Page 130 of At the Heart of It
Kate slid an arm around Jonah’s waist and looked at Jossy. “We haven’t picked a vacation spot yet,” she said. “We talked a little bit about Utah. I’ve wanted to see the Anasazi ruins for a long time.”
“They’re definitely beautiful,” Jonah agreed, remembering her words in Ashland. About the importance of reclaiming special places for yourself.
“We also talked about Portland,” Kate said. “The culinary scene there is really hot, and I’m scouting for talent for a new cooking show.”
Jossy made a face. “Because nothing says ‘romantic getaway’ like turning it into a work trip.”
Jonah laughed. “I’d be cool with it. Endless fine dining on Kate’s company budget? Sign me up.”
“That’s a perk,” Kate admitted, shrugging at Jossy. “But maybe not urgent. Rumors keep flying that Chef Melody might be retiring, so we’re on the hunt for the next big talent in TV chefs.”
“No kidding?” Jossy grinned. “I’ve watched her show for ages. You’ve got someone in mind from Portland?”
“Not exactly.” Kate shrugged. “It’s a Pacific Northwest town with an epic culinary scene, and that’s trendy right now, but there’s no rush.” She looked up at Jonah and smiled. “We can go someplace else.”
“I hear Sunridge Vineyards is nice,” he said. “Their wine is fantastic.”
“It is,” Kate said. “And their cabins are adorable, but I’ve been there before, for a documentary.” Her copper eyes flashed in the sunlight, making Jonah’s heart gallop. “Maybe we should try someplace new. Someplace that can become special for the two of us.”
He liked the sound of that. He liked it a lot. “I hear Ponderosa Resort is nice,” he said mildly. “The Oregon high desert?”
Kate grinned wider. “I visited once, for a friend’s wedding.” She sounded a little bit wistful. “I never even got to stay the night.”
“It sounds lovely,” he said. “Wild rabbits hopping around at sunset.”
Her smile got a little bit broader. “Coyotes yipping and the smell of sagebrush in the air.”
They delivered their lines with perfect timing. So different from how they’d uttered the words all those months ago in Ashland.
Everything now felt fresh and new, and Jonah couldn’t wait to start their next chapter. With an engagement ring burning a hole in his pocket, he slid an arm around Kate. His heart felt so full he thought it might explode.
“That vacation sounds epic,” he said. “Let’s pick that one.”
“Yeah?” Kate smiled into his eyes. “You’re sure?”
“Positive.” Jonah felt more certain than he’d ever felt in his life. “I’d vacation in hell, as long as I got to be with you.”
Laughing, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Let’s stick with Ponderosa Resort for now.”
“Perfect.” And it was. So was Kate, or at least she was perfect for him. “I can’t wait.”
His sister shot him a knowing look. “Happily-ever-after couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple.”
“I think so, too.” Jonah kissed Kate, so damn grateful he’d found her. “Come on. We should get out of her before the next wave of cyclists comes through.”
“I’m feeling festive.” Kate looked from Jossy to Jonah. “Who wants to go out and celebrate?”
“Me!” Jossy bounced on her heels, glancing at Jonah. “How about you, bro?”
“I do.” Jonah looked at Kate, his heart overflowing with love for his two favorite women on earth. “I definitely do.”
* * *
***
Congrats to Kate and Jonah on their happily-ever-after! Fun fact: Ponderosa Resort is the setting of one of my most popular rom-com series, and I’ll give you a peek at it in just a sec.
But first, I’d like to offer a glimpse at the very last book in the Can’t Have Hearts Club. Keep reading for the first chapter of Now That It’s You, a 2017 RITA Award finalist!
