Page 20 of Summer Kisses

"It's mostly families," Daria admitted.

"I heard that someone's looking to buy that strip your shop is in," Ivy said, watching Daria carefully.

"I was worried about that when it went up for sale. Do you know anything about the buyer?"

"I haven't met him yet. He's been communicating by email mostly. But it sounds like he wants to invest in property. It's unclear if he plans to keep the center as is or build something new."

"I'd hate to move the shop. Our family has only ever been in that location," Daria said, her brow wrinkled.

"It's such a nice place too, with the fountains and grassy area," Elena added.

"I wouldn't worry about it yet. He hasn't decided to make an offer. It's just one of the places he's looking at," Ivy said.

"It's worrisome when outsiders come in and buy up the shops and restaurants. They don't know what makes Sanibel unique," Daria said.

"It's the quaint shops, the local restaurants, and the charm of the island," Ivy said as if she was reciting a commercial.

The group fell silent for a few seconds. The band playing filled the silence.

Ivy stood. "I'm going to get a drink. Anyone want anything?"

"I'll go with you," Daria said.

"I'm fine," I said to them before they headed to the bar. The best part about this location was that we were seated in the sand with torches and twinkling lights, giving it a cozy vibe.

"Have you set a wedding date?" Elena asked me.

"We're focused on moving in together and planning the engagement party. I guess we'll get into the wedding planning after the party." Instead, we'd be working on the perfect breakup plan. I wasn't sure how much longer I could lie to my friends.

I'd only have to live with Brady for a few weeks, a month or two tops. I'd get through it. It would be sad to move back to my apartment so far from the beach, and Brady.

"I want to get married on the beach. Bare toes in the sand. Something easy and casual." I had no idea what Brady wanted. It wasn't something we'd ever discussed. Even when he was getting more serious with his ex-girlfriend.

Ivy returned with their drinks and the Kingston brothers behind her. "Look who I found at the bar."

Elena grinned and immediately stood up to hug Hudson.

I sat there for a beat too long until I realized I should be doing the same thing with my fiancé. How could I forget so easily? I stood and moved around the table.

Shepard shifted out of my way so that I could get to Brady. "Hey, you."

He opened his arms, and I slipped easily underneath. He held me against his chest, which smelled like soap. He'd probably showered after work. I looked up at him like the doting girlfriend I was supposed to be. "You have a good day?"

He dropped his lips to mine for a soft kiss. "That depends. Are you ready to move in with me?"

I nodded shakily, not quite believing that this was my life. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Do we need my brothers to help? With a bunch of trucks, we could do it in no time."

"I don't know. Should we even move all my furniture?" I asked, because I was moving back in a few weeks. It would make more sense just to pack a few suitcases.

"Dalton's stuff is still in the spare room."

I wasn't looking forward to packing up my life twice in a few weeks. As excited as I was to be moving in with Brady, I knew moving back home would be heartbreaking. It would mean that Brady didn't see me as more than a friend.

Brady brushed a strand of hair off my face.

Ivy moved toward the dance floor. "Come on. Let's dance."

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