Rory lay back on the sofa a few days later and smiled into the fire. He had a blanket tucked over him, his feet up on an ottoman, and a hot cup of coffee in his hand. There was an empty plate that had held a large piece of coffee cake that he’d devoured as quickly as he could. She’d fed him steak, real steak, from one of her suppliers. He had no doubt that the cow had been raised in a local field just outside of town and had been treated better than most pets. The meat and potatoes had tasted wonderful.

For the past few days, Crystal’s family had gathered around for meals and pampered him beyond anything he’d ever experienced before.

But since Serenity and Ben had returned to work, the house was once again quiet.

Currently, Crystal was curled up next to him, reading a book as he watched the TV on mute.

Images flashed in front of his eyes, but he didn’t really pay attention. Instead, he enjoyed the feeling of a full belly and Crystal lying next to him.

When an image of Senator Beranger flashed on the screen, he reached over and hit unmute.

“The senator was last seen leaving Boston.” A video of Clark flashed on the screen. “His wife, Jamie Beranger, has filed for divorce.” An image of Jamie flashed on the screen. He’d met her on several occasions. The woman was an ex-model turned senator’s wife. She was young, good looking, and naive. Still, because of the circumstances, she was due her share of Clark’s wealth.

The fact that he knew that the man was trying to hide some of it caused his stomach to roll. Reaching over, he flipped off the television.

“Are you okay?” Crystal asked, watching him.

“Yeah.” He sighed. “Just makes me mad.”

“What does?” she asked.

He nodded to the screen. “The client who tried to hide some of his assets.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Senator Beranger? He’s your client?”

Rory nodded. “He’s been a friend for almost ten years.” He wrapped his good arm around her and held in a groan as pain shot through his chest and ribs.

She sighed and rested her head gently on his good shoulder. “Marriage can be so…”

“Screwed up?” he suggested.

“I guess it’s a good thing neither of us has wed,” she joked.

He moved her closer to him as he wondered what married life would be like with her. The only image that came to mind was this. Them, here, like they were now, years from now. Sitting in front of a fire as snow fell outside.

At the moment, he’d never wanted anything more in his life than just that.

Her words hung in the air. He wanted to tell her what he was thinking, what he wanted, but instead, he leaned up.

“I’m tired,” he said.

“Let’s head upstairs.” She stood and helped him up.

They made it up to the second floor. At the top of the stairs, he was out of breath.

“Here,” she said, putting his good arm around her. “We’ll stop here.” She helped him down the hallway into his room.

She removed his shoes and pants, then helped him remove his button-up shirt and gently pushed him back on the bed.

Then she removed her own clothes and pulled the blankets up to cover them both.

“There.” She sighed and rested down against him. “Back where you belong.”

He held her as her breathing steadied and slowed, trying to figure out how to convince a wild, free-spirited woman to settle down with an overworked, uptight businessman.

By morning, he was feeling almost back to normal, with the exception of not being able to use his left shoulder and arm. Every time he moved his left side, he cringed.

They ate breakfast in the back room and watched fresh snow fall.

“It looks like it’s not going to let up for some time.” Crystal sighed as she looked over at him.

He glanced up at the gray sky and smiled. “I always did love a good snowstorm.”

“Will you… stay?” she finally asked.

He glanced over at her and nodded. He knew one thing—he wanted to remain right where he was for the rest of his life.

“I don’t think I’m going anywhere for a while.” He took her hand in his.

“Ben was wondering when you’d come visit the resort,” she said, looking down at their joined fingers.

Suddenly, something became clear. “Why don’t you go with me? We can spend the rest of the week out there, together.” He didn’t add that having them both away might give the police enough time to find out who had shot him. She would be safe with him on the secluded island and they could enjoy their time together.

“I…” He could tell that she was thinking about it. “What about your doctor appointments? Your health?”

He pulled her closer to him with his good arm. “I’m not due to be seen again for over a week. Besides, if I need anything, we can always call Rowan for a visit.”

She nodded. He could tell when she’d made up her mind. “I’ll go upstairs and pack.” She stood up.

“I’ll message Ben and tell them we’ll be there by noon.”

She stopped, then returned to his side and bent down to place a kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”

“For?” he asked, enjoying the feeling of her hand on his face.

“Surviving.”

* * *

Crystal couldn’t count how many times she’d made the trip out to the resort in her lifetime. But she could probably close her eyes and still find her way to the shores of the place she’d once called home, where she’d fallen in love, become a mother, and lost her true love.

As the ferry pulled next to the dock, she smiled and waved at Serenity and Aurora waiting for them at the shore.

There was a six-seater golf cart parked at the end of the dock, and she helped Rory put their bags onto the back, then took Aurora from her daughter and sat down. She chatted and played with her granddaughter as they drove up the hill towards the massive building.

“We’ve just finished painting the entire place, inside and out. I don’t remember it being this big of a chore last time.”

“That’s because you weren’t the one in charge last time.” She smiled. The golf cart drove up the gravel pathway.

“True.” Serenity glanced over at Rory, who was sitting beside her. “How about a tour before we head up to the house. I could use the fresh air.”

The snow was still falling, but the sun was trying to break through the clouds and warm everything up. At least for the time being.

“Sounds good.” He glanced back at her. “Will Aurora be warm enough?”

Crystal smiled at him. “She’s wrapped up tight and enjoying the ride.”

For the next half hour, Crystal held onto Aurora and enjoyed the drive around the private island as her daughter filled Rory in on East Haven Resort.

“East Haven sits on the tip of our own private island and boasts a small golf course, which is open from spring to fall. We have three swimming pools, a secluded white-sand beach, spa accommodations to rival the best New York hotels, and a large garden area equipped with several ponds and gazebos for special events. We’ve added a new pool house and just last year added a grand ballroom on the third floor of the resort.”

The icing on the island was the massive white four-story main building. Looking at it was like stepping back in time. Large white columns held up the private deck areas on the second and third stories.

Around the back of the building, the private garden area backed up against the water’s edge. There were secluded trails that wound their way through the endless flowers and bushes towards the golf course and tennis courts and ended near one of the swimming pools.

Finally, on the very back of the large building, there was a more private area set aside for the staff entrances and a small sitting area, no doubt used for staff meals and smoke breaks.

Over the years, so much had changed. The pools had been remodeled a few years ago.

The paint had been redone so that the building almost glowed white. The building, which sat on the top of the hilly island, was one of Maine’s most beautiful spots, according to several magazines and tourism guides.

East Haven Resort had been one of the most sought-after resorts for the rich and famous for the past fifty years and didn’t show signs of slowing up under her daughter’s direction. It gave Crystal such pride.

“So, that leads us back to here,” Serenity was telling Rory. “What about you?” she asked as she turned the cart back to the main building.

Crystal had been caught up in her own thoughts and had lost track of what the pair was talking about.

“I used to work with your husband, but after a… difference in views with a manager, decided to go into business myself. It’s something I’d always wanted to do and I’d been saving up for the day for a few years.”

“From what Ben tells me, you’re pretty successful at it.”

“It pays the bills,” Rory added as the cart stopped. He jumped out and helped her out, then reached for the bags.

“Don’t worry about those. I’ll have someone take them up to your room.” Serenity waved him off. “How about we head up and get some lunch. I had Adam prepare something special for your visit.”

“I’ve heard all about your chef.” Rory set the bags back down.

As the snow continued to fall, they climbed the long wide steps that led up to a wide veranda, which could easily accommodate a party of fifty. Tables and chairs lined a whole side of the building and overlooked the largest of the three swimming pools. There were tall space heaters that anyone could turn on if they desired to sit outside. Several stacks of neatly folded blankets, warm enough to hide under and watch the snow fall, were piled on a side table.

Crystal knew that if you made your way around the building towards the ocean side, the tables and chairs were replaced with porch swings and recliners, so you could enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. There was a smaller pool here with a hot tub on each end for guests to relax in and watch the evening stars pass overhead. She’d spent plenty of time out there herself.

They walked through the main doors, and Rory stopped in his tracks. Most new visitors had the same reaction when they walked into the great entrance. Awestruck.

The very elegant three-story spiral staircase sat in the middle of the entry. The hardwood floors gleamed as if new. The furniture and decorations were nothing short of beautiful and quietly spoke of quality.

The dining room sat to the left of the front doors. To the right was a small front desk area with a sitting room behind.

They followed Serenity into the dining room, where she reached for Aurora. Crystal reluctantly gave up the sleeping baby in her arms.

“I’ve got a few things to tend to, but I’ll be back down after this one is done with her nap.” Serenity leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Enjoy.” She nodded to the room.

The dining room was another amazing room. It was smaller than he’d imagined it would be, but still big enough to sit at least fifty. White tablecloths and napkins covered every table as did tall crystal vases that held flowers in soft pinks. The cream-colored chairs looked extremely comfortable.

There were half a dozen guests sitting around the room, enjoying their own meals as Crystal and Rory made their way across the room and sat near the large stone fireplace.

“There.” Crystal smiled. “This is nice.” She sighed and relaxed back. She knew that Adam Carriveau, East Haven’s chef, would be stopping by their table shortly.

Adam had married Lilith, Serenity’s best friend, whom Crystal had taken in when she was thirteen, after she’d escaped Hurricane Katrina. Crystal had taken her into her home and her heart as her daughter. She loved the girl as much as she loved Serenity.

Glancing around the room, she smiled when she saw Lilith making her way across the room towards them.

Lilith’s auburn hair was tied up in a loose bun, and she was wearing her signature cream pants with a soft pink top. Crystal knew that Adam and Lilith had just returned from another trip on their sailboat. This time, they’d gone down the coast to the Carolinas.

“Sarah told me you were coming.” Lilith stopped next to the table and leaned in for a hug. “So.” She turned as her eyes ran over Rory. “This must be the hero.”

“Hero?” Rory smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

“From what I hear, you deserve the title.” Lilith held out her hand. “I’m Lilith Carriveau. Thanks for saving my mother.”

Rory glanced between them.

“Long story. I took Lilith in when she was thirteen. She lost everything in Katrina.” It was the quick version and much easier than explaining that the girl’s mother was still alive, but Lilith wanted nothing to do with the woman, who’d sat back and allowed her boyfriend to sexually abuse a thirteen-year-old girl.

“Ben has mentioned you just married Adam?” Rory motioned for her to sit beside him.

“Yes.” Lilith pulled out a chair and sat next to Rory. “Six months ago.” She sighed, and Crystal smiled at the dreamy look in the girl’s eyes.

“No one believed me when I told everyone that you two were destined for one another.” Crystal smiled.

“That’s because they all believed I’d kill the guy first,” Lilith said as Crystal laughed. “Speaking of the devil himself.” Lilith stood up and kissed Adam as he stopped next to his wife. The man was tall, skinny, and very French.

“Bonjour.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, then held out his hand for Rory. “Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.” His accent was thick, but she could see the sincerity in his brown eyes. “You have saved someone so dear and close to our hearts.” He motioned to Crystal. “We are forever in your debt.”

Lilith nodded, then wiped a tear from her own eyes. “Now, if you’re done kissing up to our guests, how about you feed them.” She smiled at Adam.

“Oui.” He leaned in and kissed Lilith, then nudged her towards the door. “Don’t you have guests to check on?”

Lilith smiled and waved as she walked away.

Adam turned back to them. “Now, I am acquainted with what foods Crystal enjoys, but…”

“I’ll have what she’s having.” Rory smiled. “Besides, eating like she does has lowered my cholesterol. Might as well stick with it.”

“Oui.” Adam smiled. “I’ll take care of you both. If there is anything you desire…”

“Je vous remercie,” Rory added. “Thank you,”

Crystal tried not to be too impressed that Rory knew French and spoke it so well.

“You speak French like a native,” she said after Adam disappeared through the kitchen doors.

Rory laughed. “I doubt Adam, or anyone else for that matter, would agree with you.”

She smiled. “Have you ever been to France?”

“More than a dozen times.” He tilted his head and looked at her. “Care to join me next time?”