Page 38 of Forking the Billionaire

That tiny pecan in my uterus was going to be my ride-or-die. Eventually, I’d figure out the details, but for now, I needed to keep myself distracted so I didn’t end up having a hysterical breakdown during my brother’s wedding festivities.

Just six more days, and then I could focus on my own life and on figuring out what the newest version was going to look like. At that point, Gabe and everyone else would fly home.I’d unwittingly been in this position for three months without knowing, so what was six more days? A blip.

Until those six days had passed, the best thing I could do was stay as busy and distracted as possible. Today’s outing was perfect for just that.

We arrived at our destination and everyone piled out by the cliffs.

I realized once we piled out that most of the group hung back at the resort, with just the bride, groom, best man, and maid of honor coming along for input on choosing a site for the ceremony. Plus me, their island guide.

And also, for some reason, Jules was here.

All signs of civilization were long behind us. There was only the sound of water crashing on rocks, the wind, and the cawing of a particularly loud bird somewhere in the trees.

Gabe, Jasper, and Jules looked over the water, while Morgan, Layana, and I hung back.

“The waves on the resort are nonexistent, but this—” Jasper gestured toward the sea with wide arms.“Thisis what I’ve been waiting for.”

Gabe said something back, but I didn’t catch what it was. I shouldn’t be paying attention to them anyway.

Layana stood next to me, flipping through the sites on her phone that she’d bookmarked in advance. “Maybe after this, we should check this spot.”

Morgan stood on her other side watching her screen.

I nodded as I looked at the picturesque landscape in the photo. Lots of rocks. I recognized it. “Montane Bluff is a popular spot for a reason. It’s gorgeous from afar.”

“But up close?” Layana asked.

“There’s a bit of a seagull infestation. At sunset, the squawking is deafening.” I pointed to the white rock at the center of the screen. “The actual stone isn’t white. It’s slate gray.”

“That’s all….” Layana’s face twisted.

“Yep.”

“Gross.” Morgan frowned, then she poked Layana. “Show her the other one, with the flowers.”

Layana swiped her thumb over the screen.

I didn’t need a picture to know what Morgan was talking about though. “Canna Gardens would be a solid choice. They do book for events in advance though, so we couldn’t just pop in.”

“The whole last-minute thing isn’t in our favor there then,” Layana said with a warm smile. “We’re so lucky to have your insight, Esme.”

“I’m glad to help.” She was too sweet. They chose this place because of me. The least I could do was offer my knowledge of the area. “Do you have any others you want to show me?”

“Nah,” Layana said. “Trusting you is going to be our best bet. I’m sure of it.”

No pressure or anything.

Morgan offered a reassuring nod. They werebothsuper sweet. Gabe was lucky to have such a warm found family. I hadn’t built myself as strong of a support system yet. Ziggy and Sage were awesome, though. So was Rufus, at least when he wasn’t trying to murder lizards. Everyone on the island had been welcoming to me. One day I’d have an awesome found family of my own.

“All right, I hope I don’t let you down,” I said, and started toward the guys.

“You won’t,” Gabe said.

That was particularly warm and fuzzy, because he wasn’t much for doling out compliments. It made me choke a little on my spit.

“It’s this way.” I led the group down the narrow path that wound down the cliffside.

“I’ll pass,” Jules said from the back of the group.

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