Damian winced. “Do I need to make a phone call?”“No,” I said with a chuckle. “It’s charming. Terrifying. But charming.”We spent the next hour checking messages from family. My mom had sent at least eight texts asking if I had tried the mangoes in St. Lucia and whether Damian was treating me well.
Emily’s POVWe had barely crossed the threshold before I was laughing, tripping over my suitcase as Damian caught me, his arms around my waist like he had no intention of ever letting go. The house smelled faintly of citrus and lavender from the oil diffuser I had left on, and the late afternoon sun
I narrowed my eyes and followed her gaze.Albert.He stood at the edge of the party, holding a champagne flute in one hand and scanning the crowd with that lazy indifference that always irritated me. He was overdressed, as usual, in a navy suit that was a little too tight across the shoulders and sh
“Good,” I said, patting her hand. “And after that, maybe a garden fundraiser. Something with purpose.”She sniffled. “For what cause?”“Children. Education. Mental health. Pick one. Or all three.” I looked at her sideways. “You’ve always had too many opinions to sit idle.”She smirked. “That’s true.
Barrett’s POVI found her in the garden again. It had become her sanctuary these past few weeks, this quiet place of morning light and overgrown vines. Madelin sat curled up on the long wooden bench beneath the sprawling arbor, her eyes fixed on the lavender, unmoving except for the occasional blink
“Absolutely,” she said with a relaxed smile. It was the first time in years that neither of us hurried. Within moments, we were back in the car, headed for an elegant, understated bistro near the river.When we arrived, I held the door for her. The maître d’ led us to a small table overlooking the w