Page 17 of Unexpected Entanglement

“People would connect the dots after one look at you and Rae,” Chris pointed out. “You have the same eyes.”

That information took the indignation out of Kieran’s stance. His shoulders dropped, and his face softened.

“Look, Rae isn’t the enemy here. She doesn’t know how to navigate this situation either, but you are now connected whether you like it or not. I’m here to help her—all three of you, if you let me—figure out how to turn this into something positive for all sides.”

Kieran fixed him with a measured gaze. “What’s in it for you?”

“Nothing.”

“Then, why would you help us?” Kieran demanded.

“You need the help. I’m offering my assistance. I was only planning to stay a night on the island, but I can stay until the wedding and help you and Rowan organize it. I’ve worked events and hotels since I could write.”

“I know who you are. I web-searched you earlier.” Kieran scrutinized Chris. “Which begs the explanation, why would a guy like you help us? Don’t you have better things to do?”

“I’m doing it for Rae. If you and Rowan can pull this wedding off, it’s a good start for the Bright Head Farm & Inn. As part owner, Rae will benefit as much as you two.”

And I’ll have an excuse to avoid my dad.

His offer of help was genuine, but he couldn’t help to think that it would make a great excuse to tell his father that he couldn’t make his annual attempt to get Chris to submit to his dominance.

“All right,” Kieran accepted. “We can use all the help we can get. Your offer is too good to be true, but Rowan and I aren’t in a spot where we can be choosy.”

Chris could take offense to that statement, but he let it slide.

“I must warn you, though: My sister might not be so open to your help.” Kieran added, “She’s determined to do this on her own as a tribute to our dad. They were really close, Dad and Ro. They were renovating the inn when he died suddenly. His death has been hard on her and pushed the reopening plan back. She’s got it to where it is now on pure stubbornness.”

“From what I can see, it isn’t unlike you with the farm,” Chris pointed out.

For once, a small smile emerged on Kieran’s face. “You could say that.”

“And I could add, it isn’t unlike Rae, either, with her whole life.”

six

Rowan led Alex and Oliver out of the finished gray barn after showing them where the reception would take place.

“So we’ll have four long tables. Each will seat ten. Then there’s a head table for the wedding party. It’s a small wedding, people-wise,” Rowan briefed.

When they’d arrived back at the inn, Rowan had let the new arrivals settle in while she’d met with Frankie. But after a brief hour, Alex and Oliver had jumped right into the wedding preparation. Rowan had taken them through the newly renovated main house kitchen where they would work.

Then they’d walked to the gray barn. She’d painted this one gunmetal gray to match the adjacent main house. She’d also designed the interior to be spacious and functional for weddings, reunions, or retreats. It was merely a big empty space now, but once decorated with string lights, flowers, and tables covered in white cloth, it’d be spectacular.

Rustic but spectacular nonetheless,Rowan envisioned in her mind.

“They want to serve local offerings—lobster, seafood—family style, but elevated. That’s where you guys come in. We, of course, will have to accommodate a few allergies and food preferences. I have the list Meredith sent me.”

“Fear not, my friend,” Alex assured. “Meredith and Sam already had a consultation and a tasting with me in Portland. I know exactly what they want.”

Oliver nodded. “We had a discussion on our way over. We have a game plan, Rowan. We’ll familiarize ourselves with the supplies and hit the ground running.”

“You can start with the farm. Kieran supplies most of the island’s produce. It’ll be great if we can use our local resources. I’ll give you the name of the lobster and the seafood person—”

“You mean we can’t just jump into the cove and grab a lobster?” Oliver said with mock incredulity.

Rowan laughed. “You could try. I’d personally leave that part to our seasoned lobstermen and women.”

They strolled through the wildflower garden that covered the path between the barn and the main house, then up the stone path that led to the house’s front door. Perched on a small hill, they could enjoy the cove view as they stood on the large porch.

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