Page 68 of Island Rescuer

Harper didn’t much care what they did. Since announcing their engagement, she and Knox had developed a detached, neutral communication with them. No longer estranged, but not yet warm and friendly.

Today she was solely focused on Knox and his happiness. She would rely on her plentiful family to keep his parents in line.

Thinking of Knox, she checked the time on her phone and grinned. Room service would be delivering a tray of breakfast sandwiches to his room any minute now. Sneaking around through the service hallways, she reached the staging area where the decorations for the day were waiting. Just like she was.

The resort staff and her wedding planner had everything in order—she wasn’t concerned about that. She just wanted a minute to sit by herself in the quiet with all of it. This morning, she was a bride. Before sunset, she’d be a wife and definitely the happiest woman in the world.

Unable to resist, she did a fast happy dance, complete with a spin.

“I thought I might find you here.”

Harper whirled once more, pleasantly unsurprised to see Knox. He looked positively yummy, braced against the open door. Or maybe that was the breakfast sandwich in his hand.

“You got my surprise.” She bounced on her toes. “I didn’t make them, just told them what I wanted for you.”

“It’s perfect, thank you.” He stepped closer. “Wanna share?”

For a long moment, she stood there, admiring the man who would soon be her husband. “Do you think there’s still time to elope?”

“Today? That would probably take longer than just going through with the big wedding.” He opened his arms. “Come here.”

It was so natural to move into his embrace, to rest her head against his shoulder and breathe him in. “You smell better than the sandwich.” Her stomach rumbled.

“I’ll remind you about that one day when I get back from fishing.”

She lifted her head and stared him down. “Don’t think you’re ever going fishing without me again.”

His laughter rumbled through his chest. “I solemnly swear the bachelor party was a one-time deal.”

“Is that a vow?”

“The first I’ll make to you today,” he murmured.

Her heart soared. “You know me so well. I love you.”

“I love you right back.” He looked around the room. “You’re not having any jitters or cold feet?”

“No and no.” Smiling, she looped her arms around his lean waist. She would never tire of looking at him. Of loving him. “We really should have eloped.”

“Disagree.”

“Hang on. It was your idea.”

He dipped his chin. “Sure. At the very beginning. But I want to be your husband for a long time. Preferably for the rest of your life. Your aunts would’ve cut my life short if we had eloped.”

“Well, that is true.” She moved deeper into the room. “Come look at these columns.” Gauzy ivory tulle and glossy green ivy were twined around the tall pieces. “Nina and Molly have gone above and beyond for us today. I know the event is about more than the decor, but I’m so excited to see it all come together. Is that weird?”

“Whatever gets you through.” He grinned. “It’s a big day.Ourbig day.” He dropped a quick kiss on the tip of nose. “We’ll make memories today.” His mouth touched hers with melting tenderness. “I only get to call you my fiancé for a few more hours.”

“I think today you get to call me your bride all day long,” she said.

“If he’s smart, he’ll call you his bride for the rest of his life,” a muffled voice declared. “Maybe my dad should give these new husbands some lessons.”

Harper laughed as Nina and Molly bustled in with boxes of flowers and arrangements from the Island Bloomers shop. They quickly set down the supplies on a nearby table.

The blend of sweet and lush fragrances was enough to give Harper a happy contact high. “It’s really happening.” She rushed to hug her friends. “Thank you for making it an amazing day.”

“You want us to give you a few more minutes?” Molly asked sweetly.

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