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Franky raised an eyebrow. “What for?”
“We’re putting you to work.”
“I’m a guest here,” he replied.
“Think of it as working for your room and board.”
Franky laughed. “You’re funny.”
“We’d love it if you helped, Franky,” Genevieve cut in. “It will mean more to know we all put a little of ourselves into our special day.” She gave him a wink.
“I like that.” Genevieve truly was an exceptional woman, and Franky was happy to know her and pleased his friend had found someone like her to spend his life with.
They chatted about plans for a while, and then Franky noticed Skylar and Genevieve exchanging looks with Merritt.
“I have a great idea,” Genevieve said. “Who wants some hot chocolate? Made with Schultz Chocolate, of course.”
“Me!” Skylar said with a grin.
Merritt raised her hand out of the water, but Gus didn’t reply. Something was going on with him. He had been sulking the whole time, and he and Merritt hadn’t spoken since she climbed into the hot tub. Trouble in paradise already?
“Can I help, babe?” Sebastian asked.
Genevieve nodded, and the two of them climbed out of the hot tub together. Sebastian wrapped his fiancée up in a towel before grabbing his own, and they headed into the house together.
“We’ll help too, won’t we, Franky?” Skylar smiled sweetly at him again.
“Sure.” He smiled as they toweled off and robed up and followed the others into the house.
Once inside, Skylar leaned closer. “I think Merritt and Gus needed a moment alone to talk.”
Her warm breath against his neck sent goosebumps across his skin, and he tried to ignore that and her vanilla scent, which somehow hadn’t been washed away by the hot tub chemicals.
“I picked up on something going on between them,” Franky said. “Hope everything’s okay there.”
Genevieve gathered the supplies for the hot chocolate and pulled out a pot. “Sebastian taught me to make this the way Granny Schultz used to.” She beamed with pride. “It’s so good.”
Skylar went about helping her. “Granny Schultz’s hot chocolate was always the best.”
A little while later, Merritt burst through the door, her wet feet slapping against the wood floor as she headed straight for her room. Gus entered the house seconds later, hot on her tail.
The four of them stared wide-eyed at the scene before exchanging curious glances. They continued on with the task before them, but Gus and Merritt’s voices carried enough that it was clear they were arguing.
It went on for several minutes, and then all grew quiet.
Skylar’s brow lifted. “I wonder what that was about.”
“All married couples fight,” Genevieve said. “Sebastian and I aren’t even married yet, and we have our fair share of arguments, but we always talk it out and make up.”
“That’s probably what they’re doing right now.” Franky’s eyebrows bounced up and down.
Skylar gave him a playful smack on the arm, and they laughed together as if nothing had changed.
Sebastian wrapped his arms around Genevieve’s waist from behind and nuzzled the back of her neck. “I like making up.”
Genevieve let out a little giggle and shooed him away as she poured the hot chocolate.
Franky looked over at Skylar. “Okay then. I think that’s our cue.” He took hold of her elbow and led her toward the door.