Page 30 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

And with Brogan, I’ll always be home.

EPILOGUE

WILLY

The familiar scentof salt and sunscreen fills my nostrils as I step out of the car. Love Beach stretches before me, just as beautiful as I remember. It’s hard to believe it’s only been four months since I left for Seattle. In some ways, it feels like a lifetime ago.

“Welcome home,” Brogan says, his smile as bright as the sun reflecting off the ocean.

I can’t help but grin back. “It’s good to be back.”

We make our way to the Hollister mansion, where a welcome dinner awaits. My stomach flutters with a mix of excitement and nervousness. It’s not just the prospect of seeing everyone again that has me on edge. Tomorrow, I’ll be presenting my plans for the new eco-friendly development project to the Hollister Enterprises board.

As we walk up the driveway, I see my parents’ car already parked. I’d offered to pay for their plane tickets but they insisted on taking a road trip, an excuse to hit the open road in the new car they bought after the house sale wasfinalized. A wave of warmth washes over me. Having them here, supporting me, means more than I can express.

The front door swings open before we can knock, revealing Mrs. Hollister. Her smile seems genuinely warm as she pulls me into a hug.

“Willy, darling! We’ve missed you,” she says, holding me at arm’s length to look me over. “Seattle agrees with you. You’re positively glowing.”

I blush, still not used to her affectionate treatment. “Thank you, Mrs. Hollister. It’s wonderful to see you.”

“Oh, please. Call me Lorraine,” she insists, ushering us inside. “We’re family now.”

As we enter the living room, I’m engulfed in another hug, this time from my mother. “Anak, you look wonderful.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, blinking back tears. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed them until this moment.

My father steps forward next, his smile wide and proud. “There’s our girl,” he says, pulling me into a bear hug.

Just as I’m released from my father’s embrace, a familiar squeal pierces the air. “Willy!” Crystal rushes towards me, almost tackling me in her excitement. “Oh my god, I’ve missed you so much!”

I laugh, hugging her back just as fiercely. “I’ve missed you too!”

She pulls back, holding me at arm’s length to look me over. “Seattle’s been good to you, girl. You’re glowing!” Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she adds in a stage whisper, “Or maybe that’s just theBrogan effect?”

I feel my cheeks heat up as Brogan chuckles beside me. Crystal winks at him before turning back to me. “You have to tell me everything. And I mean everything.”

“Crystal,” I warn, but I can’t keep the smile off my face. Having my best friend here, along with my family and Brogan, makes this homecoming feel complete.

The room is filled with familiar faces like Preston and even some of the Hollister Enterprises board members I’ve met via Zoom meetings. It’s surreal, seeing my two worlds collide like this.

As we settle in for dinner, the conversation flows easily. I find myself recounting stories from Seattle, the challenges and triumphs of the past four months. Brogan’s hand remains a constant presence on my knee, a silent reminder of his support.

“So, Willy,” Lorraine says during a lull in the conversation. “When can we expect to hear the pitter-patter of little feet? I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

I nearly choke on my wine, heat rising to my cheeks. Brogan comes to my rescue, his voice calm but firm. “Mother, we’ve talked about this. These things take time. Willy just completed the Seattle project. Give her time to decompress.”

Lorraine waves her hand dismissively. “Details, details. I’m just saying, you two aren’t getting any younger either.”

“Oh, Lorraine,” my mother interjects. “Let them be. They will have children when they’re ready.”

“Your mama actually has the childcare schedule between the three of us organized already,” Dad laughs as I look on in embarrassment, then surprise.

“Wait! Are you guys moving back to Love Beach?”

“Of course,” Mom replies as she looks at me and Brogan. “So don’t wait too long, you two, okay?”

After dinner, we move to the terrace overlooking the beach. The sun is setting, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink. Brogan pulls me aside, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

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