Hope woke early on Sunday morning. She lay there running through the events of last night. It had been a great night. Chance’s friends were a great bunch of people and she hoped that they’d come back here often. She wanted to get to know them all, especially Renée. When they’d first met, Hope hadn’t known what to say, despite having so much she wanted to say. Renée had made it easy. She’d asked Hope if she wanted to come outside with her. They’d walked across the square and sat on a bench on Main Street for a good twenty minutes. By the time they’d gone back into the Boathouse, Hope knew she’d made a friend for life. She didn’t want Chance being with her to make him feel that he had to lose touch with , especially since Renée still saw Chance as part of her family. Renée had said she hoped that maybe someday the two of them would see each other as sisters-in-law. That meant a lot and Hope loved the idea.

She smiled as she lay there thinking about Emma. She was so sweet. The others had teased her again later about her crush on Chance. The poor thing blushed like crazy, but Hope had defended her every time. At one point, Emma had told Hope that Jack’s mom had a crush on her dad. Jack had rolled his eyes and said that all the women in his life seemed to have a crush on someone. Hope had laughed along with them, but it had made her wonder if her dad might ever find love again, if he’d ever open his heart up to the possibility. She hoped he would.

“Good morning. You look happy.”

She rolled on her side and planted a kiss on Chance’s nose. He was so sexy, even when he was only half awake. “I am.”

“What are you thinking about that’s got you smiling so much?”

“Right then I was thinking about Emma and how sweet she is. I was also thinking about Jack’s mom having a crush on my dad. It makes me want to introduce them.”

Chance shook his head. “I know what you mean, but if he’s ever going to let another woman into his life, it’ll be a woman he chooses himself, and it’ll be in his own time.”

“I know. Just like you.”

Chance nodded and pulled her closer. “Exactly. I wouldn’t have thanked anyone for trying to set me up with someone.”

Hope laughed. “I don’t imagine you would. You’d probably have gone all broody and disappeared.”

“Yup. It’s easier to go dark than to stick around when people are interfering in your life—no matter how good their intentions. I feel what I feel and that doesn’t change just because someone else thinks it doesn’t make sense. No one can talk me into changing my feelings. Not even I can do that. It doesn’t work that way. Feelings change with time and by what we live through and what we learn from it.”

“I know you’re right. I wouldn’t try to force Dad into anything, but it’s hard not to want to help him toward happiness.”

“It is, but the best way to help him is to let him get there in his own time. You need to understand what he feels, not try to change it to what you think he should feel.”

“I know.”

Chance smiled. “Maybe he’ll get as lucky as I did and meet a beautiful, smart, kind, strong woman. Maybe he’ll meet the only woman on earth who will make him want to work through his shit and finally break free of grief.”

“I hope so.”

“So do I.”

“I’d like to go and see him when we get home.”

“Of course; do you want to invite him for dinner?”

Hope nodded. “Yes, I’d like that. We’ll have to get something in, though.”

“Yeah, we’ll figure something out, but you should call him, see if he wants to.”

“I will. And are we going to see your dad again before we go? I thought we’d spend more time with him and Alice while we were here.”

“He’s coming to Miss’s today for a big lunch, remember? I’d like to go, if that’s okay with you?”

“Of course, it is. What time does she want us?”

“She said noon so that we can spend a couple of hours with them before we have to get to the airport.”

“Great. I’d better get up and have a shower, then.”

“What’s the rush?”

“No rush. I just don’t like wasting time in bed.”

“I thought it was only wasted if it was spent talking.”

She smiled. “Isn’t that what we’re doing?”

He smiled and rolled her over onto her back. “Not anymore.” His mouth came down on her neck, sending shivers of desire through her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and bit down on his neck, making him gasp.

“You want to play it like that, huh?”

She smiled. “I do.” She ran her nails down his back.

He lifted his head and looked at her through narrowed eyes. “You’re a scratcher?”

She shrugged. “Maybe.”

“I don’t think so.”

She chuckled and did it again, harder this time. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I am.” He took hold of her arms and pinned her wrists above her head. She struggled to free them, but he smirked and held her in a vice-like grip. “No more scratching.”

“I’ll scratch harder, just as soon as I get free.”

“I guess I’m just going to have to hold you there, then.” He kept hold of her wrists with one hand and stroked his other over her cheek, then on down her neck and over her breast until he was tormenting her nipple.

“Chance,” she breathed.

“Yes, honey?” he asked innocently.

She laughed. “You’re going to have to let go of me soon.”

“And why’s that?”

She rubbed her hips against him. “I still have my panties on.”

“That doesn’t bother me.” His hand found its way between her legs and touched her through the lace, making her moan in anticipation.

“It bothers me; I want them gone.”

“Your wish is my command.”

Instead of letting go of his grip on her wrists, he hooked his finger inside her panties and pulled them to the side. His hard shaft pushed at her and he smiled. “I can get inside any time I please. I don’t need to let you go.”

He looked so damned smug; she shook her head at him. “Oh, you think so, do you?” She brought her legs together and blocked him out.

He chuckled. It was such deep, sexy sound, she felt herself getting wet for him, but she kept her knees pressed firmly together. “I don’t just think so. I know so.” He pressed his knee between hers and pried them apart, spreading her legs easily despite her best efforts. He held her gaze as he moved against her. “Do you want it?”

She nodded breathlessly. This was turning her on more than she could have imagined. He had her wrists pinned to the bed, her legs spread with his knees. He was right, he could be inside her any time he chose and she wanted him to choose right now. “Yes!”

He nodded and thrust his hips hard, making her gasp as he filled her. He still held her wrists in place. As they began to move together, she tried to free them again but he wouldn’t let go. He held her there as he moved inside her. She moved with him, completely at his mercy as he carried her away. He felt so good—filling her, stretching her, driving her toward her orgasm. She moaned as she got closer and he picked up his pace. He cried her name as he found his release and his orgasm triggered hers, sending her over the edge and carrying her away on a tidal wave of pleasure. Their bodies moved frantically together and he finally let go of her wrists. She brought her arms up around his back and clung on for the ride.

Eventually, he slumped down and kissed her neck. “I love you.”

“I love you. I’ll have to try scratching you again sometime soon.”

“I won’t let you.”

She chuckled. “I know.”

~ ~ ~

A little while later, they sat sipping their coffee out on the deck. Chance was relaxed and happier than he’d ever been. He sucked in a deep breath at that. Was it true? Happier than he’d ever been? He rolled the thought around in his mind. He’d believed that his happiest days had been those he’d spent with Chloe. He’d believed that he’d never be happy again. He nodded to himself. He’d been wrong. He and Chloe had been happy, he believed they’d still be happy if she were still here, but she wasn’t. Hope was. Hope had come into his life and turned it around, turned him around.

She looked over at him. “You look like one of those nodding dogs.”

He smiled. “I’m happy, that’s all.”

She smiled, but didn’t say anything.

“Are you?”

“Very.”

“What would it take to make you even happier than you are right now?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m happy right here. We could maybe go for a walk before we go to Missy’s, if you want?”

“Sure.” It seemed she wasn’t feeling as philosophical as he was. “Let’s go.”

As they headed up through the resort, Chance wondered where they should go. He could take her out to the beach. She’d probably like it down there, though it might be busy with people walking their dogs on a Sunday morning. The other path from the resort led out along the old road by the river. Did he want to take her there? He did, which surprised the hell out of him. He and Chloe used to walk out there all the time. He’d walked there by himself for the first time on one of his recent visits.

“Which way do you want to go?” asked Hope when they reached the square.

He pointed out toward the river. “That way.”

They walked in silence for a while. Chance’s mind was busy, but not in the way he’d feared. He didn’t feel like he was betraying Chloe by sharing this place with Hope. He was over that. And now he finally knew that he was over it, his mind was racing ahead. Hope was everything to him. He’d always believed Chloe had been the love of his life. He knew now that Hope was. Chloe had been his first love. Since she’d died he’d only been in love with the memory of her and the thought of the life they could have had. He and Hope had a life, a life they were just beginning together. He wanted to start it out right. He wanted her to be his wife, just as soon as they could make it happen. But first he’d have to ask her. He wondered if he should ask her right now, just go down on one knee right here. No. He didn’t have a ring or anything. He wanted to ask Seymour’s permission first. And although his motive for wanting to do it here was to prove that she was more important to him now than Chloe, that wasn’t right. It should be about the two of them. Thoughts of Chloe should have nothing to do with it.

“I can almost hear the cogs whirring in that mind of yours. Want to tell me what’s going on in there?”

He shrugged. How could he tell her? “I’m loving being here with you. I’m thinking about getting to spend the rest of our lives together, thinking that maybe we should have a place here so we can come visit.”

She nodded. “I’d like that. Do you think it’ll help you feel close to Chloe?”

“No!” He took hold of her hand and stopped walking, turning her to face him. “What I was really thinking is about how you’re more important to me than Chloe ever really was.”

Her eyes widened.

He nodded. “It’s true. I loved her. A part of me will always love her, but we were kids. You and me, we’re different. What we have is the real deal. We’ve both lived and loved and lost already. We have some life under our belts and we’re going into this as adults. The man I am now loves you in a way that the kid I was back then wasn’t capable of understanding, let alone feeling.” He slid his arms around her waist and drew her to him. “I love you, Hope, with all my heart and soul. I want us to be together for the rest of our lives. The difference is, I know now that there are no guarantees. I know how precious life is and how it can be over in an instant. I want to make the most of every single moment we get together.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I love you, Chance. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”

“And we will.” He wondered again if he should just ask her to marry him right here and now, but he didn’t have a damned ring. If he had, he would’ve done. He wondered if he could find a minute before they left to go and see Laura. He didn’t know the first thing about jewelry, but Laura designed it. He could ask her for the most expensive engagement ring she had.

~ ~ ~

When they got to Missy’s, Chance turned and smiled at Hope before he got out of the car. “We don’t have to stay too long if you don’t want.”

“I do want. I told you I want to spend time with them. I told Randy we’d be at the airport and ready to go by two-thirty. That way, we can stop in to see Dad on our way back down the valley. He said he wasn’t up for dinner, but he’d love us to stop in for a quick hello. That gives us a good couple of hours here. Unless you want to leave earlier?”

“No. I want to see them.”

“Well, so do I. That’s one thing you can stop worrying about. I love your family.”

He smiled. “They’ll be your family too, soon.”

“I hope so.” She regretted it as soon as she’d said it. She’d snapped at him because he still hadn’t asked her to marry him. That was dumb of her and she knew it. He’d ask her when he was ready. There was no big rush. It was only because she’d thought he was going to do it down by the river this morning. For a minute there, she’d really believed that he was about to ask her to marry him. But he hadn’t. He gave her a puzzled look, but she shook her head. “Sorry.”

At that moment, the front door opened and Missy stood there beckoning them to come in.

Hope smiled and got out of the car, glad that Missy had saved her from having to explain her reaction.

Missy greeted her with a hug and led them through the house and out the back to where Frank and Alice were sitting with Dan.

“There you are,” said Frank, starting to get to his feet.

Hope hurried to him and hugged him before he could get up. Alice gave her a grateful smile over his shoulder.

“Sorry we’re late.”

“You’re not,” said Frank. “I’m just impatient to see you again; that’s all, love. Have you had a good time? What do you think of this little town of ours?”

“I love it.” She straightened up and looked at Chance, wondering if she should mention the possibility of them buying a place here.

Chance shook his head. He was probably right. She could only imagine how impatient Frank might get waiting for them to do that.

“She fits right in,” said Missy with a smile. “Everyone loves her.”

“Why wouldn’t they?” asked Frank with a grin.

Chance hugged his dad and then Alice. “No one loves her as much as I do.”

Missy smiled at Hope. “Do you want to come help me in the kitchen?”

Hope nodded and followed her back inside. “What do you want me to do?”

Missy laughed and poured two glasses of wine. She handed one to Hope and said, “Just hang with me and drink this. I know you’ll have to spend some time with Dad, but I want you to myself for a while, too. How’ve you enjoyed this weekend?”

“I’ve loved it. I love the place, I love all your friends. There are so many lovely people I’d like to get to know better.”

Missy nodded and lifted the lid off a pan on the stove. She stirred it and then turned back to look at Hope. “I’m glad you like it so much. You’re definitely a hit with everyone.” She wrinkled her nose and stirred another pan.

“You might as well say whatever it is.” Hope knew there was something on her mind.

Missy nodded and gave her a rueful smile. “Okay, I will. How’s he been?”

“He’s had a great time, too.”

Missy sighed. “He did well last night. I was surprised how long the two of you stuck around and how chatty he was.”

“He enjoyed himself.”

“Good. I guess what I’m worried about is how he’s treated you.”

Hope frowned. “He …”

Missy shook her head impatiently. “Sorry. I know he treats you well. I guess what I mean is how he treats you compared to Chloe. Are you along for the ride on his trip down memory lane, or …?”

Hope understood exactly what she meant. “I think I was at first. Part of bringing me here was to see if he still felt the same way about me when he was back here, back in the place that he and Chloe shared.” She shrugged. “It’s not like that, though; it’s turned out that this trip has been more about laying her ghost to rest.”

“I hope so,” said Missy. “I know you’re cool about it all, but I hate that he’s always said Chloe was the love of his life. I loved her, too, but I want her to let him go.”

“She has, but more importantly, he’s letting her go, or at least fitting her into a different place in his heart.” Hope wondered if she should tell Missy what he’d said about Chloe being his first love and her being the love of his life. She decided against it. Missy was his sister and she was only asking because she cared, but that was private—it was for the two of them to know. If Chance wanted Missy to know, he should tell her himself.

They both turned at the sound of Chance clearing his throat. He stood there leaning in the doorway. His eyes narrowed.

“What?” asked Missy defensively.

He smirked. “I had a feeling you were going to interrogate Hope.”

“I’m not interrogating her.” She smiled. “Well, only gently. I care, that’s all.”

“I’m fine.”

Missy shook her head at him. “I believe you are, but I care about Hope, too. I wanted to know that she’s fine, that you’re not hurting her without even knowing it.”

Chance frowned and came to stand beside her. “I’m not.” He looked down into her eyes. “Am I?”

Hope shook her head. “No. You’re not. You’re working your way past your grief.” Part of her wanted to tell him that the way he was finally coming to terms with his loss didn’t hurt her at all, but the way he was taking his time over committing to their future was—just a little bit. She knew she was being impatient, but she wanted him to ask her to marry him.

“Good,” said Missy. “That’s all I wanted to know, but I promise you both that I’ll always stick my nose in where I shouldn’t just to make sure that you’re both okay.”

Chance chuckled. “That’s one promise I know you’ll keep.”

Hope smiled, but talk of promises made her uneasy. Was that why he hadn’t asked her to marry him? Saying I do was the most important promise a person could make. Chance didn’t make any promises. Ever. How could she expect him to make that one?