Page 43 of Capitally Unexpected

He lets out a rush of air. “Well, this might be the record for shortest kept surprise ever.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I had this idea over the weekend and found a great deal—I booked us a cruise for the long weekend. You know, a baby moon. Now, at least that I’ve ruined it, I don’t have to figure out a creative way to get you to take Tuesday off, in addition to the days you already have.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet, Hunter.” I’m genuinely touched he went out of his way to surprise me. I know how stressed he is about money, so never expected a big gesture like this for a baby moon. I thought about suggesting a night or two in Annapolis or something. “Where’s the cruise to?”

“The Bahamas. It leaves from Baltimore, so no flights or anything. They’re doing a long weekend special, skipping some of the normal ports to fit it into five days.” My face twitches, and he catches it, his falling.

“Sorry, it’s ironic. You’re so, so sweet. And I’m really excited. My boss and I were talking today about my coworker, the one who’s taking the Houston assignment? She’s coming back from the Caribbean, which is a risky bet during hurricane season. Her fiancé booked it.”

“Shit. I didn’t think. Are the Bahamas bad too?” He looks crestfallen, so I stand and rush over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and putting my chin on his chest.

“Sometimes. But that’s what travel insurance is for.”

“Oh okay.” His smile, though still dimmed, returns as he wraps his arms around me too. “I did get the insurance. We get a full credit as long as we don’t get on the boat and cancel an hour ahead of time.”

“Very smart,” I say, leaning up to press a kiss on the tip of this nose. My eyes cross watching his smile morph into something more genuine.

“So you can tell your boss your ...” he trails off, like hestarted the sentence before realizing he didn’t know the end of it.

“My boyfriend did good,” I say, watching Hunter’s eyes light up with the word boyfriend.

“That’s right. Now, your boyfriend has been home for several hours, and has not had a single thought about watching last night’s episode of Survivor without you, but ...”

“God, I regret so much Preston and Jax getting you hooked on that show.” He’s binged it in the background when working from home after hearing Preston and Jax have a heated debate about the last season over the fourth.

“Because I then got you hooked on it?” he says, steering me to the couch.

“I’m not hooked. I can quit whenever I want,” I say, shushing him as he tries to rebut during the opening.

Settling further into the coach, he kisses my temple and whispers into my skin. “Whatever you say, girlfriend.”

Epistolary Interlude #2

BRANDT BROTHERS GROUP CHAT

Preston

All ready for your cruise, Hunt?

Hayden

I can’t believe you booked a cruise and didn’t tell any of us in time to come too.

Duncan

You’re still pouting about this, Hayden? It’s their baby moon. They don’t need anyone else hovering around.

Even his twin.

Hayden

Even his twin?

Well, fuck. I ampredictable.

Hunter

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