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I pluck the dress I intend to wear from the chair and show it to her. It’s light blue with spaghetti straps and a floral border at the hem. “It hits mid thigh.”

“Perfect. It’s sweet and sexy.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Becca. Let loose.”

I smile, hoping I will, as we end the video chat and mull over whether I want to besweet and sexyorthe vixen a man can’t look away from.

I’ll just be me and wear the blue dress. Madison is right—it’s perfect for vacation.

The sun has given my face a warm glow, so I opt for a little mascara and lip gloss, needing to break up with makeup this week. Feeling pleased with my appearance, I wiggle my feet into my wedge sandals and drive my golf cart back to the main resort.

I’m the first one in the lobby.

Always on time.

Always early.

It’s a hard habit to break, but I wish I could while on vacay. I want to live on island time. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be the second one to arrive.

Goals.

Reed and Brooke waltz into the lobby, hand in hand, laughing over something. “Hey, love your dress,” Brooke says.

“Why do guys never say, ‘Love your shirt. Where did you get it?’” Reed asks with teasing sarcasm. Brooke punches him lightly,and he gathers her in his arms and kisses her like he did when they first got together a decade ago.

Goals.

“Lettie turned me onto this little boutique in Nashville. It’s in an old house off the beaten path. Next time you come to Nashville, we’ll go.”

“Yes, let’s do it. I don’t know how many away games I’ll get to this year. Caleb is playing high school football and hockey. Cannon is in hockey and basketball. I swear I need a car that flies.”

“Lettie told me your ballet business is growing too. I know how exhausting it can be to be part of a large family. Maybe that’s why I feel so lonely right now.” It slips out before I can shove it back into my mouth. “I have Corbin and Oakley, but they have their own lives.”

Brooke gently tugs me away from the guys as more of them show up. “Do you miss your other siblings?”

“Yeah. I just thought Dennis and I would have kids by now. Everything I thought would happen, never did.”

Brooke lets a puff of air escape like she’s having a memory. “My dad was all I had once my mom moved across the globe, so I understand. But somehow, I ended up with a life and family that I could have never imagined.” She shakes her head from side to side with a wide smile on her face. “An only child now has five kids, a husband who can’t get enough of me, and his dad’s family. I could never have dreamed of having this many people to love.”

Her hand slides down to mine. I squeeze it. “Don’t feel guilty if you can’t be at every one of the kids’ activities. Corbin and I are proof that what matters most is that you support them. They’ll still love you if you miss a game or a practice.”

“I keep telling myself that. Bryce’s wife Emmaline helps as much as possible.”

Laughter erupts from the far side of the lobby. “Right on cue,” I say, watching Emmaline catch Bryce’s arm, pulling himtoward her, puckering her lips. He leans down and presses his lips against hers.

I mumble, “Why is every Stallion so in love?”

Brooke pumps my hand and when Emmaline sees her, she practically sashays across the marble floor toward us. “Ladies,” she calls out. “I’m so excited. Sorry we couldn’t get here until now. My parents’ flight was delayed, which delayed us too.”

“Is your brother coming?” I ask, knowing that Emmaline’s brother plays on the Georgia Jets with Bryce.

“I wish. But they couldn’t make it. His wife is in her third trimester and didn’t want to risk it.”

Brooke chuckles. “There’s a risk no matter what you do. But each person must decide what’s best for them.”

“True coming from someone who has popped five babies out. Now let’s get to the bar,” Emmaline says loud enough to get the guys’ attention.