Page 51 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

Amelia moved to the railing, watching the transformation below. Artists worked by floodlight, turning Crystal Ridge’s vandalism into a story of resilience. The sight of her there, backlit by warmth and hope, filled me with a rush of emotions I couldn’t quite name. Even exhausted, even worried, she was the strongest person I knew.

“Hey,” I said softly, joining her. “Talk to me.”

“I was just thinking about our date,” she said, surprising me. “How perfect it was, before...”

“We can do it again,” I promised, meaning every word. “As many times as you want.”

She turned to me, moonlight catching the gold in her hair. “You meant what you said? About falling in love?”

“With all my heart.”

“Even with all this?” She gestured to the concerned faces below, the evidence team working quietly, the fresh paint barely dry.

“Amelia.” I took her hands in mine, feeling their slight tremor. “Everything that’s happened—the threats, the vandalism, all of it—has only shown me more reasons to love you. Your strength, your determination, how you care for everyone around you...”

“Hunter,” she whispered, and my name on her lips gave me courage.

“I know the timing is crazy,” I continued. “I know we’re in the middle of a crisis. But I need you to know that I’m in this. Not just the fight for Pine Haven but for us. Whatever comes next, I’m by your side.”

Her eyes shimmered with tears, but she was smiling. “I’m falling in love with you, too,” she whispered. “Maybe I always have been.”

When our lips met, the kiss was gentle yet full of promise. She curled her fingers into my shirt as I cradled her face, and for a perfect moment, nothing existed but us.

Claire cleared her throat, but her usual snark was replaced by genuine regret at interrupting.

“Sorry to interrupt the moment,” she said, “but you need to see this.”

She held out her tablet. An email had just arrived:

To the Board of Tourism,

Evidence has emerged of serious safety violations at Pine Haven Resort. The attached documentation proves years of covered-up accidents, unauthorized repairs, and potential dangers to guests. Given tomorrow’s festival, immediate action is required.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Citizen

“They’re doing all they can to shut down the festival,” Amelia realized.

“No,” Agent Blake said sharply, reading over Claire’s shoulder. “They’re setting up an excuse for something to go wrong tomorrow.”

An icy dread swept over me as I pulled Amelia closer. “What are you saying?”

“They’re not planning to stop the festival,” Claire whispered, her fingers tight on her tablet. “They’re planning to sabotage it.”

Amelia’s hand found mine, squeezing tight. The moonlight caught the determination in her profile, like her mother’s portrait in the main hall. “Then we’ll be ready.”

“We will,” I promised, pressing a kiss to her temple. The scent of her shampoo mingled with traces of woodsmoke from the cleanup efforts, grounding me in the present.

Around us, Pine Haven hummed with renewed energy. A flash of movement caught my eye—someone in the shadows near the old trail. Before I could react, Agent Blake’s team moved silently into position. But they found only a camera, its timer still blinking.

A new message glowed on the preview screen:Smile for the camera, lovebirds. Tomorrow’s show will be unforgettable.

“That’s it.” Urgency gripped me as I pulled out my phone, a need to shield and act taking over. “We’re canceling the festival.”

“No.” Amelia caught my arm, her touch sending warmth through me despite everything. “That’s exactly what they want.”

Agent Blake approached with the seized camera in an evidence bag. “She’s right. They’re escalating because the festival threatens them. Today’s success, the positive press, community support—it’s all working against their plans.”

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