Epilogue
Ryan sat his tablet on the table when Brie stepped onto the patio. His breath stalled, his heart doing that strange flutter as he took her in. Would he ever get used to that sensation? The kick to his chest when he saw her? He hoped not.
The red sundress hugged her curves to perfection before it flared out at her hips. The thin straps led to a V-neck, displaying a hint of cleavage that while still tasteful, was more than she usually showed. It was damn sexy in that understated way that was so her.
And right there, on prominent display, was the sinful little mole beneath her collarbone that’d tempted him from the very beginning.
He drew her down for a kiss before she took a seat in the chair next to his. “You look beautiful,” he told her. There were times when he still couldn’t believe she was here, that he was here.
“Thank you.” She gave him a once-over, her smile suggestive. “You’re looking nice yourself.”
“Sure,” he said around a brief chuckle. His standard suit-and-tie wardrobe didn’t have a lot of variation, but the praise still warmed him, as did the appreciation in her eyes. It was her look more than her words that embraced his heart and reminded him he was loved.
And that was a sensation he was still learning to trust.
She reached over to take his hand, her gaze wandering over the view. Her hair fell around her shoulders in a glossy flow that never failed to lure him in to feel its softness.
“Are you ready for today?” he asked, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand.
“Yes.” Her response was firm and confident. “You?”
“Yes.” And that was a response he’d never thought would be true. But everything was different with Brie. He was even getting used to that. But in this case, him meeting her parents was a bigger step for her than himself.
After the debacle in front of the courthouse, he’d come to appreciate Brie’s demons. They might be dressed up nicer and come with smiles, but they still haunted her.
His hours spent at the bar that day had finally brought that truth home. She’d forgiven him and, more importantly, had trusted him again after she’d discovered he’d been in the Boardroom with her. His lie of omission had been huge to her, yet she’d seen past his mistake to see Ryan. How could he not look past hers that day to see Brie?
Their pasts were a part of them, though. He’d tried to outrun his only to discover he was creating an empty future. But not anymore. Not with Brie.
The low hum of the city blended with the soft flutter of the breeze to create a quiet he cherished. Brie had moved in with little fanfare and even less upheaval. Her belongings had merged with his in the same way that her life had blended with his—with only a few hiccups and an understanding that escaped words.
“Should we go?” he asked. The decision was completely hers. He understood that unlike his parents, hers were still important in her life. She loved them, and he’d do whatever he could to make that easier for her.
He’d supported her through the multiple discussions she’d had with her mother. Ones that’d ended in tears and others that’d left a smile. Their relationship was a work in progress, but then weren’t they all?
She inhaled, held the breath before releasing it in a slow exhale. Her nod was firm when she made it. “Yes.”
He squeezed her hand before they stood, then drew her in for a soft kiss.
Her whispered “thank you” floated out to embrace him with her love. She understood him like no one ever had. Each touch and action since her first Boardroom visit had formed a communication he still marveled at.
“Always,” he whispered back. He’d always be there for her. She’d won his heart when he’d sworn his didn’t work. She’d shown him how wrong he’d been.
The drive to Walnut Creek was made in the comfortable silence that often settled between them. She pointed out a few buildings and places that held memories as they drove by them, along with the exit that led to her childhood home. He didn’t comment a lot, only held her hand and listened.
That small, distinctive run of her fingers over her thumb occupied her other hand. It was the tell that’d given away her identity so long ago. The habit wasn’t necessarily related to nerves. He knew that now.
She directed him off the highway and to the country club, adding more memories. “I practically lived at the club in the summers,” she mused. “Mom had my sister and I in every activity. Swimming, tennis, golf...” Her smile was soft. “We did them all. I once had a pretty mean backswing.” She shot him a smile. “I bet I could take you in a match.”
“I’m sure you could,” he agreed with a laugh. Golf had been the one sport he’d learned to excel at and only because deals were made and negotiated on the course.
He pulled into the long drive leading to the clubhouse. The overstatement of privilege spread out around them, from the manicured greens to the multitude of tennis courts and the parking lot packed with luxury vehicles. The distance from his childhood in East Oakland was enormous, but he wasn’t there anymore. No, he hadn’t been there in almost two decades, yet his past remained a part of him. Just like Brie’s did.
He left the car with the valet and followed Brie through the building, her hand tightly clasped around his. He had her back. He wouldn’t let her be hurt, but he also wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. This was her show.
“Morning, Kayla,” Brie greeted the hostess with a smile. “How are things today?”
“All’s quiet on the Western front,” Kayla quipped, the classic reference far outdating her apparent age. Her grin was welcoming when she flashed it at Ryan, her quick once-over executed with efficiency. “But I’m thinking we may have some excitement soon.” She raised a brow at Brie, her smirk knowing.
Brie’s laugh was light as she glanced at him. “I’m hoping not too much.” She squeezed his hand, a bit of the tightness leaving her features.
The outside patio was packed with diners enjoying Sunday morning brunch. Brie greeted a few by name, waved at more, her smile never wavering.
Once again, he was awed by her grace and beauty. No one here would ever see the bold, lascivious Boardroom woman, but he knew her and loved her.
Her hand tightened around his as they approached her parents’ table. He’d spotted them the second they’d stepped outside. Her mother’s instant frown communicated her disdain, but he wasn’t sure over what.
Her father stood, his smile welcoming. There was no ice or distance coming from him, unlike the frosty chill held beneath her mother’s smile.
Brie glanced at him, her smile wide and confident. Yes, he loved this side of her too.
“Mom, Dad,” she said, warmth flowing from her voice. “I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Ryan Burns.” She flashed a beaming grin at him, and he was utterly lost to her.
Brie had come into his awareness on a gasped sigh and a blind trust that’d left him humbled and foundering. She’d brightened his life and exposed a part of him he’d been afraid to acknowledge. But he’d done the same for her.
They were a team now. A couple.
And he treasured that in the same way he treasured her. With his whole heart.
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