Page 52 of Hideaway Reunion

Brayden set the wine on the island and looked around. “How can you tell?”

She tapped her nose. “The seasonings. And the tools. She makes batches of the empanadas and freezes them for times like this.”

“An entertainment emergency plan?” He laughed. “There are worse things to be great at.”

“I know.” She darted over and hugged him tightly, still holding the document tube. Tears threatened as she released him, staring at the thin plastic cylinder. “Dad really came through.”

He pulled her into another gentle hug. “You came through for all of them too, Roni.”

“Stop or I’ll cry again.” But she lingered there in his arms, soaking up the strength and comfort he offered. “We need to get dressed and go celebrate with everyone.”

He stroked her back, her hair, tipped her face up for a soft kiss. “We’ll get there. I want another minute with you.”

“Just a minute?” she teased. “I could stay right here forever.” Hearing the words, she cringed. “I mean…” What did she mean? He was it for her. The one.

She hadn’t meant to put any pressure on whatever was growing between them. They’d only been together-together for about a minute. Moving into forever territory was way too fast. Wasn’t it?

Except it was Brayden. They’d seen each other through major victories and disasters. She blinked back a strange surge of happy tears. She couldn’t give in to that now. Not with an event going outside. There would be time to talk things out. Time for more kisses and nights in his arms. If she knew anything about Brayden, it was how reliable he was.

“Easy. I know what you mean.”

“I just don’t want to face another storm, natural or man-made, without you.”

Brayden’s dark eyes flared with an intense, breathless wonder. His fingertips, rough from the clean up today, traced her cheek. A slow, breathtaking smile broke across his handsome face—a smile meant only for her.

“You’ll never have to, Roni,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m yours. Always have been. Always will be.”

His phone chimed from his pocket and he rolled his eyes. She giggled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “We need to get moving anyway.” She made a dash for the suite. “Nat and Celeste will want to see the documents as soon as this event is over.”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

CHAPTER 17

Dressed for the dance class in a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes, Brayden stepped out on the deck. He set the alarm system for all the doors except the kitchen slider. Not perfect security, but it would quickly pinpoint anyone trying to get in where they didn’t belong.

It was nice to stand here as the light faded, with only the happy sounds of the party on the beach. No machinery noises interfered.

He wasn’t exactly thrilled with the call that delayed him long enough that he missed being there while Roni changed clothes. Any chance to be close to her was a good thing.

But when the bosses called, he answered. And he was grateful for the intel, even if the timing sucked. Gamble and Swann had learned that Silas Vanbeck was in search of a judge who would side with him on the new property line surveys.

That annoying attorney needed to find a new project.

Gamble and Swann weren’t worried about the legalities, especially now that the sisters had the original documents. They were concerned that he might do something rash and warned Brayden to stay on high alert.

No problem. After the stunts the man had already attempted, Brayden wasn’t about to let down his guard.

He hustled down the steps and out to the refreshment tables near the fire pit where Natalie and Trent were chatting with several folks from town. As he passed, he exchanged a look with Trent, getting a subtle nod in return: no sign of trouble.

Grateful, he paused for a taste of the chips and roe and then nabbed a hushpuppy from the basket from Parker’s Fish Camp. The sisters might not have been full-time residents growing up, but they were clearly appreciated now. And had tremendous influence too, based on this turnout.

Without any sign of Roni or Celeste, the back of his neck prickled and he told himself to relax. They were surely down near the water, helping out with the dance class. Crossing the dunes, he was immediately waylaid by Abigail Devaney. She sat in a pop-up chair with a sleepy toddler in her lap.

“Hey.” He crouched down so the little one could be included. “I’m Brayden.” The toddler only stared at him with wide eyes.

“Of course, Veronica’s friend. How nice to see you again.” She pointed for the toddler and bounced the little girl a bit to the beat of the music. “Look at that. Daddy and Mommy are dancing.”

“Are you having a good time?”