Page 89 of Meet Me at the Grand

“Me too.” Dani grinned. “Let’s bring Jonathon Island back to life.”

Epilogue

They’d broken ground on the Grand yesterday, and Liam had been privileged to be holding Dani’s hand through it all.

But that wasn’t the most exciting thing to happen this week.

This was.

“Here you go.” Cody Hart held out the keys to Liam with a smile. “I tried fixing everything up for you as requested, but if you find any rattling radiators, be sure to let me know.”

Liam laughed. “Thanks, man. I’m sure it’s perfect.” He swallowed hard against the lump in his throat. Beside him, Dani squeezed his hand, eyes shining.

Cody stuck his hands in his back pockets. “Mia said she’s sorry she couldn’t be here to give you the keys herself.” Though she hadn’t worked as a realtor in years, Mia still had her license and had helped Liam find the small bungalow for sale a few blocks from downtown—and right up the road from her on Lilac Lane—within a few days. The couple who’d owned it had moved out several years ago and was very motivated to find a buyer ASAP.

It was only a thousand square feet. Two tiny bedrooms. One bath. A galley kitchen and a single living area.

And yet, it was so much better than a hotel penthouse.

“I hope everything’s okay with her.” The keys felt heavy—significant—in Liam’s palm.

“Nothing big, but Finn’s got a fever.”

“Oh no,” Dani said. “Poor boy. And poor mama. On Mother’s Day weekend too. I’ll have to stop by later and see if there’s anything I can do.”

“I’m headed over now to check in. I’ll let her know to text you if she needs anything.”

“Thanks, Cody!” Dani called as their friend walked down the sidewalk. Then she turned to Liam again. “You ready to go inside?”

He blew out a breath and pivoted to take in the sight before him. From the small porch to the white-trimmed windows, the angled wooden roof to the robin’s-egg blue clapboard siding, everything about it felt as quaint as the rest of the island. The previous owners had left spring flowers in a long planter under the front living room window, and bright colors bloomed there.

Welcoming him home.

“It’s beautiful, Liam.” Dani tugged on his hand. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”

He let her drag him through the honest-to-goodness white picket fence and down the brick path that traversed the small, grassy yard until they reached the porch. Taking the steps two at a time, they were at the front door before he knew it.

Dani pointed at the brown door. “I think we should paint that yellow.”

“Because yellow is definitely amecolor.” He laughed at the fake pout she put on. The last few weeks together—working alongside each other, dining together at Martha’s, watching the Travel Channel and planning their first trip abroad—had only solidified what he knew deep in his gut.

This was the woman he wanted to make his wife.

Not yet though. He didn’t want to scare her with the force of his affections. But he’d meant what he said. He wasn’t moving away from Jonathon Island unless Dani Sullivan was with him.

“Well, it’s amecolor, and I’m going to be over here enough.” She stole the keys from him.

He slid a hand around her waist and pulled her close. “You think so, huh?” Who was he kidding? If all went according to his desires, she’d share it with him someday. “What Ithinkis that you’re definitely a ball of sunshine, so yellow it is.”

“And you’re going to give me free rein on the inside too, right?”

“I don’t know if I should do that. You might try to pretty up my bachelor pad.”

“Oh, are you a bachelor? Guess I should go then.” She turned to leave, but he hooked her around the waist again.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“Good, because I’m rather partial to my spot by your side.”

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