Page 92 of Finding Forever

I squeezed his fingers. “I can do that.”

He searched my face. “I can’t promise you anything at the moment. But you need to know that I love you. I’d give my life to keep you safe and to never have anything like this happen again.”

“I know you would. Just remember what Granddad said. Have a little faith. Our lives will take the path they’re supposed to.”

“What if that path doesn’t lead to where we think it will?”

Sadness filled my heart. “Then we make the most of where we are and be the best people we can.”

Eric lifted my hand to his mouth. The gentle kiss he placed on my knuckles brought tears to my eyes. “I’m glad I met you.”

I held his hand tight. “I’m glad I met you, too.”

As we watched the sun set together, I realized how deeply I meant those words. No matter what happened, I’d never regret falling in love with Eric.

sixty-five

RILEY

I stood beside Mom as Eric unlocked his truck. After two weeks of editing his manuscript, he was finally heading to New York City to meet with his agent and publishing house. For someone who’d already published two books, he seemed incredibly nervous.

Eric threw his duffel bag onto the back seat. “Remember to call me. For anything. I can’t do much from Manhattan, but I know plenty of people who are closer.”

“I have your cell phone number on speed dial,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood. Eric’s relieved smile made me sigh.

“Alex is twenty minutes away, so don’t hesitate to contact him, either. There’s another bag of Sherlock’s kibble in my laundry and the vet’s number is on the contact list I gave you.”

The contact list he was talking about had at least thirty numbers. I’d lived in Sunrise Bay most of my life, and even I didn’t know that many people. “We’ll be okay,” I assured him. “Have fun in New York City. We’ll see you when you get back.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me without giving me a hug?”

I laughed at the forlorn expression on his face. “We wouldn’t dream of sending you into the big old world without a hug.”

“Good, because you’re not getting a choice.” Eric gently wrapped his arms around me. “Be safe and don’t eat too much candy at Jonathan’s store opening.”

I poked him in the ribs. “You’re just jealous you won’t be there.”

“Maybe,” he laughed.

It was good to hear him laugh, even if he was stressed. The last two weeks had been an emotional roller-coaster for both of us. Eric’s PTSD had added another layer of uncertainty to his life, but with a doctor who’d helped a lot of PTSD patients, he was in good hands.

“Good luck in New York City, Eric.” Mom gave him a hug. “Tell your publisher they need to pay you more money. Your book will be another bestseller.”

I smiled at her. Eric had sent us electronic copies of his manuscript, and we devoured each page. Aaron Connelly fought for justice and won. My only disappointment was that Aaron didn’t fall in love with the gorgeous medical examiner.

Eric knelt on the ground and hugged Sherlock. “Be a good boy for Riley and his mom. I’ll be home on Friday.”

As Eric climbed into his truck, Sherlock gave an excited woof before looking up at me.

“Not today. You can go in the truck another time.”

Sherlock gave a half-hearted whine before sitting quietly at my feet.

Eric rolled down the passenger window. “I’ll call you as soon as I land.”

“Sounds good. Drive safely.”

With a final wave, he drove away from the cottage.

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