Page 38 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

I looked up to find Hunter watching me, the tenderness in his eyes making me tremble. In the soft glow of my desk lamp, he looked as vulnerable as I felt.

“She knew,” I whispered. “Somehow, she knew I’d need these words tonight.”

“Your mother was wise and right.” He reached up to brush away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. His touch lingered against my cheek, warm and steady.

“About what?”

“About trust being an act of courage.” His eyes held mine. “I know I haven’t earned your complete trust yet, not with everything that’s happened. But Amelia...” His hand cupped my cheek. “I’m going to spend every day trying to deserve it.”

The sincerity in his voice undid me. I stepped into his arms, letting my head rest against his chest. His heart beat steady and strong under my ear, a rhythm that felt like home.

“You already do,” I murmured. “Trust you, I mean. Maybe I shouldn’t, with all these threats and mysteries, but...”

“But?”

I pulled back just enough to look up at him. “But my heart knows what my mother meant. About finding someone worth fighting for.”

The smile that lit his face was like a sunrise breaking over the mountains. He leaned down, pressing the softest of kisses to my forehead, then my cheek, before finally finding my lips. The kiss was gentle and full of promise—a future written in the space between heartbeats.

We broke apart at the sound of footsteps approaching. Sophie appeared in the doorway, and then quickly stepped back.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt...”

“It’s okay,” I said, though I didn’t move from Hunter’s embrace. “What is it?”

“This was just delivered to the front desk.” She held out another envelope, this one thick with papers. “The messenger said it was urgent.”

Hunter took it, keeping one arm around me as he opened it. Photos spilled out—surveillance shots of every person we loved. My father in his hospital room, monitors blinking behind him. Michael at his office, unaware he was being watched. Even Taylor and her baby, caught in an unguarded moment of joy.

The note read:Still think the festival is worth it? Everyone has a breaking point, princess. Time to find yours.

I felt Hunter’s arm tighten around me, his body tensing like a shield.

“What do we do?” I whispered.

“We fight,” he said firmly. “Together.”

And despite everything, despite the fear and threats and danger, I believed him. Because my mother was right—I had found someone worth fighting for. Someone who made me brave enough to face whatever came next.

I looked down at the photos spread across my desk, at all the people Crystal Ridge thought they could use to break us. But they didn’t understand. Each person in those photos wasn’t just a potential target—they were another reason to stand our ground.

My father on his hospital bed, still fighting. Michael at his office, working to protect our legacy. Taylor and her baby, representing the future we had to preserve. And Hunter, holding me like I was something precious, ready to face whatever came next by my side.

Mom’s letter crinkled in my pocket, her words echoing in my heart: Love deeply, my darling. It’s the bravest thing you’ll ever do.

Even if it meant fighting the entire world to keep him.

Even if it meant risking everything.

Because some things—some people—were worth being brave for.

Chapter Ten

Hunter

I’d faced corporate raiders, hostile takeovers, and countless business threats. But watching Amelia light up at the sight of Claire Thompson walking into Pine Haven made something uncomfortable twist in my gut. After everything we’d been through, seeing someone else command Amelia’s complete attention shouldn’t bother me. But it did.

“Claire! I can’t believe you’re here!” Amelia flew across the lobby, embracing the tall, polished woman who’d just arrived. The joy in her voice was something I hadn’t heard since before the threats started.

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