“You’ve got the truth on your side, brother. It will eventually die down. Has Angelique tried talking to her or her team?”
He nodded. “Yep. Jessica just keeps saying that all press is good press, and it’s helping the show. She loves it. But it’s making people fucking pissed, and I’m getting these aggressive messages on social media. People want us together now. It’s a fucking nightmare.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Just stay the course, Finn. She’ll talk herself into a corner.”
“That’s what Angelique thinks. She said I just need to keep a low profile. If I end up dating someone down the road, we’ll present me as a relationship guy and not some womanizer, I guess.”
“It’s good you have this downtime between seasons. I’m excited to see the house you bought. Brinkley said it’s right on the water and not too far from town.”
“Yeah. That’s been a good thing. I’ve been able to throw myself into working on the new place and taking the boat out on the water. And I’m not going to lie, being home helps. No one bothers me there.”
“Cottonwood Cove, man. It’s hard to beat. The people are nosy as shit but protective to the core. They’ve got your back, and so do we.”
“I know you do, and it means a lot.”
“You know I’m here if you want to talk. And you’re welcome to stay out here with us for as long as you want. We’ve got plenty of room.”
“Thanks. I’ve had a lot of fun out here. I’ll be back for as many games as I can swing, pending my filming schedule.”
“Good. We love having you all here.”
And I meant it.
I followed him inside, and the house was buzzing. My mom and Alana were helping the caterer get all the chafing dishes set up. Maddox and Georgia were standing with Wyle, who was playing bartender. Hugh and Lila were out in the backyard with Gracie, and Tia was out there playing with them. Cage, Romeo, and Bradford were talking about the game, and Finn went over to join them.
“Hey,” Brinkley said as she slid up beside me. She’d changed into a pair of denim cut-off shorts and a white tee. “How’d it go with Finn?”
“He’s going to be fine, baby. Your brother has a good head on his shoulders. I think he probably needs to find himself a woman and let everyone see that he’s the stable guy that he is. Jessica will blow herself up eventually.”
“Well, you know firsthand just how great life can be when you’ve got yourself a good woman,” she said, her voice teasing.
“Damn straight. I used to come home alone after games to a quiet house. And look at this. Look what we’ve created together.” I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.
“A three-ring circus?” she said over her laughter.
“A family, sweetheart.”
Her eyes softened, and she studied me. “So, are you really going to make an honest woman out of me?”
“Been dreaming about it for months. But don’t pull your reporter shit and start trying to figure it out. I’d like to actually surprise you.”
“Good luck. I’m hard to surprise.” She tapped her finger against her temple. “I’m always one step ahead of my opponent.”
I barked out a laugh. “Do you mean your lover?”
“I do love you something fierce, Lincoln Hendrix.”
“Good. Because you’re stuck with me for life. No turning back now.” I leaned down and kissed her. “I love you.”
“Oh, for God’s sake. Get a room, people,” Cage groaned, and everyone laughed.
And if I spent the rest of my life right here, I’d be the luckiest man alive.
As long as this woman was beside me—I’d found my home.
THE END
Do you want to see Lincoln’s big surprise for Brinkley? Click here for an exclusive BONUS SCENE!
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Are you excited for Finn Reynolds and Reese Murphy to get out of the friendship zone in this small town, friends-to-lovers, fake dating romance? BEFORE THE SUNSET is available for pre-order now!
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Do you want to know more about Lincoln’s brother, Roman Knight? He will have his own book in the upcoming Magnolia Falls Series, book 1, Loving Romeo.
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acknowledgments
Greg, Thank you for supporting me every single day on this journey. For cheering me on, for believing in me and for giving me endless romantic inspiration!! LOL! Thirty three years with the love of my life gives me lots to write about! I love you forever!
Chase & Hannah… I feel like the luckiest person in the world that I get to be your mama! It’s like hitting the jackpot every single day. You are the reason that I work hard, and the reason that I chase my dreams, because you both inspire me more than you know! I love you to the moon and back!
Willow, I am forever grateful for that first day that we met, and for every day since. Your friendship means the world to me. I don’t know how I ever existed without you! I love you so much and am so grateful to have you in my life!
Catherine, thank you for your endless love and support. I love talking all things with you… from kaftans to dog stories to book events! Thankful to be on this journey with you. Love you!
Kandi, I am so thankful for you! For your friendship, your wisdom, your encouragement and all the laughs in between （and your fabulous style and decor tips）。 I look forward to our chats each day and love being on this journey with you. Love you forever my sweet friend!
Pathi, I can’t put into words how thankful I am for YOU! Thank you for being such an amazing friend!! Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to chase my dreams!! I love and appreciate you more than I can say!! Love you FOREVER!
Nat, I am so thrilled that you are on this journey with me （and Willow） now!! We are so lucky to have you and I’m thrilled to be working with you every day again!! So grateful for you! Love you!
Nina, I don’t know how I ever made a decision without you. Thank you for always being there for me. From the little things to the big things. Thank you for encouraging me in every way! I am forever grateful for your friendship and to be on this journey with you! Cheers to many more years together! Love you!!
Valentine Grinstead, I absolutely adore you! You are such a bright light and I am so thankful for YOU! I’m thrilled that I get to see you lots this year! Love you!
Kim Cermak, You complete me. LOL! I’d truly be lost without you! Thank you for all that you do for me every single day!! I absolutely adore you!!
Christine Miller, I am so grateful for you! Thank you for making my life so much easier and for all that you do for me!! I am SO THANKFUL for you!
Sarah Norris, thank you for the gorgeous graphics, for all of your support and for always being willing to help even when I remember things at the last minute! LOL! l am incredibly grateful for YOU!
Meagan, Oh how I adore you! I love working with you and am so excited about creating the book box for this book with you! Thank you for being an amazing beta reader and for creating the most beautiful reels and TikToks and for helping to get my books out there! Your support means the world to me!! Thank you so much!!