Page 111 of Sunrise & Serenity

River finishes his story, then excuses himself, and with a fresh beer in hand, he wanders my way.

“What are you doing all the way over here? You’re missing out on hearing about all my exploits.”

“I’m sure you’ll tell them plenty more times.”

“And they’ll get better every time.”

I shake my head, my attention shifting automatically back to Sage.

“Well, hell, big brother,” River drawls. Should’ve known he’d notice.

I stay focused on the table. “Don’t start.”

He holds his hands up, a beer still in one of them. “I wasn’t going to start anything.”

“Good.”

I can sense him studying me. “You look happier than when I left.”

I glance his way. “You’ve barely been back ten minutes.”

“It’s hard not to notice, man.”

I rub my palm over my chest, not entirely sure what to do with that comment.

Across the yard, Sage lifts her camera, pointing it at Taryn, Riley, Ruby, and Greta, who are sitting together beneath the string lights that Quinn and I hung in the trees.

She smiles as she takes the shot, like she’s enjoying herself, the way she did when she took my photo earlier.

I’d noticed her start, then stop, and something had shifted inside me. I didn’t want her to hesitate or question herself just because I’d been an asshole to her when she first arrived.

And maybe, just maybe, I don’t hate the idea of her pointing that camera at me anymore because I like what she sees when she looks through it.

After Sage gets up to get another drink, River’s still looking over at the table. I follow his gaze and find it fixed on Mia, who’s sitting with Ruby on her lap, chatting with Dad.

Interesting.

I’m tempted to make a comment, considering how he called me out, but I bite it back. River’s a natural flirt, but he doesn’t normally mess with single moms. And I don’t want to stir the pot just for the sake of scoring a point.

With a nod to him, I stroll over to the bar where it looks like Sage is considering whether to have another glass of wine or a lemonade. “Can I help?” I murmur as I come up behind her.

“It’s a tough choice.” She gives me a smile that goes straight to my chest.

I prop my hip against the table, crossing my arms to keep myself from tugging her against me in front of everyone. “Can I recommend the lemonade?”

She tilts her head, her silky hair sliding across her shoulder. “Why’s that?”

“Might have a long night ahead of you.”

The way her plush lips purse in response to my statement gives me too many ideas.

“Are you suggesting I’ll need a clear head?”

“I’m saying it’d be a shame to tuck you in with only a good-night kiss when I can think of better uses for my mouth.”

She chokes back a laugh, her cheeks flushing. “You’ve made a convincing argument. Lemonade it is.”

I pour her a cup, my fingers brushing hers as I hand it over. Her smile comes easily enough, but that earlier sense that something’s off with her nags at me. I edge closer. “Everything okay?”