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Henry and Jonah didn’t become our bodyguards until we went to the US so they’ve never been our protection while here on the island. But Henry has a point.
“Are your same policies in place here as in the US?” Jonah asks Henry.
“Policies?” Miles asks.
Cian claps him on the shoulder. “My best protector and dear friend takes it upon himself to eat half of all my food and drink half of all my drinks before I do to be sure they aren’t poisoned, and spends time with all the pretty girls I find interesting to make sure they aren’t psychos.”
Henry just smiles and lifts his glass of water.
But everyone else laughs.
“Wow, such dedication,” Miles says.
“I live to serve,” Henry says.
“Well, while you’re out, mingling with the people,” Linnea says, “be sure to mention how great Abigail and Torin are together and how much you loved meeting her.”
“No problem.” Cian gives Abigail a wink. “Abi’s the best. Gorgeous, smart as hell, sweet, looks hot as fuck in purple. I’ve got it.”
I look down and see my wife blushing. I give Cian a frown. No one makes my wife blush but me.
“Just be sure to mention the market tomorrow,” Abigail says.
They all look at her.
“What market?” Cian asks.
“We’re having a market outside the school.” She glances at Linnea. “You didn’t tell them?”
“What are you talking about?” I ask. I look from Abigail to Linnea.
Abigail pivots toward me. “I forgot to tell you.” She’s lit up again. “We’re bringing fresh produce, and fresh goods—though we used up the strawberries tonight, but we’ll still have tarts and fruit salad and scones and salsas for everyone to try—to the town square and setting up booths for samples and games and crafts for the kids. We’ll be there when everyone is getting out of school, so the kids and their parents can participate and the teachers and administration too. But of course, the whole village is invited. It’s the perfect way to start showing them what the farms can do, directly. The things that will be available to them.” She looks at Astrid. “So you can mention that when you’re out tonight.”
“We’re going to be at the pub,” Astrid says. She looks at Linnea. “I thought we were supposed to talk up the love story.”
“You are,” Linnea assures her. “Abi,” she says, looking at Abigail, “Cian and Astrid are going to be asked about you and Torin. People are going to want to know what it was like to meet you.”
“Great,” Abigail tells her. “That’s the perfect time to talk about the farms and Torin’s ideas.”
“I don’t know if scones and craft projects are really pub talk,” Cian says.
“They’re just going to want to know what you’re like,” Astrid adds.
“So tell them I’m really into farming. And that I’m kind of weird and that I wouldn’t shut up about cacao pods.” She frowns. “And the market.”
“Abi,” Cian breaks in with a laugh. “No one in that pub is gonna give a fuck about cacao pods or whatever.”
Abigail is scowling now.
I rest my hand fully on the back of her neck. “Abigail—” I start.
Linnea leans in. “Abi, Cian and Astrid are very popular here. They often show up at the pub when they’re home to visit. People love hanging out with them. And I thought it would be a good idea for them to give an A+ report card on the new couple. They’ll say that you’re shy and quiet, which is why you haven’t been doing appearances, but that you’re lovely and the family is thrilled with the marriage.”
I pin my brother with a direct look. “Be careful what you say.”
He nods. “I’ve got this. I would never say anything but gushing, hugely complimentary things about Abigail. Even before she became my sister-in-law.”
“And what are you going to say about the farms?” Abigail asks.
