Page 22 of A Bride for the Bodyguard

“Only good things, I hope.” Jack’s gaze flicks to me, a silent question dancing in his eyes.

“Mostly,” I tease back, nudging him playfully with my shoulder.

Jack wraps an arm around my waist. “Why don’t you two take the day to explore Barton Beach? The weather’s perfect, and I know you haven’t had much sister time lately.”

“Are you sure?” I glance up at him. “I thought you said you wanted to spend the day together.”

“I’m sure, baby. You and Melanie go have fun.”

“Oh, we will,” Melanie chimes in, the excitement clear in her voice as she loops her arm through mine. “Thank you, Jack.”

“Enjoy yourselves,” Jack calls after us as we make our way to the door.

“See?” Melanie whispers once we’re outside. “Knight in shining armor.”

“Okay, so there’s this adorable little spot I’ve been eyeing for my new shop,” I say as we stroll down the sun-drenched sidewalk. “I’m dying to show it to you.”

“Lead the way,” Melanie says with a grin that mirrors mine.

We pass by charming boutiques and cozy cafés until we stop in front of the storefront I showed Jack last week. Its large windows beam with potential, and I can already picture the pastel macaroons lined up in a display that would make anyone’s mouth water.

“Here it is,” I announce, gesturing toward the building.

Melanie’s eyes widen in delight. “Marlie, it’s perfect!”

“Right?” Excitement bubbles up inside me. “Look at the foot traffic, and it’s just a block from the beach. Can’t you just see the tourists flocking?”

“Absolutely.” She steps closer to the window, peering inside. “And your branding will pop against this backdrop.”

I unlock the door with the key I borrowed from Patricia, a sense of pride swelling in my chest as we step into the empty space. It’s not much yet—just bare walls and dusty floors—but to me, it’s a blank canvas full of promise.

“Imagine soft, warm lighting, tables over there, a counter here...” I walk through the shop, pointing out where each piece of my dream will fit.

“You’re going to create something magical here, Marlie,” Melanie declares, her voice ringing with a mix of awe and respect. “And if you’re thinking about setting up shop in your pretend hubby’s hometown, I’d say things are getting pretty serious.”

Her words stir up a whirlwind of thoughts within me. She’s right. This is something I’ve been skirting around, avoiding in my thoughts. Now it’s here, staring me in the face and refusing to be ignored any longer.

“Earth to Marlie?” Melanie’s voice cuts through my reverie. She’s looking at me with concern etched on her face.

I push off from the counter and turn towards her, forcing a smile onto my face. “Yeah... yeah, I’m okay.” My voice wavers slightly betraying my uncertainty. “It’s just that... well...” I pause, nibbling on my lower lip as I search for words. “This whole idea of setting up Macaroons by Marlie here...I guess I’m still a little conflicted about it.”

Melanie steps closer, her blue eyes reflecting sincerity. “You’re worried about how this will affect your relationship with him?”

“Exactly.” I sigh, picking at a nonexistent speck on the counter. “What if this complicates things? Or what if I’m only successful because I’m Jack Barton’s wife, even temporarily?”

She reaches out, taking my hands in hers. “Marlie, you’ve always been the one with drive and ambition. This shop,” she gestures around the empty space, “it’s going to thrive because of you, not because of who you’re married to.”

“But independence has always been my thing, you know? And now I’m tying my dreams to his world.”

“Independence isn’t a place or a situation, sis. It’s a state of mind. And as for Jack, I’ve seen the way he looks at you—like you’re his North Star.”

“Really?” I ask, allowing a sliver of hope to creep into my chest.

“Really.” She nods emphatically. “Follow your heart, Marlie. It’s never led you astray before.”

I squeeze her hands. “Thanks, Mel. That means everything.”

“Hey, what are twins for?” She bumps her shoulder against mine, her smile easy and bright. “Besides, it’s not every day I get to play shop consultant.”

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