Page 61 of Island Whispers

She was right. And he wanted everyone together when they shared the happy news. Holding hands, they started back through the dunes. He paused, waving off her immediate concern about his health. “I’m good. But just so we’re on the same page here, are we telling them everything or just the engagement part?”

“Oh.” She nibbled on her lip. “Nash found the pregnancy tests in your car. That’s the news they’re expecting to hear.” She cuddled up close. “I can’t wait to tell everyone that I’m in love. With you.”

“Same goes,” he murmured.

His wounds hardly ached at all as they walked back to the house and made the calls. And though he was tired as night fell on the impromptu backyard party her parents threw together to celebrate all the news, it was the happiest he’d ever been.

There was champagne for everyone who wasn’t pregnant or recovering from knife wounds and sparkling juice for him and Nina. He wished he could share this moment with his parents, but somehow, he knew they would’ve loved Nina instantly, just as he did.

“I love you,” he said. They were cuddled together in the glider and her hand rested lightly on her flat stomach. The next few months would be fascinating. And wonderful. And likely filled with lots of tea.

“So you’ve said,” she teased.

“Tired of hearing it?”

She kissed his cheek. “Never. And I’ll never tire of saying it. I love you, Boone.” She gave the glider another push. “Ready to go home?”

“With you? Always.”

Hearts full, hand in hand, they left the others to carry on. All too happy to create a quieter celebration for just the two of them. Together.

Epilogue

Three months later…

Nina rested her head on Boone’s shoulder as they glided across the dance floor. The French doors along one side of the ballroom were open to the courtyard and a soft, fresh breeze swept through.

Joy overflowed with every beat of her heart. The wedding ceremony for Nash and Jess had been full of light and love. Their parents had teared up, Nina too, as her brother and his bride exchanged vows and rings. She didn’t think her brother had stopped smiling yet. As the reception rolled on, each moment continued to build beautiful memories.

“I’m so happy,” she murmured. Her gaze caught on the happy couple dancing nearby. “She’s all he’s wanted for as long as I can remember.”

“You should be happy.” Boone’s lips brushed her cheek. “Proud too.”

“Hmm.” He wasn’t wrong. She was proud of herself.

Every bloom, bud, and splash of greenery at the chapel ceremony and here at the reception was a celebration of Nash and Jess. The bright, bold colors and lush, tropical style were exactly what they’d wanted. She and Molly had pored over every detail, from the ringbearer’s tiny boutonniere to the hand-tied bridal bouquet all the way to the pillars framing the dancefloor and the garland centerpieces that would be separated and sent home with various guests.

They’d had so much fun during the consultations and while bringing their vision to life. Nina was delighted to apply her skills to this special day for two people who meant the world to her.

“I had extra help,” she joked, smoothing a hand over her rounded belly as the song ended.

Boone guided her back toward their table and she sipped the sparkling cider in her glass. “How are the two of you feeling?”

“Marvelous.”

In fact, she’d never been happier. Never been more content and confident. Her second trimester was a vast improvement over the first. Instead of tired and weepy and sick, she felt empowered and energized. It seemed like every day either Boone or Molly reminded her to take it easy at some point, and she didn’t even mind.

Because she was taking care of herself and thoroughly enjoying her current condition. She reveled in every glorious second of feeling beautiful. Soon enough, she’d likely be as big as a whale with swollen, achy feet.

Right now those feet, sporting a lovely pink pedicure, were relatively happy and content in the sparkly sandals she’d bought to go along with her dress. Jess, Lila, Celeste, and Molly had joined Nina on a marathon shopping weekend in Charleston. Somehow, Jess had convinced Trina, the manager of the Inn, to take some personal time too. They’d all had the best time, building friendships and bonds that exemplified what she loved most about her small town.

While she was lost in thought, Boone rubbed her neck and shoulders lightly. Nothing obvious enough to draw notice. One more thoughtful kindness to go with all the other things she liked about him more with every day.

He bent close to her ear, whispering, “I’ve noticed a bit of flower jealousy here and there.”

“I should hope so.” Since it was there, she kissed his cheek. “Molly and I knocked it out of the park with this one.”

“Just you like you did with our wedding.”

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