Page 47 of Summer Kisses

"Toes in the sand. I've always felt like part of the island when I'm able to touch the sand."

"You're in agreement then?" Mom asked me.

"Yeah, whatever Hazel wants." I hadn't thought that far ahead, but I could see me waiting by the water with my brothers, watching Hazel walk down the aisle. Even Max could be involved. The thought of Hazel in a white flowing dress and a veil that lifted in the wind took the breath out of my lungs. I wanted that more than my next breath.

How could I make it happen? How could I make her fall in love with me? I needed to up my game because our time was running out. After the engagement party, we'd confirm our relationship with the streaming platform, and there'd be no need to keep up the charade anymore.

We'd go our separate ways, and I'd have to watch her date someone else. I didn't want that. I hated the idea of her with another guy. The vision of her walking down the aisle toward me was the one I wanted.

I needed to make it happen. To show her that we were meant to be together.

We ate dinner on the table outside and then started a fire on the beach. We huddled around the bonfire, dancing to music and drinking. Dalton was living with Oakley, and I was getting used to him not being around. It was for the best because that was theplan for the foreseeable future. We were both moving on with our lives, and it was a good thing.

I just hoped I wasn't headed to bachelorhood again. I had no desire to attempt dating now. Not when I'd been in love with Hazel most of my life.

Hazel's eyes were bright as she danced with her friends.

Hudson appeared at my side. "You were talking to Mom for a while."

"She's worried about Dalton."

"We all are."

"I want to give him space to figure things out on his own but also let him know that I'm here for him."

"You're doing a good job of that."

"So far he hasn't needed me, which has been an adjustment. We've been close our whole lives, and now he's just gone."

"When Marshall left, it was tough, but I had time to get used to it. It must be a shock to have him move out and be unreachable."

"I have Hazel, but it's not the same. Nobody can replace a brother."

"You're right about that. But I think being with the right woman can ease some of the ache inside you. It has for me with Elena." He nodded toward Elena, who was laughing and dancing with the girls.

"Do I need to reach out to Dalton or let him come to me?"

"I'd be patient. Let him know you're there for him."

"I think he feels like we can't possibly understand what he's going through."

"Well, Marshall can. He found out his ex was pregnant while he was away from us and had to deal with it on his own. We should tell Dalton to reach out to Marshall if he needs advice."

"It would be nice if we could see our niece more often."

"Mom and Dad would like to see Riley more often too. That's why I think Mom's over the moon about Dalton having a baby."

"Even if it's not the ideal situation?" I asked him over the rim of my beer.

Hudson gave me a look. "You know Mom. She thinks everything happens for a reason."

Was I fake engaged to the woman I'd always secretly lusted after because we were meant to be? I was hoping for happily-ever-after, but I wasn't so sure that was attainable.

"Mom's excited that everyone is settling down in one way or another. First Luna, me, then you, and now Dalton with the baby."

"That's only half of us." I couldn't help but point out.

"More than half. Marshall already has a child. So that just leaves Shep and Coop."

---