The Memory of You (Sanctuary Sound #1)(110)

While he held her tight, he felt her wipe her eyes. He raised her chin and kissed her wet cheeks. “No more tears.”

“Please, God, I hope you’re right. I hate the waterworks,” she teased.

“On the upside, they do make your eyes sparkle.” He kissed her, savoring the hot sensation. “I’m glad you came here tonight. I couldn’t take another sleepless night. And the fact that you trust me . . . I can’t tell you how good that feels. Now I’ve got something to look forward to again. And thanks to Val, I’ll be completely free to make plans for our future soon.”

Steffi cocked her head. “Val’s signed off on divorce papers?”

“Better—she’s agreed to a settlement, for Emmy’s sake. It didn’t hurt that she and John plan to marry.”

“That was fast.”

He kissed her nose. “At our age, it doesn’t take forever to know what you want, does it?”

“I guess not.” She smiled, looking so much like the young girl he’d never quite let go of in his dreams.

Despite his long relationship with Val, Steffi Lockwood had always been his one true love. Technically, this marked their third chance, and he vowed not to do anything to blow it. “I’m glad you said that.”

Her face suddenly brightened. “So does this mean you can buy the bungalow?”

He shook his head. “Much as I love it, I don’t want to be house poor. It’ll be too expensive when you’re finished, and I’ll need money for other things.”

“What other things?” She scowled when he wouldn’t consider that purchase.

He closed one eye and glanced at the ceiling as he rattled off his ideas. “Dance lessons for Emmy. Maintenance for Knot So Fast. Maybe some jewelry for you.”

“Jewelry?” She pulled a face. “I don’t wear jewelry.”

He grabbed her left hand and kissed her ring finger. “Never say never.”





Epilogue

Three months later

Steffi woke to the warmth of Ryan’s arm and leg across her body. She smiled, curling herself deeper into his embrace. Thanks to Dr. Saxe’s help, she’d finally been able to make love with him last night. He’d been patient and tender and awkwardly sweet, exactly like the very first time they’d given themselves so completely on his boat all those years ago.

Even if she never fully recovered all her memories, this alone made the weekly therapy sessions worthwhile. She might never tell Ryan or anyone else, but she didn’t hate talking to Dr. Saxe. Her brothers and dad would never let her live that down if they knew. Truthfully, she wished they’d all try a little talk therapy.

Ryan kissed the back of her head. “Are you awake?”

“Mm-hmm.” She twisted in his arms, grateful that Emmy was with her mother for the weekend. “I actually promised Claire I’d go with her this morning to the cottage to make some final decisions about the landscaping. Then I have to do a walk-through with the inspector at Hightop Road, so I can’t laze around.”

He kissed her shoulder and stroked her hip. “Not even a little while longer?”

“It’s already nine thirty. I haven’t slept in this late on a Saturday in eons.” She kissed him, threading her fingers through his hair. He yawned with a stretch like a giant dog enjoying a scratch behind the ears. “But I’m really excited to surprise you with something. Can you meet me at the bungalow later?”

“I like surprises.” He pulled her close again. “But don’t you have to see Dr. Saxe today?”

“She dropped me to twice a month because I’ve gone three consecutive weeks without any episodes.” It still surprised her to look back and realize just how often those episodes had stolen moments from each week.

“That’s great.” Ryan smiled. “But do you want to pare back before you remember enough details to help the cops identify the suspects?”

“It’d be great if that happens, but for now, this is enough. We’re together. The episodes aren’t interfering with my life and work anymore. I’m happy.” She kissed him again. “Actually, I’ve been thinking Claire needs to talk to someone. She’s getting more prickly in anticipation of Peyton’s imminent return.”

“When does that happen?”

“She’ll be done with the treatments at Sloan in a month, so anytime after that, I guess.” Steffi sighed, having found no solution to ease Claire’s anxiety. “I’m just trying to keep Claire busy with our projects. And on that note, I should get moving.”

He brushed his hand along her waist and cupped her breast. “Ten minutes?”

“Since when did you ever finish in ten minutes?” she teased with a quick kiss. Then she propped herself up on her elbow. “I promise I’ll make it up to you later. Meet me at the cottage at four, okay?”

“I’ll be there.”



Steffi heard Ryan enter the bungalow and call out her name.

“Back here!” she replied from the laundry room.

Ryan appeared in the doorway between the kitchen and the laundry room. “Man, every time I come here, I’m blown away by what you’ve done to the place.” He glanced over his shoulder toward the kitchen. “Gretta must be stunned.”