Page 92 of The Billionaire's Runaway Bride

“And she brought us together.”

He kisses me, agreeing. “That she did. And I promise I’ll take care of you both.”

“What if…Never mind.”

“No, no, no. Tell me. I always want to hear your opinion.”

I smile at the gift of his words. “Well, what if we offer to buy the B&B and let Marian keep all the proceeds from the business? It would help keep her afloat financially until she’s ready to retire.”

“That’s brilliant. We’ll suggest it when we arrive.”

He hugs me closer, and I close my eyes, happy and finally free.

I stay awake long enough to feel the press of his lips on the top of my head, then as he shifts, reclining slightly in his sleep, we remain locked together until I fall blissfully and peacefully asleep.

Chapter 35

Lauren

We arrive in Colorado in the evening. It’s different, coming here with someone else and having some items with me. Caleb packed light too, explaining that he was in a rush to come get me before he missed the wedding.

He rents a car and soon, we’re making the long way up Meadow Lane to reach the bed-and-breakfast.

“I can’t believe you walked all this way the first time,” he comments.

“I can. I was desperate to find a place to stop.”

He smiles at me. “Bet you hadn’t counted on finding your forever place.”

“Or my forever man.” I scrunch my brow, thinking of his explanation of how he arrived just in time before I said I do. “How did you get past security at the vineyard? My parents were off their rockers. They had me under lock and key at their house. They only let Aubrey be a bridesmaid if she signed a contract to not let me leave. And then they kicked her out anyway.”

“She’s the one who hates your dress, right? Who got you in the car?”

I deadpan at him. “We all hate that dress. But yeah, that’s Aubrey, my best friend.”

“I saw her out front. I think Dalton, the guy who held back security, saw her first. I realized if she wasn’t in the wedding, then maybe she could help.”

“Hey, can I borrow your phone?” I ask.

He hands it over.

I text Aubrey, giving her the address to the B&B. She has got to come, and she replies, saying she’ll drive as soon as she can to avoid the aftermath of foiling my wedding again. I tell Caleb what I’m doing, and he chuckles. “Well, Dalton, my best friend, will be coming too. I think he needs to fly back to New York first, since he hurried to Cali with me to rescue you, but I know he can’t wait to meet the special woman who was so crucial in ‘reforming’ me.”

“Who, Marian?” I tease.

He rolls his eyes.

“I look forward to meeting him too.” I sigh and lean toward the window, admiring the beauty as we scale the mountain. Maybe I’ve found a cause to campaign for: repaving this road. “I wonder if Marian will have room. For us, for Aubrey. For Dalton. We’re sure giving her lots of business.”

“I kept in touch with her. She says she’s been busy, but I imagine that cottage will still be waiting for you.”

I grin as we finally reach it. I immediately notice the grass that’s too long. Then the perky bright yellow that stands out against the darkening sky. It’s home. It’s beautiful. And I cannot wait to see the lady who makes it truly feel like coming home.

“Hurry!” I tell Caleb as he parks. He chuckles at my urgent tugs on his hand, then he gives in, running hand-in-hand with me toward the porch.

“First thing on the list,” he quips, knocking his knuckles on the railing that needs replacing.

“No. First thing is telling her we’re back!” We’ve got lots to share with her, and I can’t wait a second longer. We step inside, and I inhale a deep lungful of the dinner she must have just made. “Hello,” I singsong.

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