Page 65 of Their Reluctant Catch

Todd must notice, too, for he taps his fingers against the steering wheel and makes eye contact over Savannah’s head. “Did we forget something?”

I grunt. “Doubt it.”

Then we turn onto Main Street, and?—

Boom.

Music. Lights. Unmistakable laughter and way too many voices for a regular Thursday night.

Todd whistles low. “Well, shit.”

The parking lot outside The Dockside Bar is full, string lights crisscrossing between poles, illuminating the familiar faces of folks milling around. Some hold drinks while others gather near a long table covered with food.

We get out of the van, and Mel and Diana flank us like we’re sheep and they are cattle dogs. Sam Whitaker stands near the entrance with a knowing smirk.

“Is that a—” Savannah leans forward between us, her breath warm against my neck. She gasps. “They did not.”

Oh, but they did.

A big-ass, handmade banner stretches across the bar’s front entrance. The words ‘Welcome Home, Savannah!’ are painted in bold blue letters.

Savannah makes a sound that’s almost a laugh, almost a sob, bringing her hands up to cover her mouth.

I feel Todd looking at me.

I don’t meet his gaze.

Because—fuck.

I should be happy.

Savannah is happy.

She’s practically glowing, her eyes bright, her entire body vibrating with excitement. And seeing her like this? It does something to me.

But—

Crowds.

Loud parties.

People want to talk, congratulate, slap me on the damn back like I don’t already know I’ve committed to a lifetime with this woman.

I can already feel the headache forming.

“This is insane,” she murmurs, pressing her hands to her cheeks. “They did all this… for me?”

Todd chuckles. “That’s Northwick Cove, baby. Once they claim you, you’re theirs.”

She turns to me then, and her eyes shine. “Are you okay?”

I nod automatically, even though I’m not.

She’s too damn perceptive. She knows I don’t love this kind of thing, but I don’t want to dampen her excitement.

So, I lean in and brush my lips over her forehead. “Let’s enjoy the party, starling.”

She cups my cheek and plays her fingers warm through my beard. “Come with me?”

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