Page 125 of Summer with the Single Dad

“I’m on hold,” he whispered just as the muzak disappeared and Xi returned.

“Hi, are you still there?” she asked.

“I am.”

“Great. Yes, we can get that order done for you. It shouldn’t be a problem. Are you still wanting the chocolates dropped off at the San Camanez Ferry terminal?”

“Please. There’s a system in place for unaccompanied shipments. So they will be well taken care of. Someone will pick them up on this side. Just send me the invoice, and if you have a rush-order fee, I totally understand. I’ve been reminded many times by the bride that money is no object.”

Xi giggled. “Must be nice.”

“Right?”

“All right, Bennett. I’ll get the invoice and confirmation of the date change emailed to you right away.”

“Thank you.”

They said their goodbyes and disconnected the call.

Bennett exhaled in relief. “Well, that’s done.”

“You know, butthole or bunny, as long as it’s chocolate—and I mean like good European chocolate—I’d still eat it.” Jagger took a bite of his sandwich and nodded confidently.

Cam and Bennett stared at him for a hot minute, unblinking, with furrowed brows and puzzled expressions.

Then they both frowned, nodded in agreement, and dove back into their sandwiches.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The week went by at lightning speed.

Justine spent every day at the beach with the kids.

Whether it was the beach below the pub or one of the many beautiful beaches on the island, she had sand between her toes every night before she showered.

And she could not have been happier.

Add in the passionate nights with Bennett and her own self-pleasure discoveries, not to mention their wonderful morning runs, and she failed to remember ever being this much at peace.

Thursday was Independence Day. The pub thrummed with people all day. It was chaotic, since Wyatt and the kitchen staff were working overtime to not only fulfill orders for that day, but also prep for the wedding. It was all hands on deck! Even Justine. She stepped in to help dice veggies and just take orders whenever Burke or Wyatt barked something at her.

Her years of being an intern and resident—at the bottom of the hospital pecking order—came in handy. It was also humbling. She’d always tried to be tough but fair with her interns, but maybe she’d been more of a tyrant than she remembered.

Luckily, she managed to peel away from the kitchen in time to meet Bennett and the girls at the beach in time for the fireworks display. Even Wyatt and Dom escaped the pandemonium inside to come sit with their sons and enjoy the bursting flowers in the sky.

All five brothers, with the kids, and Brooke sat on side-by-side blankets snacking on popcorn and juice boxes as the barge in the water just in front of the pub gave the show of the century across the perfectly clear sky. Justine felt honored to be part of it and the lump that formed in her throat as Aya crawled into her lap left her speechless, but deliriously happy.

Friday morning, she woke earlier than her alarm, with a knot of angry butterflies zooming around in her belly. Today was the day.

Tad and Ashli were arriving.

Her ex and his mistress. His baby mama. The woman who was going to give him a natural child of his very own.

She sat up in bed and shuddered. How could she have ever loved that man? He was so … shallow. Sure, a biological child would be great. But she knew she had love in her heart for any child. She already knew that if things between her and Bennett continued, she could easily love Emme and Aya as her very own. She’d already fallen in love with them and felt like she was well on her way to falling in love with their father.

Even though D-Day was on its way, she was determined to make the most of every minute until Ashli and Tad were scheduled to check in.

Of course, Bennett, Cam, and Jagger finished cabin five by Wednesday night. Then Bennett spent Thursday cleaning the place, wiping down every surface to remove the drywall dust and all the other construction debris. He looked sexier than ever when she saw him after he’d been working in the cabin. His hands were filthy, his arms were tanned, and he often had some kind of spackle, paint, or dust in his hair. It was all Justine could do to not jump him in front of the children.

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