Page 141 of Secrets in the Deep

“I didn’t?—”

“You did. Thank you.”

“Let’s never do that again.”

“Never ever. I want a quiet life, tending to my Indian paintbrushes and eating mac and cheese. Deal?”

“Deal.”

She smiled and kissed him, and that kiss was everything she needed, and everything she’d been trying to find her way back to for so long.

32

Emily ran her gaze over the title of the article.

Hollywood Sweetheart Set for a Quiet Life Far from the Spotlight.

It was published. The words were out there for the world to see, and it made everything feel even more…real.

The reporter had quoted her half a dozen times, and she’d told Emily’s storysowell. She’d even included her “plans” to move somewhere quiet, like perhaps a small French town.

The last part, of course, was a lie. Something she was pretty sure the reporter knew. She’d expected the woman to at least question her on it during the interview. Question where Ryan fell in that decision, and if he’d be moving with her.

She hadn’t. Nor had she mentioned the more likely scenario of remaining in Deep River.

Because she was a good reporter…unlike Shaun.

Her lips twitched at the next article. Or more accurately, photos. Of Preston doing photo ops. He’d been medevacked to a larger hospital in Billings for more specialized care. After being there for a week, he’d finally been discharged, and by the look of it, was loving the sympathy.

Thank God he was okay.

“I heard we have a new resident in Deep River.”

Emily lowered her phone to her lap as Polly dropped to the couch beside her, holding out a blue cocktail with a lychee on a stick.

They sat in Polly’s living room, the women inside while the guys stood around the grill in the backyard. It was a Sunday. Two weeks had passed since Roscoe was shot. And she was finally starting to feel herself again.

Emily took the glass from Polly’s outstretched hand. “Well, if the media is printing that I’m stepping away from the spotlight, then it must be true.”

“I’m so happy you’re staying,” Raven said from the recliner. “But I’msogoing to miss seeing you in movies.”

Maggie nodded. “There’s something magical about the way you bring a story to life.”

“Thank you.” She lifted a shoulder. “Hopefully I can bring some magic to Deep River. Maybe on a stage right here in town.”

Nora’s brows shot up. “You’re doing shows in Deep River?”

“I want to start my own theater company here. I want to put on plays and run acting classes. I was actually going to talk to you, Raven, about using the community center.”

“Abso-freaking-lutely! But that’s going to be a big change. This town won’t be too small for you?”

At that moment, the back door opened and the guys walked in. Ethan, then Joel. Connor and Zac. And last, Ryan. His eyes went straight to her. They darkened before softening, the familiar black flecks making her heart beat a bit faster.

“Not too small.” She looked back to the women. “Doing work I love, surrounded by people who care about me… I think this is my biggest chapter yet.”

The faces of the women around her softened.

Polly touched her thigh. “I love that.”