Page 73
Story: Island Guardian
“No.” He arched an eyebrow. “You know I’m no romantic.” He ignored her laughter. Trina had probably told her a different story. Didn’t matter. “That’s you and Knox. I meant the Inn. It’s finally a part of the Ellington family portfolio.” Harper shoved him lightly but he didn’t budge. “What are you, ten? You should act like an adult, sis.”
She ignored his baiting. “The Inn is not ours.”
“You shouldn’t argue with me at my own wedding reception.”
“I’ll argue with you wherever I want,” she replied with a sugary smile. “Especially when you’re being delusional.”
Maybe he was delusional. If so, good for him. He was well-traveled, had seen some incomparable natural and man-made sights. And he’d rather be right here, completely consumed with the woman he loved, than anywhere else in the world.
“You can’t deny the logic.” Sometimes it was fun to be obstinate. “That’s Mrs. Ellington out there on the dance floor and she’s the manager of an historic inn.”
“Fine.” Harper hugged him, hard. “I am so happy for you.”
He slung an arm over her shoulder. “Thanks. I’m happier than I ever expected to be. And happy for you too. He caught his mother-in-law frowning at him. “Think she’ll ever forgive me?”
“Maybe. Eventually.” Harper’s gaze turned mischievous. “It’ll probably require a grandchild.”
He figured she was right. And for a moment, visions of children danced in his head. He didn’t expect Mrs. Bollani to hold back on her demands to start the next generation.
“We’re going to need more than just the suite at the Inn,” he murmured, thinking aloud.
“And what about Key West? Will you keep splitting your time?”
“Hm,” he used one of Trina’s tactics. He had a few things in mind, and all of them would require family approval. “I’m not talking business tonight.” The music changed to casual beach tunes and he grabbed her hand, leading his sister to the dance floor.
Giving a startled squeak, she followed him. For the next several minutes, it was just joyful silliness as they danced. His gaze tracked Trina, watching as she murmured something in her father’s ear.
He wondered if it would always be like this.
“Yes, it will,” Harper warned him.
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re wondering if you’re always going to be so focused on her.”
“Did I say it out loud?”
“You didn’t have to.” She looked up at him with warmth and love shining in her eyes. Eyes so like his own. “I know you. You love her. She’s your everything. And it’s beautiful.”
“You’re sappy.”
“Right back at ya.”
Before he could protest, Trina’s father tapped his shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?”
Harper laughed, moving off to dance with Mr. Bollani while Trina stepped into Rhett’s embrace. “I missed you,” she said.
“Same. Always.” He brushed a kiss over her cheek. “Do we need to worry that your dad’s still going to take me out and feed me to the sharks?”
“I think I’ve talked him out of that. Besides, Mom is making all the grandbaby noises.” She grinned, tapping her fingers over his heart. “And that requires you.”
“Harper warnedme,” he said.
“You do want children?” Trina’s eyes rounded. “We didn’t?—”
He cut her off with a twirl. “We knew what we needed to know,” he said when she faced him again. “Don’t go second guessing us now.”
“Never.” Her smile was beautiful. Her eyes were shining with pure happiness.
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