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Stone laughs. “No way. She probably had a special boat built.”
Harlow scoffs but I notice Callum’s mouth quirks.
“Brienne would be just as happy sitting on a rowboat in the middle of the water if she had the people she cared about around her,” Harlow says.
“But we’re not all going to fit in a rowboat,” Callum points out with a laugh.
We meander along a boardwalk where the boats go from small to progressively larger. Lots of people are out and about, boarding watercraft in preparation to cruise on the river. I’m still not clear where the fireworks will be, but I have no doubt that since Brienne Norcross is putting on this event, we will have one of the best seats in the house.
Up ahead, we see more of the Titans and I recognize Ava standing next to a very handsome man who, although I haven’t met him, I’ve seen his face in the news. The head coach, Cannon West.
Ava waves, prompting me to tug away from Callum. I walk a little faster toward her and she gives me a warm hug.
“I’m so glad you came,” she says as we break apart.
“Me too.”
Callum is soon by my side and we chat as more people arrive. Some of the players I recognize from my research of the team and media posts, but I’m introduced to a lot of people that I can’t possibly keep straight. There’s no particular boat where we’re waiting, but a young man stands before an empty gangway. A sign to his left reads Titans Cruise to indicate we’re in the right place. The excitement builds because of the mystery and until Brienne shows up, we have no clue what’s in store.
Someone suddenly calls out, “There she is.”
We look around and people start pointing toward the water. It’s then that I see the most unusual boat imaginable. It’s not a yacht like I’d envisioned, all sleek lines and rising tall out of the water with two or three decks. Instead, it’s low and squat, at least a hundred and twenty feet long and quite wide. The center portion is covered in domed glass so that when you stand inside, you can see all around you. It’s like someone took one of the glass conservatories that Callum and I visited last week and plopped it on a boat.
The setting sun glistens off the large paned windows held together with thin braces of metal. On the front deck stands Brienne Norcross along with her fiancé Drake McGinn with three adorable little boys waving at us.
Callum steps in closer to me. “Pretty cool, huh?”
“I didn’t even know such a thing existed.”
“It didn’t. Brienne had it built.”
“Just for this holiday?” I ask in awe.
Callum shakes his head and laughs. “She’s not frivolous like that, but she did have it built for river outings. It’s owned by Norcross Holdings and I imagine all of her executives will use it to schmooze clients and such. But for tonight, the Titans will be using it for a maiden voyage to watch the fireworks.”
The boat pulls in and crew members jump off to tie it securely before leveraging a gangplank. The gate is opened and we all pour onto the amazing glass vessel.
When we step onto the deck, Brienne gives Callum a warm hug and Drake shakes his hand.
Without waiting for an introduction, Brienne steps into me and takes both my hands. She’s exquisite with her pale blond hair pulled into a short ponytail at the nape of her neck. She’s wearing white jeans, tennis shoes and a navy-blue T-shirt with the American flag across the chest. “I am very pleased to meet you,” she says warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you from not only Callum but from Ava, Danica, Jenna and Sophie. I can’t wait to spend some girl time with you but you should consider me a resource here in the city, and if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”
I’m taken aback—in a good way—by her warmth and generosity. “You’re very kind. Callum has provided well for me and my father. And thank you for letting me come to your party.”
Brienne shoots me a wink. “I’m going to be at our inaugural tea party that you ladies planned last week. I heard all about it and I’m in charge of scones.”
It’s both weird and captivating that this powerhouse of a woman can run a multibillion-dollar empire and get excited about making scones for a spontaneous idea to have a monthly tea party.
Brienne squeezes my hands before releasing them. “You two head on in. There’s food and an open bar. Once we’re all boarded, our captain will take us out onto the river.”
“And where will the fireworks display be?” I ask.
Brienne grins and tosses her head toward the rivers’ confluence. “Right on the water. They’ll be set off from barges. It’s going to be spectacular.”
Callum’s hand comes to my back, ready to lead me inside. “Guess it doesn’t matter where we stand… we’ll have a great view.”
“That was the whole idea behind this vessel.” Brienne laughs. “Granted, I wasn’t envisioning fireworks but rather being able to see the beauty of the skyline from the water. Still, I think we’re all in for a treat tonight.”
We say our goodbyes and Callum leads me inside. There’s a gorgeous buffet of all-American Fourth of July food including hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, potato salad and apple pie. Large silver tubs hold beer and hard seltzers as well as soda and water for the kids.
