Page 87 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

“Engaged.” His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes.

“Solvent.” I poked his chest gently.

“Both.” His lips brushed my temple. “Everything we planned that first month, and so much more we never imagined.”

The day flowed past in tours and congratulations, each moment marking our journey from that desperate morning months ago. Children crowded interactive displays showing the valley’s ecological history while Van’s demonstrations drew cheers from the new training fields. Taylor’s voice carried as she explained youth programs to interested parents.

My heart swelled at glimpses caught between moments—Michael showing Claire historical photographs, her fingers lingering on his arm as he pointed out our mothers in old festival shots. Dad and Tom Parker led security tours, pride evident in every gesture. Katherine’s natural warmth turned guests into family as she guided hospitality groups.

“Look at this!” Claire appeared, her tablet glowing with social media responses. “The renovation reveals are overwhelming. Between the conservation designation and the Historical Trust status...”

“Speaking of status.” The bank letter crackled as I showed her. Her squeal drew every eye.

“Does this mean what I think?” Her hug was fierce before she jumped back, smoothing my dress. “Sorry! Just... after all those late nights working on the recovery plan...”

“All those coffee runs and strategy sessions paid off.” I watched her gaze drift to Michael, who stood charming potential corporate retreat clients. “In more ways than one.”

Evening settled over Pine Haven like a soft blanket, crowds melting away until only starlight and quiet celebration remained. Fairy lights transformed the grounds while music drifted from the new pavilion. Couples swayed beneath historicbeams supporting modern fixtures—the perfect balance we’d promised the Historical Trust board two months ago.

“May I have this dance?” Hunter’s breath warmed my ear.

He drew me to the floor as familiar notes filled the air—the same song from that first night in the lounge when thirty days felt like a death sentence instead of a beginning.

“Happy?” His voice rumbled against my cheek.

“More than I dreamed possible.” I found his eyes in the soft light, seeing our whole journey reflected there. “A few months ago, I thought I was losing everything. Now...”

“Now you’re stuck with me.” His teasing pulled a laugh from me. “Though someone was pretty resistant to my help at first.”

“You were insufferably confident.”

“I was right, though.” Tenderness softened his smile. “About Pine Haven. About us.”

Through the main building’s windows, movement caught my eye. Our families were still celebrating inside—Katherine dancing clumsily with Chad while Taylor and Van filmed. Dad and Tom Parker are reviewing security one last time; old habits are dying hard. Claire showed Michael something on her camera that painted color high on his cheeks.

“Look how far we’ve come.” The words caught in my throat. “All of us.”

Later, after the music softened to whispers, Hunter and I walked the grounds together. Colors rippled across the night sky like nature’s celebration, green and purple waves dancing over everything we’d built.

“Look.” Hunter nodded toward our deck where Michael and Claire sat close, heads bent over the day’s photos. Her laugh rode the evening breeze, drawing an answering smile I hadn’t seen from my brother since before Mom died.

“Some stories are just beginning,” I remembered their first awkward coffee run during those intense weeks of bank presentations.

“Speaking of beginnings...” Hunter guided me toward where the conservation area would start, trailhead signs ready for tomorrow’s first tours. “Your mother’s dream made real.”

“Our dream now.” My fingers traced the educational placard featuring our mothers’ research while the bank’s approval letter crinkled in my pocket, reminding me how close we’d come to losing everything. “Who would have thought a thirty-day ultimatum would lead to this?”

His kiss tasted of certainty. “I knew.”

“Liar.” I laughed against his lips. “You were terrified.”

“Terrified, yes. But sure about you.” His arms tightened, warming me against the evening’s chill. “About us.”

Above, lights painted the sky in waves of color. Below, Pine Haven glowed with new life—not just saved but transformed. And here, wrapped in Hunter’s arms, everything aligned.

Mom’s final letter had been right. Love wasn’t just about romance but building something greater, about finding someone who made your dreams bigger.

It was about family and community, protecting what mattered while daring to grow.

---