Page 78 of The Inn Dilemma

Christian and Roxy make the left and we follow. I check behind us, and sure enough, the rest of the crew comes after us.

“Where are you taking us?” Cai asks.

“You’ll see,” I respond playfully.

“Oh boy, we’re in trouble,” Roxy says.

The rest of the group chuckles, and the sound of their combined laughs fills me with a sense of belonging I’ve never experienced before. Holt gently squeezes my hand, almost as if he can feel the new emotions consuming me. I rest my helmet against his back and can’t help the smile that stretches across my face. He puts his hand back on the handlebar as we head to the Storybook Inn.

The rest of the ride is full of fall leaves, winding roads, and mountain air. As we pull into the Storybook Inn, my mouth waters when my eyes land on the boxes of pizza lining the table Aunt Birdie, Emma, and Van set up by the crackling fire.

“What is all of this?” Roxy asks after removing her helmet.

“A thank you for helping us these last few weeks,” Aunt Birdie answers, coming over to our group. “We wouldn’t have come close to finishing this fast if it wasn’t for you all.”

“Aww, we were happy to help!” Maya says, giving Aunt Birdie a hug.

“It’s the perfect night for pizza, a fire, and sweet tea,” Van says, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

I glance up at him and smile. “You’d use any excuse to eat pizza and gargle sweet tea.”

“And use lighter fluid,” Van adds before playfully bumpingme with his hip.

I duck out from under his arm and make my way over to Holt, who has his arms crossed and looks like he’s ready to rip Van apart.

The moment I’m within his reach, Holt grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug, then lays claim to my lips. “I don’t like when another man touches you.” There’s a hint of danger in his tone.

“Van is a work friend. Nothing more.” I slowly slide my hand up Holt’s chest, then loop both arms around his neck, needing to rise to my tiptoes to place a chaste kiss on his lips. “I’m very much taken. He knows that.”

Holt’s grip on my waist is possessive, and it sends a jolt of excitement down my spine.

“I know I gave you my blessing, but I’d really appreciate it if you two didn’t make out in front of me,” Chris says as he and Roxy come over, one of his arms around her shoulder.

My cheeks heat. “We weren’t making out. I just wanted to make sure Holt knew I was all his and he didn’t have anything to worry about with Van.”

Chris motions with his head toward where Van is now talking with Aunt Birdie. “I’m glad that boy didn’t dig his claws into you.” Vanisthe type of guy I would have flirted with back in high school. Clearly, my brother hasn’t forgotten what used to be my type.

“Van is a good guy, but not the one for me.” I look up at Holt, who stares down at me adoringly.

“Aww, you two are so sweet,” Roxy says before resting her head on my brother’s shoulder.

Christian clears his throat. “Well…”

Roxy, Holt, and I laugh until two familiar silhouettes emerge from around the corner.

“Mom? Dad?” Christian says.

Roxy stands up straight, then stiffens beside him.

Dad surprises me with a smile that’s only partially forced. “Birdie told us the good news and invited us.” He slides his hand into Mom’s palm. She looks over at him, and the smile she wears warms my heart.

“I’m really happy you’ve come,” I say, before walking over and embracing both of my parents at the same time.

They stiffen at my burst of physical affection, but it’s only a momentary awkwardness before they wrap their free arms around me.

Mom cups my cheek gently with her warm hand. “I’m so proud of you, Nova,” She smiles and uses my nickname. “Daughter mine.”

Her words warm my heart.