Page 64 of Their Reluctant Catch

Her smile is somewhat sad. “And you and Colton are everything I could have wished for in a relationship.”

“And we love you, starling.” Colton reaches over to skim his fingers along the edge of her collar, right where leather meets skin.

By the time we roll into Northwick Cove, the sky is streaked in soft pinks and oranges, the late afternoon light giving the whole town a golden glow.

The van barely stops in front of the house before the front door swings open.

Mel stands on the porch, hands on her hips, and her sharp eyes flick between Savannah and the collar at her throat.

“Well, well,” she drawls, stepping forward as we climb out. “Look at you.”

Savannah hesitates, her fingers tightening in mine, maybe expecting judgment.

Mel grabs her hand and turns it over so she can inspect the ring. She flicks her gaze to the collar.

“Looks good on you.” A pause. Then, with a smirk. “Both do.”

Savannah relaxes.

Diana appears a second later, arms crossed, lips twitching like she’s holding back a grin. “So, are they married?”

Mel grabs Savannah by the shoulders and turns her toward Diana. “Not just married.”

Diana’s eyes widen before she grins broadly. “Party time!”

Colton groans and rubs a hand over his face. “Please, no party.”

I chuckle. “I don’t think we will get out of this.”

Obviously not.

Savannah laughs. And god, I love that sound.

Mel snorts, shaking her head. “Well, if you don’t want to let us celebrate, at least let us feed you. Henry’s already got food on at the pub.”

I tug Savannah closer and lower my voice. “You okay with this, starling?”

She exhales, leaning into me. “Yeah.”

I meet Colton’s gaze over her head, and we share a silent understanding.

She’s staying.

She’s ours.

And nothing has ever felt more right.

* * *

Colton

Todd slows the van down as he follows Diana and Mel toward the diner. The moment we pull into Northwick Cove, I know something’s up.

It’s too damn quiet.

Which normally would be perfect—ideal. Exactly how I like it.

But after years in this town, I know its rhythms, and right now, things feel off.

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