Page 76 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

“It was a wonderful event,” a deep voice said behind him. He turned and shook Gabe’s hand, who was with his lovely wife, Bella. Bella looked exactly like Zoe in adult form. Jameson immediately felt comfortable around the Sunshine sisters and their spouses. Each of the women emanated a warm energy and unique personality he appreciated.

Avery, as the oldest, seemed to be the leader. He’d caught her ordering her sisters around while Bella sweetly agreed and Taylor sarcastically challenged. Taylor, as the youngest, sported pink hair and a no-bullshit demeanor. Her husband, Pierce, acted relaxed and laid back. When Jameson had engaged them in conversation, they’d finished each other’s sentences and struck him as true soul-mates.

The same could be said for Avery’s husband, Carter, who’d carried their Yorkshire terrier, Lucy, around in a bold pink tote without apology.

“Thanks for coming tonight. Tell Zoe I said hello.”

Taylor leaned against Pierce and stared at him with curiosity. “I like the changes you made at Vintage,” she said. “Then again, I was never a big fan of the pancakes here.”

He laughed. “Appreciate it. We’ll see what happens. By the way, I heard the painting in Mac’s house was created by you. It’s seriously the only thing I love there. You’ve got serious talent.”

She brightened. “Thanks. That series was one of my favorites to paint.”

“Inspired by me,” Pierce added, earning a playful punch on his arm.

“How’s Bear doing? Why wasn’t he here tonight?” Avery asked.

“He doesn’t do well with other dogs. We’ll need to get him some training, so he’s home, destroying Mac’s house.”

Carter chuckled. “Sounds about right. Lucy refused to even look at Avery when we first met. They’re possessive of their owners.”

“But now she loves me more. Right, baby?” Avery cooed at the tiny princess like dog.

“Our puppy was a terror when we first got him,” Gabe added. “Bella was a bit put off that I’d let Zoe have her way.”

“But now I love him more,” Bella teased. “Dogs seem to do that. It’s hard to fight when all they want is to give and receive love with no other expectations.”

“True,” Jameson said. “I never had much exposure to animals. My place is tiny in New York, and my shifts are insane. Nothing lives for too long. I managed to kill a cactus.”

The sisters all shared a knowing glance. “Things change,” Bella practically sang. “Cape May is a great place to open up a restaurant.”

“Lots of open spaces to get creative,” Avery added.

Taylor groaned. “Cut it out, guys. Leave him alone and let’s get the hell out of here. He wants to be alone with Devon.”

Jameson refused to be embarrassed like a teenager but felt his ears turn red.

They all exited in a rush of chatter and barbs and he realized if he was in Cape May, they’d all probably become friends.

Not that he lived in Cape May. Or ever would. He was a city guy at heart.

Pushing away the thought, he kept busy and soon, the last of the guests had gone. His staff finished dismantling and cleaning, and finally, he was left alone in Vintage.

With Devon.

Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked over. “All set?” she asked lightly.

“Yep. Hell of an evening, huh?”

He noticed she avoided his probing gaze, turning slightly away. “Yes, it was. Heading home to Bear now?”

“Yep. Thing is, I’m terrified of what I’ll find when I get there. He may be frantic, and I don’t think I can handle it alone right now.”

That made her chin tilt up. “Do you need help?”

He kept his face neutral. “It would mean a lot to me. I think Bear could use the extra company. Can you come with me to Mac’s house?”

She shifted her feet. Paused. “Well, if you think I could help.”

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