Page 52 of Claiming My Cocky Boss

Tessa waved as she headed for the door, her laughter trailing behind her. I turned to Carla and Derek, guiding them toward the guest rooms we’d set up for the night.

“Thank you for everything,” I said to Carla as she walked down the hallway, her steps confident. “You’ve been such a good friend... and an amazing officiant.”

Carla smiled back at me, her usual composed self with a glint in her eyes. “It was my pleasure, Mia. Seeing you and Liam like this—it’s the best part of the job.”

Derek nodded in agreement, giving me a small smile as they both disappeared into their rooms. I stood there for a moment, letting the quiet settle around me. The day had been so full ofjoy, but now, the peacefulness of the evening felt like the perfect way to end it.

Mom and Dad, eager to return to Little Rock and their dogs, hugged and kissed me. “Come to visit us soon,” Mom said as she stepped into the limo that would take them to Liam’s jet.

I made my way back to the porch where Liam was waiting. The sky had turned a soft shade of purple, the last rays of the setting sun shone over the land we now called home. I stepped outside, and Liam immediately wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

“Perfect day,” he murmured, his voice low and content.

I nodded, resting my head against his chest. “It really was. I’m so glad we kept it simple.”

Liam pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “It was exactly what it needed to be. Just us and the people who matter.”

As the sky darkened and the stars began to peek through, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Everything had fallen into place, from the cabin to our work, to the quiet ceremony that had sealed our future together. I didn’t need anything else—no big wedding, no grand gestures. This, right here, was everything.

“I love you,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his waist and holding him close.

Liam turned slightly, pressing his lips softly against mine before pulling me into his chest. “I love you too, Mia. More than you’ll ever know.”

We stood there for a long time, the cool evening breeze sweeping across the porch, holding each other as the stars blinked into the sky. This was it—the life we’d built, the love that had carried us here, and the future that stretched out before us.

At this moment, everything felt perfect.

Epilogue

Liam

The morning sun reflected off Cedar Cove Lake’s still waters as the memory of our wedding day’s peacefulness filled my heart. I stood at the edge of the dock, tightening the knot on the boat’s anchor as Cory tossed his gear into the boat with that casual, unhurried pace you only get in a place like this. The new cabin, our cabin, stood proudly behind us.

“Get your ass in gear, Liam. Fish ain’t gonna wait all day,” Derek said, chuckling as he yanked his fishing rod from the back of the truck. He was more laid-back than I’d seen him in a long time. The old Derek was slowly coming back—less weighted by the gambling demons that had haunted him.

“Yeah, yeah. Give me a second,” I shot back as I secured the last knot.

Cory, arms crossed over this chest with his usual scowl, let out a grunt. “Jesus, can’t believe you two are still going on about fishing like it’s some life-changing event. It’s a damn fish.”

“Shut it, Cory. You’re just pissed 'cause you suck at it,” Derek ribbed, tossing his gear into the boat with a smirk.

Cory shot him a glare, arms crossed over his chest. “If I don’t catch anything, then you’re a useless fishing guide.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at their banter. “Yeah, yeah, you’re both full of shit,” I said, shaking my head as I finally climbed aboard. “Let’s get things moving.”

Mia, who had been standing nearby watching the show with her usual amused expression, raised an eyebrow. “Are you boys done? Or did you forget I’m here?”

Derek straightened up, flashing an apologetic grin. “Sorry, Mia. Got carried away.”

Cory just shrugged, muttering, “Didn’t mean anything by it.”

I shot Mia a wink. “Don’t mind ‘em. You know how these guys are. No class.”

Mia shook her head, but her smile was soft, affectionate. “I figured as much. Just try to remember there’s a lady on board.”

Finally, Mia boarded and we pushed off, the motor humming as we glided out toward the middle of the lake. The water was smooth as glass, the kind of serenity you don’t get in the city. I leaned back, taking in the view, a rare moment of contentment washing over me.

"You’re all talk, Cory,” I teased, leaning over to nudge him. “Let’s see if you can actually catch something today.”

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