SIX MONTHS LATER, Zoe stood at the edge of the wooden deck in the backyard of their new house. She and Mitch had just renewed their vows, surrounded by family and friends. They’d come a long way, she and Mitch, and she couldn’t deny her love for her husband. After much discussion, they’d come to the mutual agreement to keep Mitch’s base here in Cypress Pointe, holding a family meeting to vote whether or not he would take any of the offers for photo layouts located in faraway places.
The holidays had been eventful, this being the first Christmas Mitch had spent with Leo. There were way too many presents, Zoe had scolded, but she’d understood Mitch was making up for lost time. He’d surprised her by writing a check to the refugee organization assisting Hassan’s village. Father and son had finally been reunited, thanks to the international coverage Mitch had garnered through different news agencies.
The New Year had brought new changes. Lilli and Max announced they were expecting. Nealy and Dane had just come back from Las Vegas where they’d gotten remarried. Jenna and Wyatt had bought a new house, and Jenna had confided in Zoe that they were hoping to have baby news soon.
Other friends, musicians Cassie Branford and Luke Hastings, held a private performance in honor of the festivities. Cassie’s newly released album was wildly successful. If Zoe didn’t miss her guess, she’d wager those two would be walking down the aisle soon.
She noticed Kady standing alone. Zoe sauntered in her direction. “Thanks for the beautiful flower arrangements. As usual, you came through “
“My pleasure,” Kady said after a quick hug. “The Lavish Lily is busier than I could have ever hoped. My plan to be the number one florist for weddings in the area is taking off and working with Dylan’s mother, a total professional, has increased business, too.”
Zoe had no doubts. Kady had a way of coming up with exactly the right flower choices for her brides.
“Where’s Dylan?”
Kady pointed to her boyfriend, who was pacing the yard. “He just got a call from one of his brothers. By the look on his face, it can’t be good.”
Dylan, a DEA agent, along with three other Matthew brothers all in law enforcement, lowered the phone.
“From what Dylan has told me, his youngest brother is working an undercover operation. I hope there weren’t any problems.”
Zoe nudged her friend. “Go.”
Kady left to talk to him.
Zoe’s mother and the police chief sat at the patio table with Mitch’s parents, feeding Leo. Her son giggled and played with his food, despite his new grandfather’s attempt to get him to eat.
Two arms circled her waist from behind. Mitch’s cologne announced his arrival, even before his words.
“Happy, wife?”
She leaned back against his hard chest, savoring being cradled in her husband’s embrace. Mitch still suffered infrequent headaches, but that seemed to be the last of the lingering effects of the brain injury. He was alive and home, which was all she could have asked for.
“Happy to have everyone I love in the world here today.”
“And if you could do it all over?”
All the pain and hard times had been difficult, but had made them both stronger. In her mind, they deserved every bit of happiness they could carve out of life.
“I’d do away with the drama that got us to this point, but I’d never wish us apart again.”
Mitch kissed her neck. “Good answer.”
She turned in his arms, oblivious to the guests around them. “I’m proud to be your wife, Mitch. Here, or any place else on this planet.”
He brushed his lips over hers for a long, satisfying kiss.
“And I’m proud to be your husband,” he said when they surfaced. “As it turns out, Cypress Pointe is an awesome place to live. Especially since you’re here.”
Yes, Cypress Pointe was exactly her dream destination come true. For now, and always. And she was sure she could safely say that sentiment resounded with all the special people gathered here today.
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