Epilogue

Jameson shifted his feet nervously and paced. “They’re late.”

“Only ten minutes. It’s okay, they’ll be here,” Devon soothed.

He gave her a quick smile but resumed pacing. Devon went to the kitchen and came back with two seltzers, handing him one. He took a few sips, absently admiring his new place he now called home.

Mac had worked with the local realtor to get him first dibs on a two level for sale in North Cape May. It was only a ten-minute drive into town and had plenty of space, a whole acre of land, and a big ass kitchen that was a chef’s dream. Painted a bright yellow with a wraparound porch, Devon’s first purchase was the two rockers with yellow floral cushions.

And flowers, of course. His place was already full of gorgeous plants and blooms that made the space explode with life.

He was a few months from his big opening, ready for the summer crowd. The Bistro was going to offer a fine dining event that Cape May had never experienced. Jameson knew the menu was superb, and he’d scored a big-time chef from New York to move out here and run it.

He looked at Devon and his heart warmed. The past few months had been filled with change, but all good. He was more in love with the woman by his side every day he spent with her. She supported him every step as he pursued his dreams, and having Mac close made him feel like he held a living piece of his mother’s memory.

The doorbell rang and he jumped, spilling some of the seltzer. “They’re here.”

Devon smiled and opened the door. “Hi, did you have trouble finding the place?”

The woman stepped in, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, her dark hair in a casual ponytail. “No, sorry, there was traffic and we had to stop for a break.”

Jameson dragged in a breath and stepped forward. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” His heart stopped as he got a good look at the familiar dog, calmly sitting next to the woman, giant tail wagging.

Their gazes met.

His voice broke. “Bear.” Those big brown eyes sparked in recognition. “Welcome home, beast.”

The woman who ran the shelter in Rhode Island unclipped his leash with a smile. “Go ahead, Bear. Release.”

Bear raced over and into his arms. He pet the familiar fur that flew everywhere in the air, and dealt with frantic kisses that covered him in drool. His heart exploded with joy when Devon joined them in a circle.

They were together.

And they were home.

The End

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Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Jennifer Probst, discover Book of the Month , The Reluctant Flirt , Something Just Like This , The Marriage Arrangement , Somehow, Some Way , Searching for Mine , and Begin Again .