The Promise of Us (Sanctuary Sound #2)(98)

“Claire.” His heart slowed, and he was grateful he had the doorjamb to lean against. After so many weeks away, his greedy eyes scanned her from head to toe as hope boiled over. “Your hair! It’s your normal shade.”

She ran her hand through it uncertainly. “I decided to just be myself.”

“I like it better.” He hesitated, somewhat unsure of how to proceed. “You came to Manhattan alone?”

“Apparently miracles happen.” A smile flickered, then she held up a key, which she set on the counter. “We still had this from doing the work.”

He stepped into the living room, wanting to rush to her, but he’d already pushed Claire enough this spring. He had to let her set the pace. He gestured around the room. “It turned out even better than your drawings. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She stayed frustratingly still at her spot by the island. Her expression seemed conflicted, even as her gaze studied his face. He kept staring, searching for a hint of her intention. “Did I wake you?”

“It’s fine. I’m glad to see you.” His heart pulsed in his throat. Screw it, he had to say what he felt. “The one thing that was missing from this place is finally here.”

Her breath caught and she licked her lips. “I got your email . . . I had to come . . .”

He didn’t wait to hear more. He crossed the room in a few quick strides and pulled her into a kiss. The kiss he’d been dreaming about for weeks. One that would tell her everything he hadn’t said but should’ve. Everything he felt and had only recently begun to understand. Everything. Everything. Everything.

They broke apart to catch a breath, but she held him tightly, her cheek pressed to his chest. “I missed you, Logan. I thought of you every day. Cursed myself for how I walked away.”

“Don’t do that. You were brave and honest about your feelings. I was the coward. You’d tried new things for me, but I never once bent for you. Never told you what you deserved to hear. You were right to leave me standing on that patio. If you hadn’t, I might not have realized what I’d lost. And, Claire, I don’t want to lose you.”

He dabbed a tear trailing from her eye.

“Honest, but not brave. I’m getting better, though.” She turned away and grabbed the binder she’d brought—the catalog of gun violence. “And to prove it, I thought maybe we could get rid of this and buy a new scrapbook, like you’d suggested. One to fill with new ideas and adventures that we do together.”

“I love that plan.” He tossed the old binder to the floor, letting its heavy thud reverberate throughout the apartment. He cupped her face for another kiss, then said, “I already bought one thing that can go on the first page.”

Holding up a finger, he then went to the kitchen cabinets beside the stove and opened his junk drawer to withdraw an envelope. He waved it overhead before tossing it on the counter and walking back to Claire. “Tickets to the US Open.”

“From the auction?” Her mouth opened in surprise.

“Guess I was being optimistic.”

“And planning so far ahead—not just in the moment.” She smiled widely.

Apparently, his subconscious had been ready to make a commitment long before he could say the words.

“Thank you.” She touched his face. “But there’s one thing we should discuss before we decide to move forward.”

He didn’t like the question mark her statement implied. “What’s that?”

“On the train down, I kept thinking about how this would work. I like my life and my business in Sanctuary Sound. I like living near my parents and knowing all my neighbors. But I know you’d be stifled there. Trapped.”

“You’re here now. You came to the city alone. If there weren’t so much to say, I’d be speechless. But I can bend, too. What if we split our time? Weekdays in Connecticut, so you can work with Steffi and see your family, and weekends here. When I travel for work, you’d be at home, too.”

“You won’t get bored in Sanctuary Sound?”

“I’ve told you many times, Claire—you never bore me.” He caressed her face. “Never.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him so hard he stumbled backward. “How do you like your new bed?”

“It’s amazing.” He kissed her nose. “Want to test it out?”

She nodded with a smile, so he lifted her off the ground, saying, “Let’s go christen our new home.”





Epilogue

Ryan, Steffi, and Claire stood near the stern of the yacht’s second-story deck, whispering to each other beneath the dusky sky, painted in brilliant shades of orange and magenta, as the boat made its way back toward the marina. Caterers worked quietly on both levels to clear the few tables while guests enjoyed their final glasses of champagne.

Claire’s parents sat inside the cabin below with some other guests. Claire didn’t recall seeing them outside except before the ship left the marina, but at least they’d come to celebrate.

Peyton appeared beside Claire, tugging her aside before she pulled her silver silk organza wrap around her shoulders. The wind ruffled her short bangs as she leaned in to whisper, “I think they loved this.”

“It was a great idea. I’m glad you talked me into it. Thank you.” There. She’d done what she’d said she’d never do. She’d thanked Peyton for something. It hadn’t been as hard as she would’ve expected. They’d seen more of each other these past two months, planning for this event, and because of Logan.