Page 47 of Shadows Redeemed

“Speaking of that…” Sage moved over to a small desk chair and plopped down. “I want to stay here and help see this thing closed out. If it seems like it’s taking too long, then I’ll reassess.”She shot Parker a look, taking a deep breath. “And then I’ll be helping Parker move to Biloxi.”

A sly grin slipped over his face as Marissa clapped her hands and rushed to Sage’s side. “Now that’s what I like to hear,” Marissa said as she wrapped her arms around Sage, hugging the redhead.

Parker nodded, relief filling him that they didn’t tell Sage it was a bad idea. “It’s where I need to be.” He glanced over at Sage. “She’s who I need to be with.”

Dane nodded, chuckling. “Well, I can’t say I’m shocked. You’ve been through hell, Parker. You deserve some happiness.” He glanced over at Sage, his expression softening. “And I know Sage does as well.”

“I won’t keep her away long,” Parker assured the other man. “I promise. I should know soon what path my brother’s stupidity has set him on. Not much here for me to close out other than my job, so starting over won’t be a problem.”

Dane crossed the room, extending his hand to Parker. “Well, I’m happy for you both. I think you’re perfect for each other.”

Parker shook his hand, the weight of the moment settling in. They were actually doing this. And Sage’s friends accepted them. Accepted him.

He glanced over at Sage, who gave him a warm smile. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think she would be his and he would be hers. Oh, h had fantasized about it enough, but never actually thought it would become a reality.

“Thank you,” he told Dane genuinely. “And tell Gage and Elvis I said the same. I couldn’t have made it without you guys.”

Dane chuckled as he lifted his coffee mug toward his lips. “You’re family now, Parker. Never forget that.”

They talked for a few more minutes, sharing a laugh or two, and then Sage promised she’d check in once she knew more. Asthey walked out of the room, hand in hand again, Parker felt a sense of finality—a chapter closing in his life.

But it wasn’t the end of the book. Not really. It was the beginning of something new, something better, and he knew this next chapter would be even more exciting than the chapters before it. It had to be because Sage was in it.

As they reached the car, Sage turned to him, placing her hands on his hips as she leaned against him, her eyes full of love and certainty. “Ready for the next adventure?”

Parker smiled, pulling her close for a kiss. “More than ready. I feel like I’ve waited for this my whole life.”

And he meant it. With Sage by his side, the two of them together could face anything the future held in store. Together, they would build a life in Biloxi, a future that felt full of hope and promise. Jacob would be fine, no matter what happened, now that they had cleared his name. It was now time for Parker to focus on Parker.

And Sage.

Just the two of them, carving out a fresh path, creating their own adventure.

And for the first time in years, Parker felt at peace.