Page 108 of For the Promise

I drop my hand from where I was indeed twirling a finger in my hair. “I hate how observant you are.”

“But you loooove Jaxon,” Dakota sings.

I blow out a breath. “I do love the nerdy whiskey distiller.”

But does he love me? He’s ignoring me. Or am I being paranoid? I never suspected Alan cheated on me, but all I do is question Jaxon. It’s not fair to him. I push all the worry out of my mind.

I will enjoy my day with my best friends and deal with Jaxon later. Tomorrow’s Sunday after all. Surely, he won’t work on Sunday.

Dakota cheers. “I’m so happy for you. We’re going to be sisters. All three of us.”

I hold up a hand. “Don’t jump the gun. Jaxon and I haven’t been dating very long.”

“But you’re married.”

I frown. “You know why.”

“I do know why. What I don’t know is why you continue to wear his ring after your ex left the island.”

I fiddle with the diamond. I hated how ostentatious this ring was when I first saw it. But now? Now I can’t bear to removeit. I want the world to know I’m married to Jaxon. I want to shout from the rooftops how much I love him.

But since announcing my love for the nerdy distiller at Mermaid Karaoke would send Jaxon running to his lab never to return, I’ll wear this ring and keep my mouth shut. Besides, Mermaid Karaoke season is over.

“I love sparkling,” I claim.

Dakota doesn’t appear to believe me but she doesn’t have a chance to respond before the door bangs open and five men stumble into the bakery.

One of them notices us and makes his way toward us, banging into every table as he approaches. “Hey, pretty ladies.”

I motion him away. “Go along now. Nothing to see here.”

“As far as I’m concerned, lots of pretty to see here.” He sways and I wonder if he’s going to fall but he slams a hand on a table to keep himself upright. “Why aren’t any of you dressed as mermaids?”

“We’re not interested. Go back to your friends.”

“I’m asking the redhead.”

“She’s pregnant. Let her be.”

“What about you?”

I wave my hand at him. “Married and not willing to accept being second choice.”

He points to Dakota. “What about you, doll? Third time’s a charm.”

“Is it?” She digs her phone out. “Let me ask my boyfriend.”

One of his friends arrives and drags him away. “Sorry. He’s drunk.”

I stand and gather our things. “The Smuggler’s Market it is.”

“Good.” Paisley grins. “I’m dying for a hamburger fromSalty Siren.”

“Let me guess. Eli won’t let you eat hamburgers either.”

She sighs. “He read an article recommending pregnant women eat low-mercury fish to avoid possible adverse outcomes from the excessive consumption of red meat and now he believes red meat should be avoided entirely.”

I thread my arm through hers. “Let’s get you a big, juicy burger.”

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