Page 157 of The Deadly Shallows

“Hey.” Noah slipped the velvet pouch into his pocket.

“Heading out?” Finn said, swapping places with Noah.

“Yep.”

“See you tonight, and don’t forget your white elephant gifts,” Finn said.

“You got it. We’ll be there at eight.”

“What’s in the pouch?” Finn asked, lifting his chin.

That was the danger of working with investigators. You couldn’t keep a secret to save your life.

Noah patted his pocket, the ring nestled inside, and smiled. “Let’s just say it’s a happy ending.”

Noah pulled to a stop in front of Finn’s house, which was fully decked out for Christmas. Bright strings of pink and white lights donned the roof, porch, and fan palms clustered about the house. He chuckled at the neon flamingos situated by the palms, but his absolute fave was the flock of plastic sea gulls wearing necklaces of blinking Christmas lights and Santa hats.

Brooke laughed.

Man, he loved that sound. Loved hearing happiness in her voice. He prayed that’s what he heard after their walk.

He climbed out of the car to open Brooke’s door, but she’d already hopped out and was gathering the presents from the back seat into a big bundle.

He rested a hand on her arm. “These can wait for a minute. There’s something I want to show you first.”

Taking the presents from her hold, he placed them on the back seat and closed the door. She scanned the drive, noting the cars present. “It looks like everyone’s here. Shouldn’t we head inside?”

“It’ll take Gabby and Finn forever to get all the food out. You know how my sister likes to turn each plate into an artistic treasure.”

Brooke laughed. “That’s definitely true.” She slipped her hand in his, and he reveled in the warmth, in the caress of her soft skin. “Where are we going?” she asked as he led her around the side of the house.

“For a quick walk.”

She frowned. “Now?”

“Yep. Come on,” he said with a smile.

She smiled back but curiosity lingered there. “I thought you said you wanted to show me something?”

“I do.”

“On the beach?”

“Yep.”

“Okay.” She stilled, and for a second his heart froze. Was she going to grill him or suggest they turn back?

“Let me take my heels off.” She glanced down at her feet. “They aren’t exactly made for beach walks. You should have told me so I could’ve brought a pair of flops.”

“I’ll keep you out of the cold water. The sand should still be warm from the sun.”

She arched a brow.

“Warm-ish.” He shrugged.

She shook her head. “You’re a mess.”

“But I’m your mess.” He winked.