Chapter 25

Liam's heart was so full of pride for Claire that he scarcely had any room for nerves over what he was about to do. She had just been so amazing, making running a business look effortless as she charmed customers, made sales, and taught about the care and cultivation of flowers. It had felt like such a privilege, not only to be there to help, but to be on the receiving ends of her affectionate looks on those few instances where he'd reminded her to take a quick break or have a bite to eat.

Supporting her just felt so… right.

He'd found himself unwilling to leave her side even for a minute, so he'd solicited Hudson's help to set up the little surprise he'd planned for Claire in the back garden.

A little surprise that would be followed by a bigger one.

A good one, he hoped.

"Hey," he murmured when they were alone, the lights in the shop dimmed to signify that the business had closed for the day. "Want to head out into the garden?"

She gave him an inquisitive look, scrunching her nose adorably, but agreed without question. "Yeah, that sounds great."

He led her out the back door, feeling very pleased with himself when she gasped in delight.

Along the back wall of the garden, he'd laid out a picnic, complete with a bottle of sparkling juice on ice—since he had worried alcohol would be too hard for her after a long day—and assorted delicious treats. The fairy lights that hung along the wall gave the area a romantic glow. He'd even borrowed a few throw pillows from Monica, who had assured him they were fine to be used outdoors, so they didn't have to sit directly on the hard ground.

Claire whirled in front of him and threw her arms around his neck.

"This is amazing!" she exclaimed.

"I'm glad," he said, happy she was happy. "I wanted to do something to celebrate your big success."

He led her back to the blanket and they settled in as he poured juice into the two flutes.

"To your success," he said, clinking his glass gently against hers.

"To a great day," she agreed, pride lighting her features.

He opened the various finger foods he'd packed, all of which he'd ensured were suitable for her dietary restrictions. He leaned back as she nibbled on an olive, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The day had been amazing, but it had been busy too.

"It's pretty incredible here," he said. Now that the moment was upon him, his nerves were ratcheting up.

Claire smiled at the space. "Yeah, right? My mom would have loved a garden like this."

"No," he said, then corrected himself. He was getting flustered. "Well, yes, of course. The garden is beautiful. But I meant Whale Harbor overall."

"I feel very lucky to live here," she agreed.

"It's kind of perfect. When I left Boston, I felt like I needed a break, not only from firefighting, but from my usual life too. I was in a rut."

She set aside her food to give him her full attention. "Take it from someone who knows. It's okay to take breaks sometimes. It's actually a good thing."

He smiled. "I know. Well, I know now. Talk to the version of me from a few months ago? That guy was less certain."

They both chuckled.

"I wasn't sure I'd ever want to go back to being a firefighter, or that I even could. I was so caught up in questioning my judgment that it would have been irresponsible and dangerous for me to be in charge of other people's safety in an emergency situation. But then the other night, at the fire…" He trailed off.

Her smile grew a little wistful. "You were amazing," she said softly.

"It was amazing." He squeezed her hand. "But more than that, it was clarifying. It made me realize that part of my life isn't over. I'm not finished with that work."

The look Claire gave him was happy, although guarded. "I'm really glad for you," she said. She didn't sound glad, though… she sounded sad. Liam frowned, then realized. Shoot! He was doing this all wrong.

"Oh my gosh, Claire!" he exclaimed, shaking his head at himself. "I'm getting this all backward. I'm not going back to Boston."

Her eyes shot wide. "You're… you're not?"

"No," he said decisively. "That night didn't just clarify matters about my work; they clarified matters about everything. I decided. I'm going to stay right here in Whale Harbor. With you."

For a moment she just stared at him, apparently lost for words. "But—but what about firefighting?" she asked eventually. "Didn't you just say that you're not done with that?"

"I did," he agreed. "But I already talked to Bodie Radford. There's a position open with the Whale Harbor Fire Department, and after the help I gave them the other night, he said he'd be happy to have me on the team." Watching Claire take in the good news was just as amazing as hearing it himself for the first time.

"I'll get to have everything I want," he said. "I'll get to stay in town and be a firefighter. I'll get to protect the people in my community and have you by my side." He paused. "That is, if you'll have me."

She launched herself at him in a hug so robust that it almost knocked him down to the ground.

"Are you crazy!" she cried, peppering his face with kisses. "Of course I will. Oh, Liam. Oh, I'm so happy."

She pulled back, wiping at her eyes. He didn't worry. His Claire was a happy crier.

"I was trying to be brave," she told him, "but I was already feeling so heartbroken over the possibility of you leaving. I didn't want to pressure you to make a decision, but even imagining it was so terrible."

"I'm not going anywhere," he told her, reaching out to caress her damp cheek. "And I hated imagining a life without you too. I came to Whale Harbor looking to find myself. To find that old version of myself. But instead, I found something way better. I found a new way to be me and…" He trailed off, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. This was the most important part. "I found you, Claire. My other half. I love you."

He scarcely dared to breathe as she pressed a hand over her mouth.

"Oh, Liam," she said, her face lighting up. He'd never seen her look so beautiful. "I love you too."

His heart raced and he felt so light he was amazed he wasn't levitating.

"Say it again," he urged.

She laughed, a high, happy sound, but complied. "I love you," she repeated.

He seized her hands, pressing a kiss to the backs of each one. "I love you too," he told her, pulling her toward him.

And then there was nothing left to do but kiss. As their lips met, the blossoming flowers all around them perfumed the air, promising that their future was about to burst into full bloom as well.

The series continues in Whale Harbor Adventures! Spend more time in picturesque Whale Harbor and revisit all of your favorite characters. Will the rivalry between Lori and Hudson continue, or could it turn into something neither of them saw coming? Get your copy HERE!