?"

"Don't go getting all impatient. We've got guests to thank and …"

"And I've got a beautiful bride to ravish," he growls playfully in my ear.

I fan myself dramatically. "Why Mr. Barrows, you're making me swoon!”

Braxton chuckles, his eyes twinkling with desire. I'm about to suggest we sneak away when I spot Honeybun in the crowd, little stubby tail wagging furiously.

We wanted a casual wedding on the rooftop of the little boutique hotel across from the harbor and next door to Bayside Bean Coffee. The entire time I've been saying a silent prayer that my troublesome baby wouldn't cause a scene. So far, he'd been on his best behavior as ring bearer, but I know better than to let my guard down.

"Relax, Rose," Braxton soothes. "Cooper's keeping an eye on him."

Sure enough, I see Braxton's young nephew chasing after Honeybun, both of them giggling with delight. My heart melts.

Braxton nods, a smile on his face as he watches his brother Adrian scoop up Cooper. "I'm glad they could be here," he says softly.

I squeeze his hand, knowing how much it means to him to have his family here. "Me, too. Now, about that honeymoon..." I trail off suggestively, rubbing my hand up and down his broad chest.

Braxton's eyebrows shoot up. "Why Miss Flowers, are you propositioning me?" he says, slipping into our roles.

"Maybe I am, professor. What're you gonna do about it?"

His eyes darken with promise. "Oh, sweetheart, you're about to find out."

I'm about to respond when Adrian saunters over, letting Cooper continue to chase after Honeybun. Adrian’s the spitting image of Braxton, just a little taller and younger.

"You know, old man," Adrian starts, clapping Braxton on the shoulder, "I can see why you love it here. This town has charm."

Braxton's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? Coming from a New Yorker like you, that's something."

I laugh. "Are you going to trade in your fancy penthouse for the beach?"

"Maybe not yet, Rose. But I could see myself spending more time here. Truth is, I’m ready to do my own thing and spend time with my son. I need something to keep me occupied."

Just then, Ash, Lila’s billionaire husband and Braxton’s financial advisor, sidles up to our little group. "Did I hear someone say they're looking for a business opportunity? Boy, do I have an investment proposition for you..."

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