Page 170 of The Best of Us

Without warning, he scooped me into his arms. I gasped, losing hold of the deed.

“Hey, don’t hurt yourself.”

“Trust me,” he murmured against my lips before gently setting me back down, “I’m as good as new. Better, even.” He motioned for Colin and Lennon to join us, then bent to retrieve the fallen deed.

Colin exchanged a knowing glance with his father before pulling a familiar blue box from his pocket. “One more thing before we go,” Colin announced, his excitement palpable. “Happy birthday, Mom. This sort of brought us together in the first place, so it kind of feels poetic.”

I cupped my mouth, fighting back tears. He was right.

He stole from his father, and this very purchase sent me to his office that day. And now, here we were. Officially full circle,butwith a new starting point—as a family.

He opened the box and removed the delicate necklace.

“It’s perfect. Thank you,” I whispered as he fastened it around my neck. My fingers traced the heart-shaped pendant. “I’d love to replace the photo with one of the three of us.”

“Then I guess Dad needs to get me a camera next, so I can take some really nice photos.”

Constantine scoffed. “Your iPhone’s camera is just fine. Don’t press your luck.”

Colin shrugged. “A kid has to try.”

“He’s not wrong,” Lennon said with a laugh, hip-checking Colin.

The two of them exchanged a glance before sprinting toward our rental SUV parked at the edge of the property.

Constantine came before me and intertwined our fingers, his touch warm and reassuring. “Ready for part two of the birthday celebration?”

A drizzle began to fall, and the cool droplets felt good on my flushed skin. “I’m looking forward to it, Mr. Costa.”

“So formal.” He gently touched his nose to mine. “And my last name has also never sounded so damn sexy. I can’t wait for it to be yours and Colin’s.”

* * *

Descending the wooden staircase of the old inn, the soft glow from the wall sconces illuminated each of my steps. A flutter of nerves danced in my stomach as I anticipated meeting Constantine downstairs.

At the base of the steps, Constantine awaited. He looked effortlessly handsome in black slacks and a black button-down shirt, his hair styled just the way I loved it.

His eyes met mine, and a slow smile spread across his face. “You look stunning,” he murmured, closing the distance between us. His eyes journeyed over my outfit in appreciation. Izzy had purchased the ivory-colored dress as a birthday gift this morning. “Breathtaking.”

A blush warmed my cheeks. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I teased, slipping my hand into his.

Colin and Lennon appeared from around the corner, ready to join us. I assumed the others would be meeting us at dinner. “Much better than scrubs, Ma,” Colin teased.

I’d take any compliment I could get from that kid.

Constantine held the door open, and the four of us stepped outside, greeted by the crisp air.

The village of Carbost was incredibly peaceful. The cobblestone streets glistened under the soft light of the streetlamps, the distant sounds of waves adding to the ambiance.

Constantine’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Another one? You’ve already outdone yourself,” I replied, my curiosity piqued.

He smiled as a response, continuing to lead the way down the narrow street.

Colin and Lennon walked ahead of us, their fingers intertwined, her head resting on his shoulder. Two young kids in love. She was growing on me more and more each day.

As we turned a corner, the strumming of a guitar filled the air, and the scent of the sea grew stronger. Ahead, there was a courtyard adorned with twinkling lights. A three-person band played a soft melody, and familiar faces—Easton, Gwen, Izzy, and Hudson—stood waiting and smiling.

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