“The one I tried to send you yesterday before you left.”
“Okay, still not getting it, man. Start from the beginning.”
Ethan’s eyes dart around nervously, but everyone else is talking amongst themselves. No one is paying us any attention.
“I left her ring at home.”
“What?” I exclaim and he thumps me on the arm.
“Shh! I don’t want Summer to hear.”
I rub the spot where he hit me, even though it really didn’t hurt. I just need something to do while I process this. “You left her wedding band at home? Dude, you’re a fucking moron.”
“I know,” he hisses. “Now help me fix it, instead of talking shit. You’re my best man for a fucking reason.”
“Okay, okay, calm down.” I think quickly. “We can’t exactly get it couriered here in time, so we’ll have to buy a stand-in ring.”
“Already thought of that. But I’ll need to distract her so she doesn’t find out.”
I debate telling him she’ll figure it out pretty damn fast on their wedding day, but decide not to. He’s stressed out enough as it is. “Not a problem. We’ll have to get the ladies involved, but I’m sure we can figure it out. Let’s meet up tonight at the resort and figure it all out.”
Ethan’s shoulders slump in relief. “Right. Yeah. We can figure it out. Thanks, man.”
I slap him on the shoulder— fine, maybe a little hard as payback for his earlier hit to my arm. “No prob. That’s what I’m here for.”
Chapter five
Finn
“Holy shit,” I mutter under my breath as I take in the scene before me. A sandy beach leads to turquoise waters with seashells I’ve never seen before dotting the ground. Six small buildings are lined up along the beach; I’m guessing that’s where we’re all sleeping. But where we stand now, waiting for Ethan and Summer to finish checking us all in with the resort’s owners, is probably the most incredible view.
I’d like to think I’ve seen some beautiful places. After all, I grew up spending my summers in France, in my family’s vineyard. But this is next-level. Palm trees swaying, immaculately kept grounds, and a pool framed in crystal white and blue tile. It even has a fucking fountain pouring into it, over some sort of man-made rock waterfall thing. The main buildings are the same blue and white colour as the pool tile, but are covered in flowering vines, reminiscent of how my grandfather had his special grapes growing up the side of his house in France.
“Uh, Finn, I’m not sure I’m going to want to go home,” my fiancée Ashley murmurs as she slides her hand in mine.
“Sweet girl, I’m with you. Let’s just stay here forever. Fuck the winery.”
She giggles at that. “As if you’d ever abandon your precious grapes.”
“True. Wonder if I could grow them here.”
“I doubt Pierre would want to relocate.”
I let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. I’ll settle for coming back next year.” The truth is, neither one of us would want to leave Dogwood Cove and the careers, and life, we’re building there. The winery is a success, and Ashley’s design firm, the one she and our friend Tom are running, is keeping her busy. Her dad made a full recovery from his heart attack, but she worries about him, so every other weekend we’re on the ferry to the mainland for a visit. Granted, we also get to visit the wineries over there. I even let her convince me to go skiing in Whistler one weekend this past winter.
Plans for our own wedding are underway, but we’re in no rush. She knows I’m hers, no matter what.
I lift her hand, so I can kiss the back of it, as Ethan waves for everyone’s attention. Something’s going on with him; I can see the tension in his jaw.
“Okay everyone, luggage has been dropped off in your cabins. We didn’t bother planning anything for today, figured we could all just use an afternoon to relax.” His eyes dart to Summer. What the fuck? He’s nervous about something.
As everyone drifts away to their cabins, I tug Ashley with me over to Ethan. Summer’s occupied, talking with the resort owner, so I take advantage.
“What the hell is going on, Ethan? You look like you’re about to shit your pants.”
“Eww,” Abby says, poking me, before she, too, turns to Ethan. “But he’s not wrong. Something’s up.”
I watch my friend check to make sure Summer isn’t in listening range. “I forgot her ring at home. We need to distract her so I can go shopping. Help.”
