Page 67 of Their Reluctant Catch

I draw a breath, letting her words sink in.

She’s right.

I did choose this.

Not just Northwick Cove, but them.

Todd’s laugh catches my attention, and I glance across the party, watching as he talks with Grady and Callum.

They’re deep in discussion, Todd gesturing as Grady listens with his arms crossed. Callum is more relaxed, hands in his pockets, but sharp gaze flicks between them, taking everything in.

I wonder what they’re talking about.

Then there’s Finn.

Standing just off to the side, hands in his back pockets, his posture loose while he is aware of what’s going on around him.

He reminds me of Colton. The quiet observer. Always watching, always calculating.

As if my though conjured him, Colton sidles up beside me. “Are you enjoying yourself, Starling?” His voice is low, meant only for me.

I tilt my head toward him. “I am, but I guess you long to take on theSea Spirit.”

Instead of answering, he pulls me against him, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to my lips.

When he pulls back, his gaze is serious, unwavering. “Nah. It doesn’t matter where I am, as long as we’re together.”

Something deep in my chest settles.

I lean into him, my fingers curling into his shirt. “Good.”

Epilogue

Grady

The party is in full swing, laughter and conversation mingling with the crackle of the fires from the braziers strategically placed between the picnic benches and tables. Music hums from the speakers someone set up near the food table, and the scent of grilled meat lingers in the air.

Todd strides toward me, two beers in hand, and offers me one without a word. I take it, twist off the cap, and tip it toward him in silent thanks before taking a long pull.

The first sip fizzes against my tongue, crisp and slightly bitter, the cold cutting through the bonfire’s lingering warmth. The taste deepens, malty with a faint citrus tang before settling into a smooth, hoppy bite that lingers at the back of my throat.

“So, she’s staying permanently?”

“Looks like it, huh.” He holds the bottle by the neck between two fingers and watches his woman talk with Diana from the B&B and our niece Mel.

“You’re a lucky bastard,” I say, feeling a bit envious. “You both are. She’s a hell of a woman, and she’s a hell of a mechanic. Didn’t expect to have someone who actuallywantsto work in the garage long term.”

“She loves it,” Todd says easily. “If it’s up to her, she’ll keep doing three days a week with you and spend the rest of the time with us on the boat.”

That piques my interest. “Shewantsto keep splitting time between both?”

Todd nods. “Absolutely.”

I take another sip of beer, watching Savannah throw her head back with a laugh. “That’s awesome. We can really do with the extra set of hands.” My gaze goes from him, to Savannah, to Colton, who is hovering near the three women talking.

Todd leans a shoulder against the porch railing and cocks his head. “If you got a question, just ask.”

I turn to face him fully. “How did you form this… relationship? It isn’t conventional.”

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