Page 87 of The Christmas Romance Wish

To my surprise, most of the buildings have been repaired from neglect and storms. The post office slash town hall slash police department is freshly landscaped and has candy cane decorations with blue bows out front.

Like the tour guide on the Jolly Trolley, I point out places of interest. “There’s the church with its Nativity scene—I helped paint it. That’s the Treasure Chest. They sell everything from souvenirs to plungers to paperweights to oil pans.”

“A general store.”

“You can also get pink plastic flamingos there.”

“That’s very specific.”

“Looks like Rosalie fixed up Island Blooms.” I tell him about the florist and her ginormous family. “The women all have names that begin with variations of Rose. Rumor has it they also operate the Coconut Wireless...which is also in the business of rumors.”

“Then I shouldn’t say anything incriminating in front of them.”

“Not unless you want it repeated.”

We pass a restaurant that looks like a pirate ship. “That’s the Plundering Pelican. The last time I was here, it looked like it had been plundered. I’m guessing the Owens family sold it or fixed it up. Last but not least, that’s the Sip & Scoop. My brother and his wife own it now.” Both are outrageously decorated for Christmas and New Year’s with lights, tinsel garland, clusters of sparkly balls, oversized presents, and, of course, some island flair with surfing Santas and neon lights around the palm trees.

“I could go for some ice cream, but first—” I go quiet.

Alex slows the van as a crowd of people stands in the street outside Beans & Books, a new coffee, chocolate, and bookshop, holding a banner sign that readsCongratulations!

They throw confetti at the van, clap, cheer, and hoot.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say we’re at the start of a parade.”

“I think this is for us.” Alex puts the van in park and cuts the engine.

We get out and my brothers and their families swarm us.

Isla, Royal’s wife, whom I met once briefly in New York, and now extraordinarily pregnant given her petite frame, hollers, “Family hug.”

Alex and I are sucked into the group like we’ve been here all along. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting this love bomb. My brothers are always happy to see me, but this is something different, something new.

Everyone is talking at once, asking about the wedding and the honeymoon road trip.

Harley, Ryan’s arch nemesis and now his wife, asks, “Are you hungry, thirsty, need to sit down?”

My brow furrows. She’s never been this nice to me and she’s also pregnant, so I feel like those questions would be better directed at her.

“I’m good. Glad to get out and stretch.” I’m about to introduceeveryone to Alex, when Isla, who is like a one-woman town welcoming committee, gushes about how happy she is for us.

“Who would have thought that all the McGregor siblings would be married? Alex, if Emmie didn’t warn you, you’re now part of a crazy family.”

“More like eccentric,” Royal says.

“Enthusiastic,” Ryan adds.

“Excellent,” Magnus corrects.

I shake my head. “Nope. Crazy.”

Isla bounces and says, “Okay, so Alex, get ready to take notes. I’m Isla and am married to Royal. Yes, that’s his real name.”

“I thought Emmie was the princess.”

“Technically, Lola the Sassy Sea Cow is the Queen of Coco Key, so the role of the princess would be occupied by her manatee pups,” Harley says.

“The Sassy Sea what?” Alex asks.

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