Page 48 of Unresolved

Enzo nodded, a smile splitting his face.“Thank you, man.At this point I doubt my reception here would be received well from the rest of your family.”He glanced my way.“And thanks...sis.I hope we’ll catch up one day and get to know one another better.’’

He winked, then sauntered out of the bedroom like he had all the time in the world.The Harley fired up soon after, then he roared away from us and the entourage of approaching vehicles.

Evander smiled wearily at me.“Are you ready to face your future family?”

I nodded.“I’m past ready.”I grimaced.“Though they must all hate me for abandoning you at the restaurant.”

He shook his head.“They had no idea I took you there.I was too proud to confess you left me.I pretended I arrived alone.”He sighed heavily and conceded, “Deep down I guess I also wanted to protect you from any ill will toward you.”

“I have so much making up to do,” I said softly.

He cocked a brow.“I’ll look forward to that.But until then, you should probably put some clothes on.”

I was still giggling when I dropped my blanket, dragged on the first dress I found, then picked up Rembrandt as he sashayed out from under the bed.As I walked with Evander through his cabin to meet his family, I averted my eyes away from the deceased body on the floor.

Evander didn’t seem to notice or care about the dead man, he was too busy grimacing at the broken and splintered door of his studio.

I sent him a guilty smile and admitted, “About that...my brother thinks I’m Chase Holland.”

He shook his head and then chuckled as we stepped outside on the porch.“I’m more than happy to continue with that story if you are.”

The driver’s door of the lead vehicle suddenly banged open before Ethan strode toward us.Evander ignored his don for a little longer, his eyes locked on mine as he bent and kissed me, giving me his undivided attention.When he drew back he said quietly, “I really do love you.”

My heart warmed with healing energy, love beaming through me.

Thisreally was where I belonged, with this man, united together.

Forever.

Epilogue

Three months later...

I smiled at the huge crowd milling at the front entrance of the gallery I’d once managed, my heart jigging with delight.They’d all come to see the fictional me, Chase Holland.But more importantly, they were also here to admire my landscapes, which were gaining popularity fast.

Evander moved to stand on the top step beside me, his arm going around my waist.It didn’t hurt that my fiancée and soon-to-be husband added notoriety to my name.We’d become something of a power couple, a force of nature.

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