Page 71 of Mail Order Splash

“Now she mocks me. Charlie, I pay you, I need protection from her words.”

“She ain’t wrong, boss,” Charlie shrugged. “In all seriousness, the lady has a point and Bobby is waiting outside to escort you back. He also made sure the guy in the outer holding pool was removed from the premises.”

“That would be my exit. Good night, all.”

Chapter Eighteen

DALTON

She’s going to keep the security team and me on our toes. How do we protect her from sharks, the real sharks that bite your arm off?

“Bobby, I need you to come on board and get their bags, bring them back here.”

“Should I stay on watch here or at the yacht?” He backed out of the parking lot.

“Charlie can handle things here. You might as well stay on the yacht. Use the regular room, no need to guard the perimeter all night.”

“I’ll keep watch. It’s a great night to sleep on deck.”

“I’d have to agree with you there. I meant to tell Charlie that we need the whole team here. I’ll send Bond a message.”

“I heard from him tonight. They will all be here on Wednesday when the rest of the family arrives.”

“What day are we on? Wait, it’s Monday. Too much went down today for it to still be Monday.” I closed my eyes, thinking. “I mean, how many men propose and do a daring rescue in the middle of the ocean in the same day?”

“For sure, not many. Your fiancée is one brave lady.”

“She terrifies me with her ability to do what she does.” I ran a hand through my hair. “I helped a few times during the day and that was somehow less scary. Shouldn’t have been, but it was.”

“Dark water is always scarier. We did drills in the Navy that would bring you to your knees with fear.”

“Right. Silly of me to forget who I’m talking to. I must sound weak.”

“Not at all. You aren’t trained for that and, from what I hear, she’s been at it most of her life.”

“I suppose that’s something important to remember, but it doesn’t make me less afraid for her. Maybe I should have stuck with a socialite.”

The car was silent for a split second, then we both burst out laughing. Bobby had worked for me many times and knew my feelings on the matter.

“I’d like to be a fly on the wall when she has to be social with them.”

“This wedding will bring them all out. It’s a chance to be on camera and wear all the designer names. Meanwhile, my girl wants to wear white sweats and blingy sneakers.”

“Better hang on to her, sir.” He pulled us into the marina.

“I’ll have the chef makes us dinner. You okay with steak?”

“The juicier the better. I won’t be long.” He followed me onboard to get their bags.

“Dalton, I’ve been nearly holding my breath waiting to hear from you,” Aunt Victoria demanded when I called her back. “I assume you have all of your fingers and toes?”

“All twenty intact but, man, was that scary.” I sat on the bed to talk to her. “She has no fear. I wanted to support her, you know, be a man, but it was so dark and sharks were there.”

“Oh, my, I like her. I even like her for you, but can you promise me you will stay out of the shark water?”

“You don’t have to ask twice after tonight. How will I keep her out, though?” I laid back on the bed. “I’m gonna lose my mind if I have to hear she does this repeatedly.”

“Sounds like you care about her already.”

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