Page 41 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

“Through her company,” Claire nodded, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “A company that, according to public records, didn’t exist until the day after Wheeler became county inspector.”

I felt a smile spreading across my face. “Claire Thompson, I think I love you.”

“Hey!” Amelia poked my ribs, but she was smiling too—the first real smile I’d seen since Wheeler’s visit.

“Save it for your girlfriend, Miller.” Claire winked. “Speaking of which, don’t you two have a dinner date tonight?”

I’d almost forgotten in all the chaos. Turning to Amelia, I saw the same realization in her eyes. After everything—the threats, the investigations, the constant tension—we still hadn’t had that normal date I’d promised her.

“We don’t have to. With everything going on,” I said, though letting go of this chance felt like admitting defeat.

“No.” She took my hand, determination replacing the worry in her eyes. “We deserve one normal evening. Besides,” she smiled up at me, “I’ve been looking forward to it all day.”

Claire made a gagging noise. “You two are disgustingly cute. Be romantic. I’ll hold down the fort.”

“Are you sure?” Amelia asked though I could see how much she wanted this moment of normalcy.

“Positive. The festival setup is under control, security is in place, and I have more digging on Wheeler’s wife’s company.”

I studied Claire carefully. “Why are you helping us?”

Her expression softened as she looked at Amelia. “Because ten years ago, when my world was falling apart, this one drove six hours just to sit with me and eat ice cream. Real friends are rare in this world.” She turned to me, her gaze sharpening. “And anyone who looks at her the way you do is worth fighting for.”

Warmth flowed through me as Amelia squeezed my hand.

“Now go.” Claire shooed us toward the door. “Before I change my mind about being noble and stealing him myself.”

“As if you could,” Amelia laughed, but she tugged me toward the exit possessively.

In the doorway, I glanced back at Claire, now absorbed in her laptop. “Thank you.”

She looked up, her expression serious. “Just take care of her, Miller. Or you’ll have me to deal with.”

“I will,” I promised, pulling Amelia closer. “With everything I have.”

***

The evening sun streamed through Pine Haven’s windows as I waited for Amelia in the lobby. Despite everything else swirling around us, I’d changed into a fresh suit, wanting to do this properly—our first actual date. The weight of her mom’s letter in Amelia’s office still lingered in my mind:someone worth fighting for.

“Nervous?” Claire appeared beside me, grinning at my obvious fidgeting with my tie.

“Of course not,” I lied, adjusting it for the tenth time.

“Liar.” She patted my shoulder. “But it’s cute. Just remember—”

“If I hurt her, you’ll destroy me?”

“Oh good, you’ve been paying attention.” Her smile turned serious. “She deserves some happiness, Hunter. After everything with Pine Haven, her father...”

“I know.” I met her eyes. “I want to be that happiness.”

Before Claire could respond, Amelia appeared at the top of the stairs. My breath caught. She wore a simple blue dress that made her eyes sparkle, her hair loose around her shoulders. But it was her smile, soft and just for me, that made my heart race. Fora moment, I could almost forget about Crystal Ridge, Wheeler, and all the threats surrounding us.

“You look beautiful,” I said when she reached us.

A blush colored her cheeks. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

“Okay, you two are going to give me cavities,” Claire interrupted, but she was smiling. “Go, enjoy your date. I’ll call if anything urgent comes up.”

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