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“We’ll have the outdoor lighting done in time for our opening, don’t worry,” Royal says, planting his palm lovingly on the flat of her back.
“I know, I know. I just want to test everything out on friends and family who’ll forgive us if something goes wrong.”
“Nothing is going to go wrong.”
Isla playfully rolls her eyes and smiles. “Silly me. I forgot. You’re Mr. Right.”
He kisses her temple.
“Where are Ryan and CJ?” Magnus asks abruptly.
“Ryan said he’s probably on his way and CJ, well, you know him.”
Magnus grunts. “You’re serving dinner. He’ll be here.”
I gather that as the baby brother, he gets treated like the runt.
Meanwhile, Isla launches into an enthusiastic account of all the resort has to offer. “As I mentioned, there’s chess, corn hole, and pickle ball, but we’ll also have croquet and volleyball. Plus, poolside and beachside games and lounging. Sandcastle contests, snorkeling, game day, movie night, live entertainment, and dining alfresco.”
“Speaking of dining, let’s eat,” Royal says.
“What about the others?” Magnus asks.
“Bro, chill. They’ll be here.”
“We should wait.”
Isla bites her lip as though suddenly nervous.
“You’ve created a serene ambiance, yet it can also be fun and lively—if you want it to be,” I say.
She smiles. “Just like Royal and me. He’s the serene one, if it wasn’t obvious.”
CJ launches himself over a nearby fence and then claps his hands. “What did I miss?”
Isla presses her hand to her chest. “You startled me.”
“Don’t step on the landscaping,” Royal orders.
“What were you doing lurking over there?” Magnus asks as if he’d noticed his brother before the rest of us.
“I wasn’t lurking.”
“I spotted you in the bushes the minute we walked onto the patio.”
CJ smirks. “I was waiting for a message. Didn’t want to be rude—no cellphones at the dinner table rule.”
“When have you ever cared about being rude?” Royal asks.
“My manners are impeccable.” CJ greets Isla and then turns to me. “If you haven’t noticed, us McGregor brothers have a certain dynamic.”
“I gathered.”
“Can we eat?” Royal asks.
CJ tsks. “Says the guy who was commenting on my manners. What about waiting for Ryan?”
Royal sighs. “Ryan might be busy.”
