Remi’s eyes misted when Brick squeezed his father’s shoulder.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Turk’s here with the car,” Darlene said, opening the front door.

Brick spotted Remi in the hallway.

“I can’t leave until they’re here,” he said.

Her mom gave him the nod. “We’ll see you up there then.”

William followed her back out, leaving Remi alone with Brick.

Both of the island’s fire trucks screamed past the house, followed by the ambulance.

Her heart thumped.

“You have to go,” she told him.

“I can’t leave you.”

“You’re not leaving me alone. There is a house full of people here. You’re needed out there.”

The island fire department was well-equipped but not to battle what could easily become a 4-alarm blaze. Every available hand was needed to save the landmark. The beginning for so many happily ever afters.

Gripping his arm, Remi looked into those worried eyes. “Go.”

“Promise me you won’t take any risks. You’ll stay indoors. You won’t step a foot out the door once I’m gone.”

“I promise you, Brick.”

He cupped her face in his hand, his blue eyes burning. “Promise me you’ll be here when I get back so I can ask you that question.”

She gave him a watery smile. “Yes to tacos.”

He brought his forehead to hers and closed his eyes.

She cupped his face in her hands, reveling at the rough of his beard, the smooth of his skin. This face was so achingly familiar to her. He belonged to her. It had been written so long ago, yet they were just getting started.

“I love you. Be safe. Text when you can.”

He nodded, then lowered his mouth to hers for one hard kiss. “I will. I love you, Remington.”

“Oh, hey. Don’t fuck anything up,” she called as he started to leave.

He paused and stared at her.

She shrugged. “What? I’m not giving you some kind of romantic last words. I’m giving you something terrible to hold you over until you’re home again. Then I’ll say nice things.”

“I’ll love you so fucking much,” he said fiercely.

“I’ll be waiting for you, big guy.”

“Keep your inhaler on you. I don’t know how bad the smoke is going to get.”

She blew him a kiss as he jogged down the porch steps.

His large form melted into the night as he ran toward the fire.

Remi watched him go with an ache in her chest.

Something tickled at the back of her neck. A nagging sensation that had her turning away from the direction of the fire and looking down the dark street. Neighbors were coming out of their houses to see what the excitement was about. Before long, she was sure there would be a crowd of bystanders at the hotel.

But something out there in the dark made her feel like she was the entertainment. Like she was the one being observed.

William herded everyone back inside and bolted the front door. And while a debate raged over hot tea or coffee or more wine, Remi decided to behave herself and rounded up her inhaler and phone. She had a shit-ton of missed calls and texts. Mostly from Rajesh.