Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Eloise tells Jasper she loves him, and he struggles to respond but continues showing commitment, including planning to help at the hotel and train a fighter only if based in Montana. At The Eloise, Blaze appears with a gun. Deputy Winn engages, Jasper shields Eloise and is shot, revealing he now wears his wedding ring.
Summary
At dawn, Eloise watches Jasper sleep and, unable to hold back anymore, tells him she loves him. Jasper can’t say it back yet but reaches for her, conflicted. Buoyed rather than discouraged, Eloise leaves for work determined to change her last name to Vale.
At the hotel, Knox mentions a late start due to his kids, and Eloise reflects on Jasper’s improved dinner with her family. The morning rush sweeps by until Jasper arrives, flirty and supportive. He reveals he accepted a training role for a Vegas fighter but only if the fighter moves to Montana, reaffirming his commitment to staying.
Jasper tidies the lobby while Eloise helps guests. Deputy Winn arrives for lunch with her grandfather, Covie. Two local women, Frannie and Clarissa, enter and briefly fawn over Jasper before learning he is Eloise’s husband.
Suddenly, Jasper sprints, pushing past Winn with panic in his eyes. Blaze stands at the entrance, gun raised toward Eloise. Winn shouts a command to drop the weapon as Jasper collides with Eloise, driving her behind the counter. Gunfire erupts, then a chilling silence follows.
Pinned beneath Jasper, Eloise feels warm blood soaking her shoulder from his wound. As she searches for signs of movement, she notices Jasper’s left hand—now wearing the wedding band she’d given him—signaling his quiet, recent acceptance even as he lies injured after saving her life.
Who Appears
- Eloise ValeNarrator; confesses love to Jasper, manages hotel, and survives Blaze’s shooting thanks to Jasper shielding her.
- Jasper ValeHusband; commits to staying in Quincy, helps at the hotel, tackles Eloise during shooting, is shot in the shoulder, wearing his ring.
- BlazeAntagonist; enters the hotel with a pistol aimed at Eloise, triggering the shooting.
- WinnDeputy; on duty for lunch with her grandfather, draws her weapon and commands Blaze to drop it.
- Covie (Pops)Winn’s grandfather; former mayor meeting for lunch at Knuckles, present during the lobby shooting.
- KnoxEloise’s brother; checks in before lunch rush, mentions a rough night with kids, supportive presence.
- Frannie JonesLocal acquaintance; arrives for lunch, briefly smitten with Jasper before learning he’s Eloise’s husband.
- Clarissa FitzgeraldLocal acquaintance; gawks at Jasper, surprised to learn of the marriage.