Page 16 of Island Guardian (Brookwell Island #7)

Chapter Ten

Confident Ilsa was working her 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. ”

“You have a name? We could do some digging.”

“Luca Gallo. The man was actually at the Inn when I drove her back. Three days early.”

“Eager.”

Rhett hadn’t looked at it that way. “Yes. And pushy.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “The guy knocked on her door and all but declared them married.”

“Pissed you off,” Max observed .

“Yes. I was holding steady at concerned and annoyed up to that point.”

“Her parents don’t have a clue that this is the wrong play?”

Rhett shook his head. “Trina’s tried to hold them off, but they want her married.”

“So you’re taking on the role of husband.”

It wasn’t a question, but Rhett answered it as if it was. “Seemed like the best idea at the time.”

“You’re playing the part well.”

He snorted. “And I’ll keep it up. Gallo will be waiting for her when we get back to Brookwell.”

“Jess can’t run him off?”

“Maternity leave.”

“Right.” Max winced. “Ilsa sent her a care package once we got the news. Have you seen her? Is she happy?”

Rhett grinned. “Jess is living her best life.” He wasn’t particularly close to the former Key West police officer who now worked with the Guardian Agency, but his brief interactions had been positive.

“She sounds so relaxed when we talk. Nice to have it confirmed by someone right there.”

“You know it is possible for you to come up and see her yourself,” Rhett said. “She’d probably enjoy a visit. And you can be an honorary fun uncle.”

Max rolled his shoulders. “Maybe we will.” He patted Annie on the head. “We’ll have to be super careful.” He aimed a sly look at Rhett. “My wife is pretty busy, and her boss thinks every time she leaves she’s checking out new places to work. The stress is unbearable.”

Rhett cracked up. “I’m not that bad. I only told her she couldn’t take calls from my sister. Officially, Trina is here to shadow her for a couple of days while she works up a new wedding menu for the Inn. ”

“Huh. I was sure you also told my wife you wanted the option to counter any offers she might get from any other source.” Max rocked back on his heels.

“That’s just a sign of my excellent management. Your wife has serious skills. We both know she’s the reason so many people come here for weddings.” Including him. Rhett changed the subject. “Got space for me in the gym this afternoon?”

“It’s a big place,” Max said. “You want Trina to come watch you? I can put a bug in Ilsa’s ear.”

Rhett bent down to love on Annie some more. “I’ll invite her, but I doubt that’s how it’ll go down.”

On the one hand, she might like to see that he could hold his own in the ring.

He would certainly like to show off a few moves for her.

But then again, there were plenty of other protectors training there on any given day.

He wasn’t sure he needed the competition.

And knowing nothing about her story, only her obvious resistance to physical contact, he couldn’t be sure she’d appreciate the healthy sweat and tension of the gym environment.

“Probably best if I could burn off some steam before I take her sightseeing.”

“I get that.” Max nodded sagely. “Seriously Rhett, I can make a call and get someone in Chicago looking into this Gallo. Don’t forget you’ve got Upton right there on Brookwell.

He’s sharp as they come on protection detail and investigations too.

Unless settling down with the baker has made him soft. ”

“That’s right,” Rhett said as the names clicked. “You worked with him, didn’t you?”

“For a few years.” Max nodded. “We were on several long-term protection details together. Want me to make an introduction?”

“No thanks.” Rhett kicked at a loose stone as they walked along. “We’ve met a couple of times around town. His baker, as you say, is friends with Trina.”

Max’s cell phone went off. After a quick glance, he chuckled. “Gym’s out, my friend. Check your phone. You and I have lunch dates with the prettiest women in town.” He bent to kiss the top of Annie’s head. “And you get to tag along, sweet baby.”

A moment later Rhett got a text from a number labeled as the Inn. Trina had sent him the lunch details as well.

He shouldn’t be surprised. She was a quick study on the relationship game and doing a great job selling the story. Thinking ahead, he knew exactly where he wanted to take her for their first Key West date.