Page 38 of The Other Plan

Carter leaned over and whispered, “Not me. I stayed up all night thinking about kissing you.”

I almost spit out the sip of water I’d just taken.

“You okay, Jenna?” Lydia asked as I choked down the sip.

“Yeah. Wrong pipe.” I coughed harder.

I glanced over to see the mirth dancing in Carter’s eyes.

Ugh. This was going to be a long breakfast.

An hour later, my predictions for the never-ending breakfast had come true. I’d spent the entire time fending off Carter’s cocky remarks and trying not to crawl under the table and die. Luckily, no one around us seemed aware of the mortification his playful comments caused me.

Aunt Tilly lay her napkin beside her plate and placed her hand on Linus’s shoulder. “This was a delicious meal. I’m so glad you all could make it.”

Linus nodded his agreement as he dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “My favorite breakfast in the world. I hope you all enjoyed yours as well.”

Everyone at the table nodded enthusiastically.

Lydia sat back in her chair. “Now, you all have a free day today to do whatever you’d like. It’s a gorgeous summer day, and it’s supposed to be very hot, so may we suggest the beach, or perhaps renting bikes to explore Peninsula State Park. You won’t regret it.”

“Carter,” Eric said, “You should get out and go stand-up paddleboarding. You said you wanted to do that while you were here.”

“Yeah. That’s a great idea. I used to love water sports, and I haven’t done it for years.”

“Oh!” Cameron said. “Jenna has always wanted to try that too, haven’t you, Jenna?”

I looked up and felt the weight of everyone’s eyes as they awaited my answer. “Uh, yeah. I have always wanted to try that.”

“You should take Carter to Jake and Cassie’s! They live right on Kangaroo Lake and have several paddleboards. Remember Jenna? When we did their wedding there, they showed them to us. I bet they would happily lend them to you,” Cameron gushed. “Why don’t I give Cassie a call and ask?”

“Oh! What a wonderful idea!” Aunt Tilly said.

Instead of leaning over and shoving Cameron’s face down into his plate, now just a puddle of syrup, I sucked my cheek and shrugged. “I do wish I could, but I have so much to do today. We have to put together all the place setting holders, remember? Those cute little things aren’t going to make themselves.”

“I’ll make them all.” Cameron beamed. “I don’t mind. Louie can help. He loves wedding crafts.”

“I couldn’t ask you—”

Lydia clapped her hands together. “Aren’t you just a gem, Cameron! How lucky you are to have such a dedicated assistant.”

Through gritted teeth and a fake smile, I ground out, “Yes, I am.”

“You deserve a day off, dear,” Alfred said. “Lord knows our ladies have worked you right to the bone planning this wedding.”

“Sounds like you’re free to take me paddleboarding.” Carter continued grinning at me while I struggled to find my next excuse. Just when I thought I had it, he pressed his lips into a soft, sympathetic smile. “Really, Jenna. You should take a day off to relax and recover after what happened last night. I’m sure everyone will understand.”

I struggled to swallow. What happened last night? What the hell was he talking about? Was he about to tell everyone about our almost-kiss?

“Oh, dear,” Lydia said, the confusion on her face matching everyone around us. “What happened last night?”

I looked at Carter and stared. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s okay, Jenna. I know you don’t want to take the spotlight off the wedding and tell them what happened, but all the Bronson’s love you and would want to support you.”

I had no idea what he was planning, but from the mirth in his eyes, I knew it wasn’t good.

“Carter,” I growled.