Page 18 of Killer Honeymoon
This lake cottage has held a special place in all our hearts for many years, but none more than Sawyer’s. We love that he’s found a life partner who loves it as much as he does. Dad and I are honored to gift the lake cottage and everything it entails to both of you to honor the new life you’re building together. We love you both so very much, and it brings us joy to know you’ll pass your love for the lake cottage on to your children.
In this envelope, you’ll find the new deed to the house and all the other pertinent documents you’ll need. I’ve asked the management company to stock the kitchen with your favorite foods. Gary’s contact information is included in case you need anything. He’s offered to manage the property for you as he’s done for us the past several years, and I can’t recommend his services enough.
We hope you have an amazing honeymoon.
Love,
Mom and Dad
“Wow,” Royce whispered. “This place is ours?”
Sawyer removed the deed from the envelope and saw the lake cottage truly belonged to them. He knew he’d never tire of seeing Royce’s name beside his on any document, legal or otherwise, and documents like the deed to their home in Savannah and now the deed for the cottage were even more special.
“This gift is too generous,” Royce said. “I don’t know how to feel about it.”
Sawyer turned his head and kissed Royce’s jaw. “I’m sure my siblings were overwhelmed by our parents’ generosity when they gifted them with vacation properties. Grace has the cabin in Gatlinburg, and Killian has a ski chalet in Aspen.”
“I don’t know how to wrap my head around this kind of parenting,” Royce said. He absently rubbed a hand over his heart, which Sawyer found endearing.
“We can call my parents and tell them it’s too much,” Sawyer suggested.
“And hurt their feelings?” Royce asked. “No way. The enormity of their generosity will settle in. Let’s call and thank them, though.”
Sawyer rang his mom and put the call on speaker. “We made it,” he said once she answered.
“So glad to hear it,” Evangeline said. “I’ve been worried mama bear was lying in wait for you this morning.”
“You just spoke my worst nightmare out loud,” Royce teased, then shuddered hard.
“Mom, is Dad nearby?” Sawyer asked.
“Right here,” Barron replied.
“We just wanted to thank you for your generous gift,” Sawyer said. “We’re speechless, and you know what a rarity that is for Royce.”
His husband chuckled and lightly jabbed Sawyer with an elbow. “Seriously,” Royce said. “Thank you so much. We will cherish every minute in this house.”
“We know you will,” Evangeline said.
They chatted for a few minutes before saying goodbye and disconnecting. Sawyer inspected the refrigerator and freezer while Royce checked the pantry.
“There’s enough food here for a month,” Sawyer said. He pulled out a tub of lobster bisque and showed it to Royce. “Looks like I don’t need to place an order after all.”
Royce pulled a can of squirty cheese and a box of crackers from the pantry. “I’ve got the appetizers covered.”
Sawyer laughed and kissed his husband until they forgot about everything but each other. The doorbell rang just as Royce slid his hand under Sawyer’s T-shirt, then pulled back from the kiss with a snarl.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Royce growled. He released Sawyer and walked briskly to the front door. “This better not be those punks from across the street. I’ve already seen enough of their bullshit.”
Sawyer sensed trouble and followed, catching Royce just as he swung the front door open. Their visitor wasn’t one of the assholes from across the street, but he looked like a different type of caricature in his red flower-print shirt, khaki shorts, leather sandals with black socks, and white Panama hat. His haughty expression screamedwealthy guywhile his over-the-top island wear whisperedfun guy. An example of trying too hard to blend in, perhaps? The dichotomy made Sawyer want to laugh, but he was too annoyed. Was this the developer who was trying to buy up all the properties?
“Oh, hello,” the man said, extending his hand to Royce. When his husband made no move to reciprocate, the visitor chuckled awkwardly and lowered his hand to his side. “My name is Gary Redmon, and I own Island Management Group. I just wanted to introduce myself and make sure everything is to your liking. This might not be the right time, but—”
“It’s not,” Royce said firmly.
Gary stiffened and his jovial façade slipped. “Pardon?”
“You surmised this might not be the right time, and you’re correct,” Royce replied. “My husband and I just arrived for our honeymoon. We haven’t even unpacked.”