"He was his usual quiet self with me, too. But it was good. I got to check in on him and make sure he's okay."

"And is he?"

"I think so. He's renovating his cabin, and he's planted some veggies in the backyard, so he's keeping busy, which is good. There is one thing he isn't pleased about."

"Has it got anything to do with the fact that he has to get married?"

Culver grins. "Bingo."

"Does he have anyone in mind?"

"No. But he does have a lot more time than I did, so I'm sure he'll figure something out."

"I'm sure he will."

We cross the street.

"Any word from the twins?"

"I texted them this morning and gave them a little talking-to."

"Why? What have they done?"

"It's what they haven't done. The messages and photos have dried up."

"Right. Well, you know…they're young."

"Yeah, I know." I sigh deeply. "They're growing up and having lives. Unlike some people."

"You have a life."

"I guess." But that's mainly because Culver is here. What am I going to do once the season starts and he leaves? Up until now, I haven't wanted to think that far ahead. We round the corner. "But the end of summer is getting closer."

"Speaking of…" He slides his hand into his pocket and pulls out his phone. "How are we doing with the hot girl summer list? Hmm."

"What's that hmm about?"

"Looks like there are only two things left to do," he says, tucking the phone away.

"One is getting drunk, which I plan to do at Fraser's party." I say.

The invitations for a historical romance-themed party arrived in my inbox yesterday.

"And the other is…" He stops talking.

We stop walking.

"Have sex," I finish right as Mr. Lewis walks past us. "Have six eggs on your omelet," I say, extra loudly to help lower those raised eyebrows of his.

We need privacy for this conversation, otherwise I'll wake up tomorrow with half of Comfort Bay knowing my most intimate business. The gazebo is empty.

"Come on." I tug on Culver's hand and walk over to it. "There. No one can overhear us now."

"True. I'll keep an eye on the western and southern fronts, you take the east and north."

I giggle and move in toward Culver on the bench.

His hand brushes my elbow before wrapping around my lower back. "I know we're in the middle of a conversation," he murmurs.