Page 86 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

‘My dearest Amelia,’ Mom’s familiar loops and swirls blurred slightly as I read again. ‘When you read this, you’ll have found your path. Trust it. Love isn’t just about romance but buildingsomething greater than yourself. About finding someone who makes your dreams bigger.’

“She knew.” The words misted in the cool morning air. “Somehow, she knew you’d be part of this.”

Outside my window, Pine Haven stirred awake. Sunlight gleamed off the new environmental education center’s windows, while children’s laughter floated up from the baseball fields where Van’s morning clinics had already begun. Every path was filled with people gathering for the grand reopening, our community coming together one more time.

“There you are.” Hunter’s voice warmed the doorway, his suit making my heart skip just like that desperate morning months ago when he’d arrived to help save Pine Haven.

The letter crinkled as my fingers found it in my pocket. “Almost.”

His steps whispered across the carpet as he reached me, understanding softening his features. “Take your time. Though Claire might explode if we delay the ceremony. She’s already rearranged the flowers three times.”

“Michael’s probably not helping her focus.” The memory of their recent stolen glances tugged my lips upward.

“Speaking of focus.” Hunter’s arms slipped around my waist, his kiss soft but full of promise. The familiar scent of his cologne wrapped around us. “You look beautiful.”

My fingers smoothed his lapel. “Careful. You’ll wrinkle my dress.”

“Worth it.”

A pointed throat-clearing made us jump—Taylor in the doorway, eyes dancing. “If you two are quite finished, we have a resort to open.”

We followed her downstairs, where our families waited. Dad and Katherine stood close, pride radiating as they held Chad.Michael and Claire’s shoulders brushed as they reviewed the event schedules, both pretending the contact was accidental.

Excitement hummed through the lobby as I approached the podium. Every seat held a familiar face—Marie’s flour-dusted apron from morning baking, Tom Parker’s security team standing alert but smiling, and local families who’d believed in us through every change.

“Welcome.” My voice carried clear and strong. “To Pine Haven’s next chapter.”

The speech flowed naturally—it was about community and conservation, honoring the past while building the future, two families who’d fought to protect something precious, and a community that never stopped believing.

“Today we celebrate more than a resort.” The words came straight from my heart. “We celebrate home. Family. The dreams we build together.”

Hunter’s hand steadied mine on the ribbon, his warmth grounding me as metal whispered through silk. Cheers erupted as doors opened to reveal Pine Haven’s transformation—interactive displays in the education center, expanded sports facilities, and carefully preserved historical features woven through modern amenities.

Mr. Richardson approached through the dispersing crowd, his glasses catching the morning light. His expression had transformed since that day ninety days ago when we submitted our recovery plan—doubt replaced by something warmer.

“Ms. Horton.” His handshake was firm. “Or should I say, soon-to-be Mrs. Miller?”

“That thirty-day ultimatum helped make that happen,” I remembered those desperate weeks that had brought Hunter and me together. “Though I doubt you planned on playing matchmaker.”

“About those thirty days.” The envelope he withdrew bore the bank’s letterhead, but this time it didn’t make my stomach clench. “The board met yesterday. They reviewed everything you’ve accomplished since submitting your recovery plan three months ago.”

The envelope crackled between my fingers, paper catching on suddenly damp skin as I opened the seal. Inside lay not a warning notice but full refinancing approval, the terms better than we’d dared hope.

“The conservation area designation alone would have secured it,” he nodded toward the new educational center. “But combined with the Historical Trust status, community investment, and the Catch the Dream Foundation partnership...” Emotion roughened his voice as he adjusted his glasses. “You didn’t just save Pine Haven, Amelia. You transformed it.”

“We did.” I saw Hunter across the room, standing near the training facility displays with Van. “All of us.”

“Your mother,” Richardson tucked his glasses away, voice softening, “she always believed in Pine Haven’s potential. But what you’ve built here in these past three months?” He gestured to the life pulsing around us. “This is beyond even her dreams.”

Heat built behind my eyes as I rejoined Hunter, the approval letter warm in my pocket.

“Everything okay?” His hand found the small of my back, steadying.

“Better than okay.” I watched his eyes light up as he read the letter. “Remember that first morning in my office? When you said thirty days was plenty of time?”

“I remember being absolutely terrified.” He drew me closer, warmth spreading where we touched. “But not showing it because you needed me to be sure.”

“And now here we are, less than six months later...”

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