Page 92 of Meet Me at Sunset Cove

“Well, well,” Mia said with a knowing smile. “Look who’s a big ol’ softy now.”

Hunter shot her a sideways look. “No idea what you’re talking about.”

She suppressed her smile. “Sure you don’t.”

Hunter’s phone vibrated, pulling his attention away, and he pulled it from his pocket. His screen lit up with a text from Jonah White, Holland’s brother and his oldest friend from Jonathon Island.

Jonah

Hey, man. Sorry this is last minute, but I’m standing on the docks and it looks like I missed the last ferry. Would you be able to come grab me?

Cody, who leaned against the wall next to him, gave his shoulder a nudge. “What’s wrong?”

Hunter grimaced. “It’s Jonah. Apparently, he’s come by for a surprise visit. And missed the ferry.”

“Oof.”

“Yeah.” Hunter angled the phone toward Cody. “And now he wants a ride. Except he doesn’t know I sold my MasterCraft.”

Cody glanced at the ongoing party. “Let me take care of it.”

“Thanks, man,” Hunter said.

“Don’t mention it.” Cody turned and gave his girlfriend a quick peck on the cheek before pushing away from the wall. “I’ll make sure he gets home.”

Hunter waited for Cody to step out the front door, and then shot a quick text back.

Hunter

Ha! Just missed it. Hang tight, we’ll get you here.

Hunter watched as Daisy introduced her mom to his brothers, who had the pair completely surrounded, before making his way toward the sunroom, where he’d last seen his dad.

He found him standing beside the fireplace, his eyes running over the room he’d built for the love of his life, the one he’d repaired for the love of his son’s life.

“Hey, Dad,” Hunter said, stopping in front of him.

“Hey, Hunt.” His dad glanced at him, the lines of his face not so deep tonight. “You should be real proud of the renovations. The house looks great.”

Hunter followed his gaze, tracing the memory of the damage that had been fixed. “Thank you.”

His dad released a relaxed breath, a smile tipping on his lips. “Just had an interesting chat with Seb and Liam,” he said nonchalantly.

“Yeah?”

“They were admiring the mantel.” He glanced back at the beautifully carved family tree. It really was his best work. “Got to talking about custom work.” He took a sip of his drink, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Looks like I might be taking on some local projects. Maybe slow down a little bit.”

Hunter’s brows drew together. “What happened to ‘it’s too risky’?”

His dad smiled, a peace settling over his features. “You know, son, I think I’m gonna try letting God take the reins for a change.”

The words hit Hunter square in the chest.

“Just like that?” Hunter asked.

“Just like that.” His dad’s gaze drifted to where Daisy and her mother were laughing with the rest of Hunter’s family. “Sometimes the best things in life come when you stop trying to work it out yourself. I think you know a little about that.”

He glanced over at Daisy. Smiled. “I think I do.”

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