One Good Reason (Boston Love #3)(99)

He nods.

“Can I keep this?” I ask, clutching the document in my hands.

“Of course.” With a final nod, he turns and heads for the door. “And, Zoe?”

My eyes fly from the paper to the gruff, scruffy agent in the doorway. “Yeah?”

“I meant it. About the job offer.” His eyes are intent. “You ever change your mind about working with the Bureau, you call me. I think you could do a lot of good for your country. I think you could make your parents proud.”

He doesn’t wait for an answer; he just walks out of the room, leaving me alone. I read the paper in my hands over and over, hugging it to my chest when the words start to blur before my leaking eyes. I don’t try to fight the tears. I surrender to the hollow, aching awareness slowly filling my chest cavity.

I thought having the answers would give me closure. That, when the truth was finally unearthed, it would be a sweeping victory borne of bloodshed and triumph. A grand plot of revenge and restitution, doled out on those who stole my parents from me.

In reality, having the answers doesn’t change anything – not really. The bad guy is already rotting in jail. Knowing how they died won’t bring my parents back to me.

But maybe I don’t need to bring them back.

Maybe, the whole point is, they never really left. They’re inside me – in my heart, my soul, my memories.

And as long as I hold them close… I’ll never be alone.





22





The Happy Ending




A week later, I’m standing on the dock with my hands on my hips, glaring at my grinning boyfriend.

“You’re not serious.”

“As a heart attack, darling.”

I stride across the narrow gangway onto the boat, brush past him, and clamor down into the cabin. When my eyes land on the navigational station, I feel them go wide.

“You like it?” Parker’s voice is warm and close. I turn to find him standing directly behind me, still smiling wide.

“You shouldn’t have.” My voice is dark. “This equipment costs a fortune! Parker…”

He shrugs and winds his arms around me. “You’re leaving everything behind to go on a crazy adventure with me. The least I can do is provide a computer to keep you busy and let you stay in touch with everyone here at home.”

I feel my throat starting to close. “How inconsiderate and terrible of you.”

He laughs and pulls me closer. “Just the reaction I was expecting.”

“Really. I hate it.”

“Excellent. Then you’ll be relieved to hear it’s got satellite coverage and will perform at high speeds even in the middle of the ocean or on the most remote of tropical islands.”

My eyebrows lift. “Which islands would those be, exactly?”

“Darling, the whole point of an adventure is to enjoy the ride. The destination doesn’t matter.”

“But—”

“No buts.” He kisses my forehead. “I want to show you the world, Zoe Bloom. You plan on letting me? Or you want to ask a zillion questions so there’s no surprise when we get there?”

I press my lips closed. “I suppose I can let it be a surprise.”

He grins. “There’s my girl. Now, come on. We have to say goodbye.”

My brows lift. “To…?”

“You didn’t think Phoebe and Gemma would let us sail off into the sunset without a grand farewell, did you?” He laughs. “Oh, my na?ve little snookums.”

I glare at him. “Call me that again and I will tie an anchor to your feet and throw you overboard as soon as we’re in shark-infested waters. Just try me.”

“Aw, darling!” He ruffles my hair, then releases me to climb up on deck.

I roll my eyes and follow him. As soon we enter the cockpit and the dock comes into view, the breath catches in my throat.

Everyone’s there, waving and grinning at us.

Nate and Phoebe, holding a huge BON VOYAGE sign.

Chrissy and Mark, each carrying a kid.

Gemma and Chase, toting large bottles of champagne.

Lila and Shelby, already drinking glasses of said champagne.

Colton and Luca, towering like giants on the edges of the group.

“Come on,” Parker whispers, tugging me toward the gangway. “I want to show you something.”

I walk onto the dock, grinning at everyone as I make my way down the line. Phoebe kisses my cheek, Gemma hugs me close, Lila passes me a paper cup brimming with champagne, Shelby slaps my ass, and Chrissy waves while bouncing a baby on her hip. The boys nod and smile, Nate reiterating his offer of a job while Chase assures Parker for the hundredth time that WestTech will be safe under his management. They both press polite kisses to my cheeks and wish us well on our trip.

Luca shows less restraint.

He wraps both arms around me, lifts me clear off my feet, and gives me the biggest bear hug imaginable.

“Gonna miss you, babe.”

“You too, Luke.”

“Check in, you hear me? I want to know you’re safe.”

“I will,” I whisper, feeling my throat get tight. “And you – fight smart. Fight fast. Don’t let them pin you.”

“Hey, coaching is my job.” Colton’s voice cuts in. “Don’t worry, Zoe – I’ll look out for our boy.”