Page 17 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

He shrugged. “I dunno. I suppose it’s something to get used to.”

“I’ll be sure to stay away from you, so I don’t annoy you with my new look,” Ronni said sarcastically.

“It’s not like your hair is going to burn my retinas.” Jax meant it as a joke, to lighten the mood. Unfortunately, it backfired, at least as far as Ronni was concerned. “You don’t have to be a jerk about it.”

Jax frowned. “I’m being a jerk?”

Morgan, certain the conversation was heading south…and fast, quickly stepped in. She made a timeout with her hands. “I don’t think Jax was trying to insult you.”

“He could’ve fooled me.”

“I wasn’t. Like I said, it’s different, that’s all.”

“But not in a good way,” Ronni taunted.

“I can’t win.” Exasperated, Jax threw his hands in the air. “I give up.”

“Good. Next time, maybe you’ll think twice before sticking your foot in your mouth.”

Jax, unwilling to continue the verbal battle, turned to Morgan. “Please tell your manager if she wants to test out different bulbs without buying more, we have an ample supply at Easton Estate.”

“Will do.”

Ronni turned on her heel. With head held high, she marched back inside Locke Pointe.

Morgan accompanied Jax to the driver’s side. “Thanks again for all your help.” She shot a furtive glance over her shoulder, confirming the coast was clear. “I’m sorry you two got into it. I shouldn’t have asked for your opinion.”

“Don’t blame yourself. I should’ve kept my mouth shut.” He made a zipping motion across his lips. “You would think I would’ve learned by now to keep quiet, at least as far as Ronni is concerned. No matter what I say, it’s almost as if she’s itching to pick a fight.”

“Because she cares.” Morgan made googly eyes.

The tips of Jax’s ears turned bright red. “She’d care a lot more if I jumped off a cliff.”

Morgan wagged her finger at him. “Not a chance. One day, you two are going to settle your differences and realize there’s a lot more going on between you than you care to admit.”

“She’ll finally stop fussing and fighting with me when I’m six feet under.”

“I hope it’s sooner than that. Actually, I’m pretty sure it will be.” Her expression grew mischievous. “In fact, I’m so sure of it that I’m willing to make a wager with you.”

“A wager you’ll lose,” Jax warned.

“I’ll bet you and Ronni will be a couple before my first child is born.”

Jax’s jaw dropped. “Did that rascal Wyatt finally propose?”

“No. We’re both happy with things the way they are, which means there’s still plenty of time for you two to figure things out.”

Jax burst out laughing and started the truck. “I appreciate your optimism, Morgan, but you are so far off on this one. So, what are you willing to lose?”

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “If I win, you let me host a celebratory party here at Locke Pointe.”

“And if I win and it doesn’t happen before you become a mother?” Jax asked.

“I’ll clean your workshop.”

“You have yourself a deal. Have you seen it lately? It’s a mess.”

Morgan shook his hand. “Nope, but knowing you, I doubt it’s as messy as you claim. Either way, time is on my side.”

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