Page 9

“Well, first is coffee. Then I'm taking my book down to the lake, and that is exactly where I plan to stay for the rest of the day,” I smile. “What are you two up to?”

“Your father and I are heading into town. We’re probably going to scout out a nice lunch spot near the water,” she says, taking a sip of her own mug. “Then later this afternoon, we'll just be floating around welcoming more guests as they arrive.”

“Ivy and I are taking her niece, Emma, to the aquarium,” Cooper adds. “Give her mom and dad a chance to have a free date day before the wedding festivities start.”

“Aw, that’s really sweet of you guys.”

Speaking of Ivy, she walks into the dining hall. Her white, frilly romper and golden-blonde curls bounce with her happy energy. “Good morning, family!” she says, her voice bright and chipper. She leans down to press a quick kiss to Cooper’s cheek before heading straight for the coffee station.

“Hey, Ivy, do you mind grabbing me one while you’re over there?”

“Sure, babes!” she smiles.

A minute later, she returns, balancing two steaming mugs of black coffee. I take a grateful sip and close my eyes, letting the liquid warmth settle into my belly.

“Thank you so much.” I sigh.

“No problem,” Ivy says, sliding in next to Cooper. She cups her face in her hands, staring up at me with her honey-brown eyes. “So... how was the rest of your night? I heard Christian hit on you.” She giggles.

Cooper’s head snaps up, and he practically chokes on his coffee. “He what!?”

Ivy playfully smacks his arm. “Oh, relax, babe.”

“Nope, nope, not happening,” Cooper says, crossing his arms, his protective older-brother radar going on high alert. Cooper has always held high standards for the guys I've dated, it’s why I never bring anyone home to meet my family. But at the same time, there’s been no one I’ve ever wanted to bring home.

I roll my eyes, completely unfazed. “And what on earth makes you think I'd want to involve myself with him anyway?”

“She doesn't have to marry the guy, Cooper. The girl deserves to enjoy a little harmless flirting.” Ivy points out, flashing me a subtle wink. She has been trying to play matchmaker for me for as long as I can remember.

“You know what? You're right, thank you, Ivy!” I sit up a little straighter, throwing Cooper a smug smirk.

My brother drops his head into his hands with a dramatic groan. “Ugh, come on, guys. Gross.” The three of us burst out laughing at his misery.

“Alright, kids, I'm going to go track down your father,” Mom says, sliding her chair back and standing up. “Everyone, have a great day! And Cami, enjoy your flirting. I expect a full rundown later tonight.” She chuckles, kissing the top of my head.

“Really, Mom? You too?” Cooper groans from behind his hands, which only makes Ivy and me laugh harder.

The sun is high, with its heat radiating down on the shoreline, but a gentle breeze kisses my skin, keeping me cool as I tan. I managed to find a semi-private spot on the shore to lay down my beach towel. I was only interrupted a few times by family wanting to say hi.

After two hours, I've successfully snuck in a small nap. I’m just glad I've been religiously reapplying sunblock before falling asleep; otherwise, that would have ended badly. Dripping with sweat, I head for the water to cool off. I’m amazed by how clear the lake is. It’s nothing like the nasty, murky green water I’m used to. It feels like I'm in the Bahamas, so vivid and blue. The water has a sharp bite, cooling my flushed skin. I dunk my head in the water, feeling my body relax against the chill. I lay back on my striped towel, my wet hair keeping my shoulders cool, while beads of water drip down my body. I pull my sunglasses back on and get back to my book.

Click.

My head snaps up, looking behind me. Drew is a few paces back, his camera slung around his neck.

“Did you just take a picture of me?” I ask, pulling my sunglasses down to the bridge of my nose.

“Maybe.” A slow grin tugs at his lips.

“Delete it, Drew.” I snap, though I can't stop a small smile from forming on my lips.

“Definitely not,” he chuckles, walking over to sit next to me on the sand. He lifts the camera and presses a few buttons to look at the screen. Cupping his hand around it to shield it from the harsh sunlight, he leans over to give me a glimpse. “See? It's a great photo.”

I squint, lifting my sunglasses to try and see the picture. No luck, the sun’s glare is obscuring the screen.

He reaches over to his backpack and pulls out his laptop.

“Thanks for letting me join you, by the way.” He says as he's logging in.