Page 3 of Island Rescuer

“Even Rhett?”

Harper shook her head. “As far as I know, he gets a pass.”

Trina slapped her hands on the table. “Why? How come the boys never get the pressure?”

“That is a fine question and one that Southerners don’t answer very well.” Harper took a moment to scan the pub, without any glaring. “Between all their plans and travels, I can’t see my parents hitting pause on their lives to settle down in one place as grandparents. They literally have better things to do than coo over a baby.”

“I don’t know.” Trina tilted her head. “Babies are pretty cute.”

Molly Trumble, now Kearney since marrying Miles several weeks ago—skidded to a stop. “Am I at the wrong table?” Her short cap of blonde hair was tousled from the breeze and with a glow on her cheeks, she looked as fresh as the daisies she worked with daily at Island Bloomers. “Why are you two talking about babies?”

“You look a little guilty, Molly. Got an announcement to make?” Harper challenged.

“Absolutely not.” Molly giggled, sliding in on Harper’s side of the booth. “I mean, Miles wants more kids. We both do. But for the first time in ages, I can go out and have fun without a single ounce of mom-guilt. And I don’t want to rush through this current blissful freedom.” She slouched back against the seat. “I sound like a hypocrite.”

“No, no,” Trina soothed. “To quote my Nonna, you’ve spoken like a mother who appreciates being a woman.”

Molly’s infectious grin returned. “The more we talk, the more I like you.”

It was Harper’s understanding that Molly and Trina were just getting acquainted personally. As manager at the shop owned by Nina Billings—now Reynolds—Molly worked with Trina on various floral needs for special events and regular contracts, including her recent wedding.

It might be nice to have a florist on call at the resort. Just as soon as she was ready to have meetings and start building professional connections again. Her last few attempts had been…disappointing. Located on the other side of the Cooper River, east of Charleston, the distance would be prohibitive to offer that contract to Island Bloomers. Maybe Nina would have a recommendation for someone closer.

That was a tomorrow-problem. Tonight, they were here to have fun.

Trina rapped her knuckles on the table and wagged a finger at Harper. “Busted! You have your business face on,” she accused. “Turn it off and get into game mode. I want to win tonight.”

Harper waved her hand across her face. “Done.”

“What’s the prize?” Molly asked. “I completely forgot to look.”

Trina’s eyes lit up. “In addition to the usual Pelican Pub gift card, there’s a gift card for the bookstore, plus a special behind the scenes access to an author signing this summer.”

“Who are you so keen to meet?” Harper queried.

Trina spoke from behind her hand as a blush colored her cheeks. “Gentry Carver.”

“Does your future husband know about this crush?” Harper queried.

“Hold on one minute.” Molly glared at Trina. “Husband? What am I missing?”

“Nothing.” Trina flicked that worry aside. “She’s just torturing me. My parents are threatening to arrange a marriage for me. Or at least a boyfriend.”

Molly gawked at Trina. “Is that even legal?”

Lila slid into the space next to Trina with two minutes to spare. “Is what legal?” She brushed a wayward curl of long red hair behind her ear. “Sorry I’m late. Gram and I were brainstorming specials for the music festival days.”

“No worries,” Harper said for all of them. Anytime Lila and her grandmother dreamed up new treats for their Bread Basket bakery, it was a yummy win for their customers.

“Arranged marriage,” Molly said, determined to get an opinion.

“Of course it’s legal,” Lila stated. “As long as all parties consent.”

Trina’s dark eyebrows shot up. “Why do you know that?”

“Isn’t it common sense?” Lila looked at each of them, settling on Trina. “But why would your parents be so pushy? Unless you asked for help.” She held up her hands. “Not judging.”

“I didn’t,” Trina insisted. “You’re spoiled with the best maternal influence ever.”

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