Page 35 of Just My Luck

I nodded, rounded up the kids, and herded them toward the door. We arrived at the marina, and Abel walked with us while I met up with Granddad.

After giving the twins enough hugs and kisses to be embarrassing, I left them with Granddad. He insisted on shaking Abel’s hand and offering his congratulations. Shame stained my cheeks as I hurried the kids along and made them promise to be good for their great-grandpa.

As we walked back, the late-morning sun was already warming up, and I took a moment to watch Outtatowner come to life. “He likes you, ya know—my granddad.”

Abel nodded. “Bax is a good man. He’s never treated me any differently.”

Warmth and affection for my grandfather filled my chest. “He might be stubborn and he doesn’t listen to anybody, but he’s always been there for us. He opened his home when I needed it.” I bumped my arm into Abel’s. “Kind of like someone else I know.”

His acknowledgment was a deep grumble that settled between my legs.

Up the road, I noticed the Sugar Bowl already had a line forming, and other storefront owners were busy placing their A-frame sidewalk signs to welcome the guests. In my time here, I’d seen a few storefronts come and go, many catering to the tourists who helped the small town thrive. When I headed toward my car, a new store, Gleam & Glimmer, caught my eye.

When I approached my parked car, I paused. “Hey, do we have time to make a quick stop?”

Abel nodded. “Of course.”

I smiled and reached for his hand. I didn’t miss the subtle jerk of his wrist, and I shot him a plain look. “Seriously?”

He swallowed. “Sorry.”

“Just”—I motioned to my side—“come here.”

Next to one another on the sidewalk, I looped my arm into his. “Not bad, right?”

He shifted his shoulders. “It’s fine.”

I laughed and playfully rolled my eyes. “Fine? We’re married, or did you already forget that?”

He glowered down at me. “I didn’t forget.”

Satisfied, I smiled. “Good. So we need your dad to believe this, right? So... you can’t act like I’m about to bite you anytime I touch your arm.”

He cleared his throat. “Sorry.”

I rounded him and planted my hands on his biceps before shaking them out. “Loosen up... and don’t be sorry. You wanted the full Sloane experience, so you’re going to get it.”

Once his shoulders relaxed, I slid my hand into his and tugged him down the sidewalk. When we reached Gleam & Glimmer, I motioned toward the door. “After you.”

He pulled the door open and waited impatiently for me to step inside. I smiled and slipped past him.

The store was simple and clean. Glass display cases lined the edges of the room, with one large case in the center. A woman stood at the back of the store and smiled brightly as the bell on the door announced our entrance.

“Welcome to Gleam & Glimmer, Outtatowner’s premier jeweler.” She didn’t need to mention it was also Outtatowner’sonlyjeweler. “What can I help you two find?”

I straightened and tightened my grip on Abel’s arm. “We’re looking for a wedding band.” My head jerked toward Abel. “For this big guy.”

The woman smiled and moved toward a display case on the side. “Certainly. We have a variety of men’s wedding bands in various styles and materials. When is the wedding?”

“Already happened! We just couldn’t wait, so I cartwheeled to the courthouse and put a ring on this handsome fella before he could get away. Trouble is, I forgot the ring part.”

The woman laughed with me as Abel shook his head. Despite his surly demeanor, I caught the hint of a smile on his lips.

I turned to him. “So, husband. What do you like?”

Abel looked at the arrangement of men’s wedding bands in the case. “I don’t really know.”

The woman took his hesitance as an opportunity to shine. “We have titanium, wood, classic white and yellow gold, even rings with diamonds and gemstones if you’re looking for something a little more flashy.”

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