“He’s fine. He wants us to have breakfast together.” Dad covers the distance in short steps, smiling at me. “When your grandparents decided to move next door, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. They can be a little…pushy.”

I don’t even try to hold back my chuckle. Pushy is an understatement. My grandparents always have a way of getting what they want.

I’m unaware right now that soon my grandparents are going to prove we didn’t know the extent of their pushing abilities.

“I want to meet Lukas,” Grandpop says as we all sit around the circular dining table, a healthy breakfast of oatmeal, nuts, and berries in front of us.

My heart rate picks up at the name I’ve heard only once—two years ago.

Silence stretches in the room until Dad clears his throat. “Why?”

I look up from the bowl, and Grandpop’s affectionate gaze is on me. “I cannot go knowing your life’s at risk, firefly.”

A cotton ball forms in my throat, and it takes a huge effort to swallow it down. “You’re not going anywhere.” I get up and hug him from behind. My face rests on his shoulder, and the familiar scent of his talcum powder slowly calms my nerves.

Grandpop pats my cheeks, and I feel the rumble of his voice as he speaks. “Call him, Jasper. Tell him I don’t have much time.”

“Dad, he’s in the military. He might not be able to…” Mom trails off, but her meaning is clear to us all. He might not be here in time.

But Grandpop doesn’t even flinch. “Just call him.”

Coincidentally, Lukas is in the area and promises to stop by. A week later, we’re waiting for him at the inn’s dining hall.

“Autumn, can you check if he’s here?” Grandpop nods toward the exit.

I reach the porch and throw a quick glance at the parking lot, but there’s no unfamiliar car. I’m about to turn back and tell everyone that he’s still not here, when there’s a loud rumbling of an engine.

My erratic heartbeat thunders behind my rib cage as a motorcycle stops outside the gate. A man wearing a black leather jacket, jeans, and boots steps off. He removes his helmet, and that’s the first glimpse I get of Lukas Spencer.

He strides to the porch confidently, and my pulse skips a beat.

“I’m here to meet—”

“Lukas! Welcome.” Dad joins us and slides next to me. He shakes hands with our guest before introducing me. “This is Autumn. You both exchanged some emails two years ago, if I’m right.”

“I feel like I should apologize once again.” I smile, which is followed by Lukas’ low chuckle.

“Believe me, after the initial shock, it was…entertaining.” His deep blue eyes crinkle, reminding me of the ocean. “How’s Grandpop?”