Page 91 of Meet Me at Sunset Cove

“Eh, forget it,” he said, his thumb grazing her neck, his fingertips curling into her hair. “It’s a crazy plan.”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m all about crazy plans.”

He pulled her in for another kiss, his lips brushing hers softly, like words unspoken. Promises made.

Epilogue

Over the snow drifts and up the hill, under white-coated pines, and atop Sunset Cove, the snow drifted past the frosted windows of the Barrett house. It had been nearly a week since Daisy had come back to him, and now the house burst with warmth and laughter, filling it to the brim.

Hunter leaned against the doorjamb, looking in at the ongoing engagement party.

Asher stood near the Christmas tree, regaling Vera with a recent tale from the stables while Sadie sat on the nearby couch, Augo’s dog, Lucy, in her arms. Augo, Roger, and the rest of the gin rummy crew were huddled nearby, arguing animatedly over a recent game. Or maybe it was a future game. They didn’t seem to need much of a reason.

Beyond them, the Barrett brothers—minus Miles—had taken over the sunroom, their booming laughter mixing with the Christmas music playing softly through the house.

In the corner, Dani and Liam were deep in conversation with Seb Jonathon, while Mia was perched on the arm of Cody’s chair, both of them stealing bites from identical plates of Lily and Declan’s famous fudge. And across from them stood his fiancée—his real fiancée.

She was beautiful. Her honey-brown hair was pulled up into some sort of bun, wrapped up impossibly into itself. Her lips tugged upward at the corner, hinting at some inside joke as she conversed with Cody and Mia. Her gaze drifted and found his.

Aw, she caught him.

Pushing away, he sifted through the crowd.

“Two plates?” Hunter asked low in her ear as his arms slid around her waist. “Who brought the fudge?”

“Lily and Declan. Separately.” Daisy laughed, leaning back against his chest.

Hunter let out a satisfied breath, his hand curling around her delicate fingers. His thumb brushed over his grandmother’s ring, perfectly set on her finger. He’d never get used to that.

Suddenly, a muffled knock sounded from the front door, barely audible over the din of conversation and music.

Daisy frowned, glancing around. “Who would that be?”

“Let’s find out.” He tugged her toward the door, fighting to keep the smile from his face. He’d been checking his phone all evening, waiting for this moment.

“Hunter?” She glanced up at him, suspicious now.

He gave her hand one more squeeze and reached for the door.

Outside, the snow had created a winter wonderland, and standing on the porch, with snow in her hair, was a woman with Daisy’s smile.

The woman did a little jazz hands. “Surprise!”

“Mom?” Daisy’s hand flew to her mouth as she launched herself into her mother’s arms. “I can’t believe you’re here!”

Daisy’s mother held her for a long moment before pulling back. “Of course I’m here. I wouldn’t miss my own daughter’s engagement party!”

Hunter grinned, watching the moment play out.

Daisy pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes shining with tears. “Did you do this?”

He shrugged, trying his best to play it cool.

Clasping her mother’s hand, Daisy dragged her into the house. “Come in! You need to meet everyone…”

They vanished into the crowded parlor, Hunter trailing behind. He posted himself on the edge of the fray, leaning against a wall as he listened to Daisy gushing out introductions, beaming.

Mia worked her way through the crowd, Cody in tow.

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