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She fired off a message reminding Luca he was a guest—one who had arrived well-ahead of schedule. She added a politely vague comment about catching up when she returned from her business trip.

He responded immediately, predictably arrogant and cloying. She ignored his clumsy compliments, explained she was on her way to another meeting, and dropped the phone into her purse. “I’m ready.”

Her phone was ringing before they reached Ilsa’s car. She checked, groaning when the caller ID showed Luca’s name. She’d just told him she couldn’t talk, the jerk.

She declined the call and silenced the phone. If he continued to pester her staff, they would manage him. Somehow. Probably. She had full confidence in them and that would suffice for now.

In the passenger seat, she buckled up. “I’m really ready,” she declared with a determined smile. “No more distractions.”

“Wonderful.” Ilsa started the car. “Let’s go have some fun.”

Trina was all-in for shopping and fun with a new friend.

Chapter Ten

Confident Ilsa was workingher magic with Trina, Rhett relaxed just a little. She wouldn’t back out now that he’d put the ring on her finger. He’d had his doubts right up to that point, but the look in her eyes—a blend of gratitude and excitement—gave him hope.

Despite what he’d said before the meeting, it wasn’t all for show. Though he suspected telling her would send her reeling—not the result he was after. He couldn’t pinpoint the moment when his commitment surpassed her predicament, but now that it had, he wanted this marriage to succeed. To protect her, sure. But he was inexplicably convinced they could have a good relationship and a wonderful life. In time.

For the moment, he focused on having fun with Annie as they walked with Max.

The dog’s big chest and stocky build was intimidating to anyone who didn’t know her, which was a big reason Ilsa had adopted her. At the Cove, Ilsa felt safe, allowing Annie to become more comfortable as well. It hadn’t taken long for everyone at the Cove to fall in love with Annie. At this point,he should probably be paying Annie for keeping morale high among the staff.

Now, Ilsa had Max as well for both love and security. The three of them were generally inseparable, but it was odd for Max to be at his wife’s office first thing in the morning.

With the sun lighting up the winding path through one of the lush garden courtyards between the admin wing and the hotel proper, Rhett and Max chatted.

Glancing around to confirm they were alone, Rhett kept his voice low. “So I take it you came to see for yourself.” He didn’t want anyone to overhear and suspect their whirlwind wedding wasn’t the real deal.

“You knew Ilsa wouldn’t keep an email like that to herself.”

Rhett didn’t contradict him. “Are you about to turn this into a teaching moment about clear communication in a marriage?”

Max shrugged a burly shoulder. “It makes a difference.”

They paused for Annie to thoroughly sniff a cluster of bright yellow hibiscus blooms. She smiled up at Max and then gave a mighty sneeze. Both men laughed.

“If you need to talk, I’m a good listener,” Max continued.

“It’s all good,” he assured his friend and occasional mentor. “We know how it looks.” He tipped back his head and muttered an oath at the clear blue sky. “Trust me, it’s the right decision.”

“She’s pregnant?”

Rhett was momentarily taken aback. He should’ve anticipated that assumption. “No.” He’d figured they’d have to stay married at least a year to appease her parents. “Almost as bad, her parents are trying to marry her off to a man of their choosing. It’s strange,” he mused. “They’re good people, but in this instance, they don’t seem to care that she’s not into the idea. Until me, she was determined not to marry at all.”

And her reasons—the reasons he suspected, at any rate—concerned him greatly.

Max whistled. “Not cool.” He crouched to scratch Annie’s ears. “Makes me glad I never had kids of my own to mess up. I like being the fun uncle.”

Rhett hadn’t bothered to do the math, it was enough to know Max and Ilsa were older than him and younger than his parents. They’d met later in life and were so obviously delighted with each other. When he’d seen the text that the older couple would serve as witnesses tomorrow evening, it felt right. “I’m glad you’ll be with us tomorrow.”

“Our pleasure.” Max clapped him on the shoulder. “You saw the text about the reception following?”

Rhett laughed. “It’s almost scary what your wife can pull off with zero notice.”

“You can say that again,” Max agreed. “Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Rhett blurted. “Trina hasn’t explained any real details, but something is wrong. Specifically with the latest man her parents sent over to woo her. She slipped away from her friends without a word last night.” He shoved a hand through his hair. “That’s not like her at all. I found her on the beach, miserable and fighting tears after hearing the next guy was due any day. From what I heard, the first two men she dealt with and sent back to Italy without much fuss or fanfare.”