Anywhere You Are (27 page)

No one breathed, including her.

He'd bared himself for her, the same way she had for him. This was love. This was trust. It was then she realized that this very public declaration was his way of showing her that nothing would come between them…not even themselves.

She loved him. She'd never stopped loving him. So she said the only thing she could.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“So you're willing to give us another shot?” he asked, his voice so hopeful.

She swallowed her tears, so filled with happiness she could barely breathe. “God, yes, Marc.”

He smiled then, his eyes smiling too. And then he closed the distance between them and kissed her, so sweetly and so deeply, and when the cheers and cries and inevitable flashbulbs from the crowd went off, she didn't even care. Just kept kissing him and kissing him as if they were the only two people in the world.

Because for that moment in time, they absolutely were.

A couple of weeks after the gallery showing, things had gotten back to normal. Sort of.

Grace still painted almost every day. She still tended her garden, and arranged flowers for her clients. She'd also been enjoying girls' nights every so often with Carolyn and Jane. When the season changed and the farmers' markets petered out, she planned to invite Amber to join them.

The only difference was the reporters. They hung around her place all hours of the day and night, and nothing would make them leave.

The other slightly weird thing was filming. She spent a couple of days every week in New York working on her guest appearances for
The Evergood Life.
It wasn't as draining as she thought it would be, and she felt closer to her parents than ever.

Yes, life was wonderful, especially because Marc was back in it…for good this time. He'd assured her, in his utterly serious way, that he had no intention of leaving her again, ever. So she'd better get used to him and Big Blue because she was stuck with them.

And she found she didn't mind in the least.

The sound of tires on gravel sounded from the open doorway. From his spot on the oilcloths, Blue lifted his great head. He'd taken to the role of protector with surprising ease, chasing away everything from squirrels to bears to paparazzi who came even an inch farther up the driveway than what he deemed acceptable.

But this time, Blue didn't budge, even when a car door slammed shut. Only when she heard the familiar clack of Marc's dress shoes on the concrete floor did Blue rise.

She turned to find him stroking Blue's head, the animal rubbing against him like he'd been gone for four months instead of four days. “Hey, boy,” he said. “I missed you.” He raised his gaze to meet hers. “And I missed you, too.”

He crossed the room, her handsome man, still in his suit and tie.

“Don't,” she cried, when he got closer. “I have paint all over me.” She tore off her smock just before he grabbed her in a tight embrace.

“Like I care,” he said, gifting her with a long, perfect kiss while Blue circled them over and over.

“The last four days felt like forever,” he murmured.

“It must have been really bad if you're using hyperbole,” she said with a smile.

“Exhausting,” he admitted.

“Then it's good that you're back,” she said. “And you'll be able to stay for a while longer, I hope.”

He shook his head. “I'm due back in India next week.”

“Ugh,” she groaned. “When is that project going to get wrapped up?”

“Not for a while, but I hired someone to help me out. A young guy. Lots of energy. He's going to be great. Only problem is that I have to get him up to speed. But once he is completely on board, I'll be able to ease off the travel a bit, at least internationally.”

All of a sudden, Blue stiffened and trotted to the barn door. There he stood, alert and watchful.

“What's with him?” Grace asked. “Squirrel?”

“Nope. Photographers. There was a van by the road and one halfway up the driveway. I told the guy to beat it, but he probably ignored me.”

“Blue will chase him away if he's still here.” She sighed. “I keep hoping they'll get bored with my personal life. I mean, it's not like I don't have events scheduled almost every week at this point. Unfortunately, I think that's wishful thinking on my part.”

“Isn't that the nature of the beast? Give 'em an inch, they take a mile?”

She wrapped an arm around his waist and steered him to the house. “Something like that. Anyway, I'm looking forward to that visit with your mom.” Their first meeting had gone so well, they'd scheduled another one for this evening. “And to spending tonight at your place.”

“I told you before, you're welcome there anytime.”

“But it's so big,” she complained. “And I get lonely. Especially when you're not there.”

They stepped out into the clearing, the dappled sunshine warming them. Marc turned to peer down the driveway where Blue was standing sentry. “A fine watchdog you have there,” Marc quipped.

“Oh, he's not mine,” Grace said. “I just mind him while his owner jets around the world.”

“This is ridiculous,” he said, and stopped. She stopped, too.

“What's ridiculous?” she asked.

He ran a hand through his hair. “This…this whole thing. It's crazy, us being away from each other, eyes always on us.”

“What can we do?” Grace asked. “You're everywhere and I'm here. I like it here, Marc. I'm not going to run and hide just because people want to take pictures of me. Trust me when I say that it doesn't make anything better. Not in the long run.”

She stopped to find him watching her, a look of utter admiration in his eyes. “You're so grounded,” he said. “One of the many things I love about you. You make me want to be grounded, too.”

“I don't want to mess up your work,” she said. “If you need to be in India, go. I don't want to stop you.”

“I know. And that only makes me love you more. But I'm getting fed up with this back-and-forth and sneaking around the press. I've made my peace with the fact that there are always going to be eyes on us, but just for a couple of weeks, I want to be in a place where we have space to breathe.”

“What are you suggesting? That we run away together?” She laughed, but Marc didn't. “You're serious. Where?”

“Does it matter?”

She thought for a moment. “No. Because anywhere you are is where I want to be.”

He gripped the back of her neck in a big palm, drawing her close. “Do you really mean that?”

“Yes,” she said. “You're my home. My haven. So whether we're here or somewhere else, it doesn't matter. As long as I'm with you.”

“I'm buying Aunt Sarah's place,” he said abruptly. “And I want you to move in with me.”

Grace blinked. “Are you serious?” Though it seemed silly to ask, since Marc was always serious.

“Completely,” he said. “I talked to the lawyers. They're willing to sell me the estate at market price, which is more than fair given that I won't have to pay realtor fees. They're thrilled to have it taken off their hands, and I'm thrilled to have it. The property is enormous, and the house is big enough for us and Big Blue. That is, if you're willing.”

“I don't want to give up my place.”

“Then don't. Come back here whenever you want. Every day if you like, to paint, cook…whatever. Just stay with me. And come with me to India next week.”

“Really?” she said.

“Yes. I have meetings, but part of my role will be to hand off the reins to my new guy. I can't be there all the time and the sooner he starts getting some autonomy, the better.”

“I've always wanted to see India,” Grace said, already dreaming. “The colors, the light…”

“You'll bring your art supplies so you can paint. I'll set everything up for you. What do you say?”

“Yes. Yes, I want to come with you. I'll be able to finish up my filming when I get back. The episodes aren't due to air for several months, so I know it won't knock anyone off schedule.”

“Good,” he said with satisfaction. “I'll make all the arrangements.”

“Wait,” she said, pulling away. “What do we do with Blue?” He was sniffing around the edge of the driveway now. “We can't leave him.”

“I know,” he said. “That's one part I haven't quite figured out yet.”

Grace thought for a moment. “I know! We let my parents take care of him! Can you imagine how high the ratings on the show would be with Big Blue as a cast member?”

“Genius idea,” he said, and kissed her.

“I'll call them later, but I'm sure they'll be up for it.” This was like a dream come true. She was going to travel with the man she loved. “I can't wait to explore,” she said. “And while you work, I'll paint.”

Marc was staring at her with the strangest look in his eyes. “I brought you something,” he said abruptly. “Come inside with me.” Grabbing her hand, he pulled her toward the house.

“From India?” she asked, trailing him.

Marc shook his head. “No. From New York.”

He pulled her into the kitchen and positioned her in the middle of the room.

Blue barked, just once, and she turned to see what he was barking at. He'd appeared to have scared away all the photographers, so it had to truly be a squirrel this time. But when she turned back to Marc, he was on one knee.

Her heart stopped.

“Marc—” she gasped.

“Grace,” he said, taking her hand. “I love you. So much. And every day, no matter where I am, I wake up and thank the stars that I'm lucky enough to have you love me back. You are everything to me. Everything. Marry me and make me the happiest man on earth. Say yes, because I can't live without you.” At that moment, Blue chose to let out an enormous bark. Marc gave her a half-smile. “And I don't think Big Blue can, either.”

“Yes,” she said without hesitation. “Yes, I'll marry you.”

“God, Grace.” In one fluid movement he rose, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her passionately.

In another moment, he'd slipped a ring on her finger. It was gorgeous—all burnished gold with a huge diamond right in the center. “It's a family heirloom,” he told her. “I know it's a bit old-fashioned, but it reminded me of you in a timeless kind of way.”

“It's perfect,” she told him. It felt good on her finger. Right.

She was flying, soaring so high she couldn't even see the ground. He wanted her—for now, forever—after everything they'd been through. They couldn't be less alike, and yet they'd found each other here, in Eastbridge, of all places.

“You didn't want to propose in front of the press?” she teased.

“No,” he said, once again all seriousness. “This is for you and me alone. At least until you're ready to share. You don't even have to wear the ring for a while if you want to keep it quiet.”

She looked at him intently. “Is that what you want?”

“Hell no. I want everyone to know you've accepted my claim.”

“Then I'll wear it. Proudly. Though it probably won't stop people from speculating about my love life.”

“I'm aware of that. Just like I'm aware that you're mine.”

“Forever.”

“I love you,” he said. “You have no idea how much.”

She gripped his hand in hers. “When did you know that you loved me?” she asked him with a smile.

“Honestly?” he said. “That first time I came back from India, and you had Big Blue completely trained.”

She laughed. “You fell in love with me because I trained your dog?”

“Our dog,” he corrected. “And yes. I figured if you could get such a beast in line, you must be an animal whisperer. I was in awe.”

“Are you sure it wasn't because we had sex under the pier?”

“Come to think of it…” he started, and she nudged him in the waist with her elbow. He backed her into the door, pressing her up against it so that she was trapped.

“There's no pier here,” he said, looking down at her. “But I wouldn't mind a repeat.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Tonight?”

“Right now,” he said, bending down to kiss her once again.

Willingly, she melted, knowing now that there would be a lifetime of this—of love, laughter, and happiness together.

O
NE MONTH LATER…

Marc sat on the back patio of Jake's waterfront mansion, with Grace tucked against his side and a cold beer in his hand. Big Blue lay curled up by his feet, his big head resting on his huge paws.

He drank some beer and gazed out on Long Island Sound, glistening in the moonlight beyond the grass and sand. Grace nestled in a little closer, doing a better job of warming him than the heat lamps that dotted the perimeter of the space.

Jake and Carolyn were at the grill debating how long to cook the steaks, and just when he thought Jake was going to lose his cool, Carolyn stepped forward and pressed her lips to his. Although they had a good vantage point from the love seat across the fire pit, Press and Jane ignored them. They were wrapped up in their own embrace, tiny Jane practically sitting in Press's lap as she kissed him.

Everyone was so in love, including Marc. Life was good. More than good.

It was just about perfect.

Since that night when he'd crashed Grace's gallery showing, things had been busy, but satisfying in a way he never could have anticipated. Grace still drove him crazy, and they'd had more than their share of challenges juggling the demands of their jobs, but they did their best to keep their private lives private. And then there were moments like this, quiet moments, when they were surrounded by friends and they could just breathe.

It was working out all right. And it would continue to work out because they loved each other.

He bent his head to kiss her hair and she gave a little sigh, then looked up at him with big eyes. He took the opportunity to kiss her mouth, savoring her taste on his tongue.

“Hey,” Jake said, turning from the grill. “I forgot to tell you, but Walt just finished up his work on the course today. It's officially done!”

Press let out a whoop. “I knew he could do it. So it's off to New Zealand for him?”

“That's right,” Jake said. “He completed the work just in time. His flight leaves tomorrow.”

“Close,” Marc said. “But he made it.”

“Once DEEP concluded their analysis and found there was no bittern on the property, it was smooth sailing, right?” Carolyn asked.

“That's right,” Jake said. “I'm just glad that public demand was so great that they decided to do the inspection earlier than anticipated.”

“We didn't even need your affidavit,” Press said to Grace. “Though we were appreciative you were willing to sign one.”

“Very appreciative,” Marc told her, giving her a little squeeze.

“As long as you know I was willing,” Grace said, looking at him.

“I know,” Marc said, and brushed her lips with his. He was glad she'd offered, not as much because it would have helped Briarwood as because it helped him pull his head out of his ass, showed him everything he was giving up because of his rigid ideals. She'd changed him for the better, and he'd never forget that as long as he lived.

Carolyn looked a little dismayed. “Hopefully DEEP's decision won't affect your conservation work, Grace,” she said. “I know that the American bittern is one of the species of concern.”

“I only would have cared if the bird's habitat were being disturbed,” Grace said. “Which we now have two independent sources saying it wasn't. I heard from the new president of the local Audubon Society chapter that they agreed with DEEP's findings.”

“Wait…so George Arbor isn't the president anymore?”

“He resigned,” Grace said. “So they elected someone else. To tell you the truth, I'd kind of gotten used to the man. I mean, I'm not happy he used my name without permission, but I'm sure he thought what he was doing was for the good of the environment.” Grace glanced over at Marc. “But I know that if any endangered species did come onto your property, you'd treat the situation with care and respect.”

“Of course,” Press agreed. “We want to work with the town and the state to provide a safe haven for any other critters that may find their way onto Briarwood. Oh, did Marc tell you we enlarged the pond?”

“He did. And he also mentioned that the designer added even more foliage around it for wildlife to use as shelter.”

“We welcome wildlife of all types,” Marc said. “Just as we welcome artists to come and paint.”

“So what's next at Briarwood?” Jane asked. “Please don't tell me you're going to rip up the kitchen?”

“Eventually,” Jake admitted. “Once the golf course is done we're going to deal with the clubhouse.”

“But don't worry, sweetheart,” Press assured her. “It'll be a multi-stage process and we won't cease operations while the work is being done.”

“Good,” Jane said, looking relieved. With a young son to support, Jane couldn't afford to be out of a job for long. Something told Marc that Press would be more than willing to help out, though from what he'd seen of the small woman, she was extremely self-sufficient and quite proud. He doubted she'd ever ask Press for financial assistance, but Press had recently confided in him that he was going to ask Jane to marry him. Not right away, owing to the fact that her kid needed time to get used to having another man in his mom's life, but soon.

He could understand Press's desire to tie the knot. Having Grace as his wife was his dream, too.

Much to his delight, she wore his ring with pride and had even announced her engagement to the press. He'd thought it would annoy him, having everyone know his personal business, but he shouted his engagement from the rafters. Grace was his, and he wanted everyone to know it.

They hadn't yet set a date for their wedding. Undoubtedly, it would be sometime next summer, and hopefully right here in Eastbridge. Corralling their families for a wedding would be a Herculean task, but if anyone could do it, it would be Grace. She had a way of bringing everyone together.

“Let's walk,” Grace said, extricating herself and pulling him up. “I think the steaks are going to take a while and it'd be nice for Blue to get some exercise before we sit down to eat.”

He clipped Blue's leash onto his collar and rose. “We'll be back in a few minutes,” he told the others.

Hand in hand, they strode down the grass and onto the sand. Tiny pinpricks of light from across the sound shimmered in the crisp evening air.

Autumn was coming, and fast. Soon, the leaves would change, the birds would fly south, and the nights would grow short and cold. But Marc would have Grace by his side and in his bed to keep him warm.

He'd kept his Manhattan apartment as an investment property, although he hadn't spent a single night there since he and Grace had moved into Aunt Sarah's place. They would close on the property sometime next month, and for him, it was quickly becoming home.

No, scratch that. Grace was his home.

Grace paused on the beach, and he stopped too. Big Blue immediately circled back and came to his side.

“Marc?” she asked, looking up at him. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“Yes?” she teased.

“Yeah.”

“Now that's what I like to hear,” she breathed, pulling him down for a kiss.

He was the luckiest man in the world to have found her. And he'd spend every single day of the rest of his life showing her that.

“I love you, Grace,” he told her, his voice nearly swallowed up by the roar of the ocean.

“I love you, too,” she said, her lips against his. “Forever.”