Bayside Destinies Read online

  She opened her mouth, but no words found their way out.

  Logan fell to his knees and clung to her hands. “Every time I told you I love you, I meant it. I’ve never meant anything more in my entire life. I love you, Audrey—with every ounce of my being. If you move away, I don’t know what I would do. I can’t imagine my life without you. Please stay. Give us another chance. Please.”

  She stared at him. Down at him. Logan Hunter was begging her to stay.

  He loved her.

  It seemed impossible.

  She had to be dreaming.

  He threaded his fingers through hers. “If you can’t forgive me right away, I understand. Just don’t move away. Let me make it up to you. One more chance—that’s all I ask.”

  Thirty-Four

  Logan stared up into her beautiful, confused eyes. Her hand shook in his.

  She fell to her knees too, and ran a finger along his cast. “Are you sure I’m worth it?”

  “Are you kidding? You’re everything to me.” Logan traced her left hand and slid the ring back into place. His heart jumped into his throat. “Audrey, I want to marry you—nothing fake this time. I want you to be my real fiancée. My real wife. Will you marry me?”

  She stared back and forth between the ring and Logan.

  “Will you make me the happiest man alive?”

  “I… I… But I don’t have anything to offer you.”

  “All I want is you. I love you.”

  The longest stretch of silence in the history of the world passed between them.

  “Well? Will you marry me?”

  Tears shone in her eyes. “Yes. I’ll marry you!”

  He stared at her in disbelief for a moment, but as soon as he comprehended her words, he pressed his lips on hers, never happier.

  Charlie jumped up on them, knocking them both over on the sand, and he licked both of their faces.

  Logan and Audrey both burst into laughter and managed to push Charlie off. Logan helped Audrey up and dusted her off. “I hope this means you’re staying.”

  “Honestly, I’d rather be here than anywhere else.”

  “And I’d rather have you here than anywhere else.”

  Her face paled.

  Logan’s breath caught. Was she having second thoughts? “What’s wrong?”

  “I just realized I don’t have anywhere to stay. I just handed in my keys. And I don’t have a job. Cassidy thinks I’m not returning.”

  Logan brushed his lips across hers. “If you just gave your keys back, I’m sure they’ll understand a change of heart. And we both know Cassidy will welcome you back with open arms.”

  She stared at him for a few moments. “You’re right. Oh, my gosh! We’re actually getting married!”

  Logan’s heart swelled to the point he thought it might burst. He pulled her close, kissed her deeply, then spun her around—with Charlie licking his knees the entire time.

  He set Audrey down. “Let’s get your apartment back before they rent it to someone else. Not that you’ll need it very long—how would you like to get married next month?”

  Her mouth dropped. “Next month?”

  Logan traced her jawline. “If I’m marrying you, then yes. Then we can take the rest of the summer and celebrate.”

  “Oh! I never got the chance to tell you…”

  “What?”

  The corners of her mouth twitched. “We won that Hawaiian honeymoon.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, dang it! All the information was on the phone I got rid of. I’m sorry. We—”

  “What did I tell you about being sorry all the time?” He gave her another kiss. “Dakota has all the vendor information. She can give us their number, or at least a website. Nothing’s lost.”

  Audrey threw her arms around him. “I’m so glad. I was going to tell you, then something came up. I can’t even remember what it was. So much has happened lately.”

  “It’s been a whirlwind of a summer—good, bad, and wonderful.” He spun her around again. “Mostly wonderful.”

  Charlie barked and took off after a squirrel.

  Audrey called after him.

  “I’ll get him.” Logan burst into a run. Nothing could hold him back anymore. With Audrey as his real fiancée, he could do anything. And he actually did catch up to the pup. The leash was just out of his grasp—

  Then Charlie took off in the other direction, this time chasing a duck who had the advantage of flight. Not that it stopped the dog when the bird flew over the bay. Charlie dove in, barking at the duck.

  Logan skidded to a stop just before reaching the water. “Charlie!”

  Audrey appeared at his side and whistled. “Charlie! Get back here!”

  He turned to her. “So, how are those obedience lessons going?”

  She laughed and gestured to Charlie, who now swam in circles below the bird.

  Logan put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. “Why don’t you go get your apartment back, and I’ll corral Charlie. Then we can meet you somewhere. By the front door, maybe?”

  She leaned against him. “I’d say call me, but I got rid of my phone.”

  “We’ll have to fix that.”

  “How about I’ll come back here once I have my keys? I might need some help from a strong, muscular man to unpack my car. He might have a brace, but he needs at least one good arm.”

  Logan grinned. “I might know a man who fits that description. Let me call him for you.”

  She shoved him and laughed. “I’ll be right back.” She turned back to the water and called for Charlie.

  The dog paid her no attention.

  “I’ll get him,” Logan said. “I am a strong, muscular man, after all.” He flexed and puffed out his chest.

  She squeezed his arm. “Nice. Well, good luck with Charlie. You’ll need it.” She gave him a quick kiss before heading back to the apartment building.

  Logan watched her until she was out of sight, then turned his attention back to Charlie, still swimming in circles. Logan whistled. “Charlie!”

  The dog just barked, then chased after a seagull who had been minding its own business.

  Logan continued calling him and whistling.

  “You trying to get your dog?” asked a teenage boy.

  “Not very successfully.”

  “I have a dog whistle app. Want me to try it?”

  “Sure. I’d try about anything at this point.”

  The kid brought out his phone and slid his finger around the screen before holding it out toward Charlie.

  Amazingly, the dog turned toward them. He’d stopped barking.

  “Charlie!” Logan whistled. “Come here, boy!”

  The kid slid his finger around the screen again, and this time, Charlie swam in their direction.

  Logan breathed a sigh of relief. “You’re a lifesaver. Thanks.”

  “To be honest, I wasn’t sure it’d work. My dog ignores it.”

  “Charlie doesn’t ignore anything.” Logan laughed as the big dog plodded onto the sand and shook off on them. Logan quickly grabbed the soaking leash.

  “Better keep hold of that.” The kid ran off and joined his friends.

  Charlie shook off again.

  “You trying to soak me?”

  He barked as if to say yes.

  Logan walked him around the beach, and by the time Audrey came into view, both of them were dry from the hot summer sun.

  She rushed over, out of breath. “I managed to get it back. They actually had someone on the phone who was interested in it.”

  “What did I tell you? A whirlwind of wonderful.” He gave her a quick kiss.

  “And you got Charlie. Thank you!” She threw her arms around him and squeezed. “Are you ready to help me with my stuff?”

  “Actually, I was thinking we could go over to the lighthouse. That’s where I was going to take you on Friday night to propose before Bryson showed up.”

  Her mouth gaped. “You were going to propose? Really?”

  Logan pulle
d her close—careful not to let go of Charlie’s leash—and kissed her deeply. “I was, and you’d never believe how nervous I was.”

  “Nervous? Why?”

  He laughed. “Because I didn’t know what I’d do if you said no.”

  “How could I ever say no to you?” She looked genuinely confused.

  “I’m kind of surprised you didn’t after the way I acted on Friday.”

  She shrugged. “It wasn’t your fault. Let’s see that lighthouse. Is it okay if Charlie comes?”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  They hiked the short distance to the area near the rocky cliffs where the lighthouse overlooked.

  The building was closed. Disappointment washed through him. “I wanted to show you around inside. It’s really cool. There’s a lot of history.”

  She laced her fingers through his. “I’m just happy to be here with you. It’s gorgeous enough out here.”

  It really was. The lighthouse and adjoining buildings were fully restored, and from the looks of it, recently painted. Lush gardens spread out in all directions.

  They walked around, enjoying the scenery and keeping Charlie from jumping onto any flowers. Logan took a ton of pictures of Audrey, and then got a bunch of selfies of the both of them.

  Logan could hardly believe they were actually there, engaged for real.

  He was definitely the happiest man alive.

  Thirty-Five

  Audrey gazed at Logan in his white suit, unable to pay attention to the jovial minister speaking about the wonders of love.

  A slight breeze blew by, bringing with it the sweet aromas of tropical flowers and the Hawaiian beach, which was just down the hill from where they stood.

  It was a small wedding—exactly what she and Logan had wanted. All of Logan’s immediate family and some of his cousins had flown in for the wedding, as had Cassidy.

  For the first time in her life, Audrey wasn’t hyper-aware of the fact that she had no family because she was already surrounded by family. The Hunters had welcomed her as one of their own, enveloping her with more love than she ever dreamed possible.

  The minister said something about the rings, and Audrey brought her attention back to him. Cassidy handed her Logan’s ring and took the bouquet.

  Audrey could think of nothing else as she gazed into Logan’s eyes, and they exchanged their vows and rings.

  “I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!”

  Logan cupped her face in his palms and kissed her deeply. Everything around them disappeared. All Audrey could feel, smell, and taste was her new husband—the love of her life.

  Clapping and cheers surrounded them, then they parted. Cassidy handed her back the flowers, and after the minister introduced them as husband and wife, they hurried down the small aisle, hand-in-hand.

  The rest of the afternoon went by in a glorious blur of activity. They danced, they ate, they fed each other cake. They danced some more, they toasted to marriage, and they stole a thousand sweet kisses.

  Then the limo arrived.

  Surprised, Audrey turned to Logan. “Is that for us?”

  He kissed her. “It wouldn’t be much of a honeymoon if we were surrounded by family the whole time.”

  Her mouth gaped. “But you told me… How’d you pull that off?”

  “It was pretty easy, given that Dakota and Clay are wedding planners. Let’s go.”

  She and Logan hugged everyone goodbye, then the guests tossed flower petals at the couple as they made their way to the limo. Once inside, they stood out of the sunroof and waved until everyone was out of sight.

  Audrey sat, finally feeling the exhaustion.

  Logan opened a bottle of champagne and poured them each a glass. He raised his. “To my beautiful wife.”

  Audrey clinked hers. “To my amazingly perfect husband, who not only loves me but also my crazy dog.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” He laughed and kissed her, then brought the glass to his mouth.

  She snuggled against him and sipped her champagne. She’d never been happier, and she knew that joy would only continue to grow as their life together progressed.

  The Hunters

  The Seaside Hunters

  Seaside Surprises

  Work hard. Play often. Love unconditionally.

  Tiffany Saunders is on the run. When she winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her horrific past and kept moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local changes everything.

  Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.

  Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rear view mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever. Just as the walls around Tiffany’s heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. Will true love be able to conquer all?

  Seaside Heartbeats

  Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it.

  After years of hard work, architect Lana Summers just wants a relaxing vacation in the beach town of Kittle Falls. Instead, she suffers unexpected heart problems, and finds herself in the office of a gorgeous cardiologist—who only makes her heart work harder.

  Brayden Hunter left his successful cardiology practice in Dallas to be closer to his aging parents. Focused on building a health care clinic in his hometown, he doesn’t want any distractions. However, the beautiful Lana is one he can’t seem to avoid.

  As their attraction grows, they stumble upon a 160-year-old mystery. Brayden catches her adventurous spirit as they chase after answers, and he can’t help falling for her. But can he convince her to stay in the small beach town and with him?

  Seaside Dances

  Dream big. Dance often. Love completely.

  Zachary Hunter is no stranger to rejection. After multiple failed efforts to get his novel published in New York, he’s counting on a trip home to turn his luck around.

  Jasmine Blackwell has big dreams. She hopes her internship as a dance instructor in Kittle Falls will be the stepping stone she needs to achieve her lifelong goals.

  After a chance meeting, neither Zachary nor Jasmine can deny their attraction. They fear their aspirations are too big to let a relationship tie them down. Can they have both love and the careers of their dreams?

  Seaside Kisses

  People change, but some feelings last forever.

  Rafael Hunter never thought he’d return to Kittle Falls, but life gave him no other choice. Los Angeles chewed him up, spit him out, and sent him back to square one.

  Amara Fowler has lived in the small beach town her entire life. She’s overcome her shyness to grow into the woman she always knew she could be, but she never forgot her secret crush. When the alluring Rafael returns, he can’t help but stir in her a whirlwind of old feelings.

  They’ve both changed so much. Has life kept them incompatible or has it molded them into a matching set?

  Seaside Christmas

  He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink?

  Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor.

  When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about.

  If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.

  Purchase links.

  Seaside Hunters Short Stories

  Seaside Beginnings

>   This is the story of Robert and Dawn, the five Hunter brothers’ parents. We meet them in each of the Seaside books, and they’ve grown on readers almost as much as the brothers themselves. Now we get a glimpse into their story.

  Seaside Memories

  Sophia is the youngest of the Hunter siblings. Each of her brothers hold her memory in a special place. Her story is one of first love, second chances, and enjoying life.

  Seaside Treasures

  Allen and Jackie’s story is of an unlikely love and healing old wounds. They couldn’t be more different, but that could be exactly what they need.

  Read these and many other short stories in Tiny Bites, a snack-sized multi-genre collection by Stacy Claflin.

  The Bayside Hunters

  If you enjoyed falling for the Seaside Hunters, you’ll love their Oregon cousins just as much. We’ve already met Logan, Sullivan, and Dakota. They and their two other siblings—twins, Freya and Shale—are about to find the loves of their lives… they just don’t know it yet.

  Bayside Wishes

  She’s guarding a family secret. He’s investigating a murder. Will a second homecoming lead to true love?

  Freya Hunter is living the fabulous life. The west-coast girl rakes it in as a fashion model in New York City, but everything changes after she returns home for a quick visit.

  The reunion with friends and family in Enchantment Bay is sweet, especially when she hits it off with Nico Valentin, a ruggedly handsome police sergeant. As Nico investigates a murder, Freya learns a family secret big enough to turn her world upside down.