Page 88 of Chasing Sunsets

She presses her lips together and nods. “Okay,” she says, voice firmer now, like she’s settling into her professional mode. “I’ll need a few weeks. Cutting the ruby will take time, and I’ll have to source the right diamond.”

“Take whatever time you need,” I say. “I want it to be perfect.”

Mom’s eyes shine as she closes the ring box with a quiet snap. She reaches across the counter, squeezing my hand.

“She’s a lucky girl,” she says softly.

I swallow against the lump in my throat. “I’m the lucky one.”

She gives my hand one last squeeze before pulling it back. “I’ll get started on this right away.”

By the time I pull into the driveway, the guys are already there, Parker’s truck parked beside Lennon’s SUV. The front door is unlocked when I step inside, and I barely get two steps in before I hear Sebastian’s voice from the kitchen.

“Damn, this fridge is depressing.”

I round the corner to find all three of them standing in front of my fridge, which is open and pretty empty, except for a couple of water bottles I placed in there earlier.

Parker glances over his shoulder. “Good thing we came prepared.”

Lennon lifts a case of beer onto the counter with a grin. “Welcome home, man.”

I shake my head, but I can’t help but grin. “Appreciate it.”

Sebastian starts stocking the fridge like he owns the place, loading in beer cans and items from a cardboard box. “Avie sent you some basics too.”

Parker leans against the counter, arms crossed. “Not that we think you can’t take care of yourself, but we do know you.”

I grab a can from the case, crack it open, and take a sip before giving them a mock glare. “I’m fully capable of feeding myself.”

Lennon snorts. “The girls think you’re gonna starve.”

I roll my eyes but let it slide.

Sebastian shuts the fridge. “All right, now that your fridge isn’t completely tragic, we’ve got places to be.”

“Yeah?” I take another sip.

Parker nods. “One of Lennon’s Coast Guard buddies is having a retirement party at The Point.”

Lennon smirks. “Figured it’d be a good excuse to celebrate you finally closing on this place.”

I knew the guys were coming over to see the place and celebrate. I didn’t plan anything fancy, but I’m not going to turn down a night with my friends.

I set my beer down. “All right, let me change, and we’ll go.”

Sebastian gestures to my slacks and polo shirt. “You look fine.”

“Yeah, but Lennon has on a dress shirt. I don’t want him to look better than me. It is my big night.”

I head to my room, pulling on a button-down and swapping my sneakers for tobacco-colored boat shoes.

When I come back, Parker nods in approval. “Lookin’ sharp, homeowner.”

I shake my head with a grin and grab my keys. “Let’s go.”

Tabby

Ismooth my hands down the front of my dress, checking my reflection in the small mirror above the sink. The RV rocks slightly as I shift my weight, the warm evening breeze slipping through the open window.

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