Page 37 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

Like father, like son. Accidents happen.

“I’m calling the police,” Joe reached for his radio.

“Wait.” Hunter was examining something under his car with his phone’s flashlight, his movements precise despite the tremor in his hands. “Amelia, look at this.”

I kneeled beside him, and my blood ran cold. A small device was attached to the brake line, its metal surface gleaming in the beam of light.

“Is that..?”

“A remote control brake override.” Hunter’s voice was grim. “They weren’t just making threats about the mountain road.”

“But how did they—” I stopped as realization hit, remembering all those convenient interruptions. “The new staff. The temp agency.”

“We need to do more thorough background checks on everyone.” Hunter straightened, pulling me up with him, his arm wrapping around me protectively. “And Amelia? I think it’s time we read those letters your mother left.”

I nodded, moving closer to his warmth. “They’re in the safe in my office.”

As we walked back inside, Hunter’s arm around my shoulders, I couldn’t help but think about what he’d said earlier. About falling for me. Despite the danger and threats surrounding us, I was falling for him too—maybe I had been since that first day he arrived.

And that terrified me more than any message painted on a car.

The walk to my office felt longer than usual, each shadow seeming to hide potential threats. Hunter’s hand remained steady on my back, guiding me forward. Despite everything, his touch brought comfort—the same comfort I remembered from Mom’s hugs after nightmares.

“The safe is behind that painting,” I said, moving to the landscape my mother had chosen years ago. She’d always said art should hide more than just walls.

Hunter helped me lift the heavy frame, revealing the ancient wall safe. As I dialed the combination, my hands trembling slightly, I felt him step closer, his presence solid and reassuring.

“Your mother sounds like an amazing woman.”

“She was.” The safe clicked open. “She would have loved you, you know. Your determination to do what’s right, no matter the cost.”

I reached inside, retrieving the stack of letters, but something else caught my eye. A small envelope I’d never seen before, with my name written in my mother’s familiar handwriting:‘For when you find someone worth fighting for.’

My breath caught. The envelope felt warm in my hands as if it had been waiting all these years for this moment.

“What is it?” Hunter asked, noting my reaction.

“Something from my mom.” I held the envelope carefully like it might disappear. “She left it... she left it for this moment.”

Hunter’s hand found mine. “Do you want me to give you some privacy?”

I squeezed his fingers. “No. Stay.”

The envelope contained a single sheet of paper, and the words brought tears to my eyes:

“My dearest Amelia,

If you’re reading this, you’ve found someone who makes you brave. Someone who makes you want to fight instead of run. Hold on to that feeling—it’s rare and precious.

But remember this: the greatest acts of courage often look like trust. Trusting your heart, even when your head tells you to be careful. Trusting someone else to help carry your burdens.

I’ve left you evidence that might help save Pine Haven someday. But this letter? This one is about saving you from the fear of letting someone in.

Love deeply, my darling. It’s the bravest thing you’ll ever do.

All my love,

Mom”

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