Morning Light

The storm broke just before dawn.

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. The power was still out, but the room felt warm.

Elena sat at the table, wrapped in Kaelen’s leather jacket. She was drinking coffee made on the gas stove.

Kaelen was standing by the window, watching the calm ocean. He looked at peace. The frantic energy of the night before had settled into a quiet, protective solidity.

He turned to her. "I made a call on the satellite phone."

"To who?" Elena asked.

"A management company in Seattle," Kaelen said. "They specialize in historic properties. They're sending a team down tomorrow to assess the roof and the structural damage."

"Kael, we can't afford a management team," Elena started, the old reflex kicking in.

"We aren't paying them from the Inn's revenue," Kaelen smiled. It was a wicked, charming smile—the bad boy smile she remembered. "I wasn't joking about the diamonds, El. I have enough money to buy this town."

He walked over to her and crouched down, taking her hands.

"Your parents can stay in the guest cottage," Kaelen said. "The management team will run the business. They'll make it profitable again."

"And what will I do?" Elena asked. "This place... it's been my whole life."

"That's the problem," Kaelen said gently. "It's time you had a life outside of these walls."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out two passports. One was battered and worn. The other was brand new.

"Italy," Kaelen said. "I have a villa in Tuscany. It needs some work. And the wine is terrible, so we'll have to find better vineyards. It’s safe. It’s quiet. And it’s far away from leaking roofs."

Elena looked at the passport. She looked at the deed on the table, which Kaelen had casually used as a coaster for his coffee mug.

The burden was gone. The weight that had been crushing her chest for years had vanished, lifted by the man kneeling in front of her.

"Italy," Elena tested the word. It sounded like magic.

"Pack a bag, El," Kaelen said, kissing her knuckles. "The adventure starts now."

Elena smiled, leaning down to kiss him. "As long as you're the one driving."

"Always," Kaelen promised. "I'm never letting go of the wheel again."