Page 34 of For the Promise

“I believe Blossom wishes to keep the situation private.”

He steps closer. “You’re not helping her show her ex that she leveled up with you?”

“Why are you asking all of these questions if you already know the answers?”

“Hold on. What did Blossom’s ex do to her?” Eli asks.

I shrug since I don’t know what Alan did. I know it’s bad. He hurt her in some way. I just don’t know how. I intend to find out this weekend, though. And afterwards, I’ll get revenge for her.

“I don’t like this.”

“Because Paisley and Blossom are friends?” I guess.

“Because Blossom is one of us. A smuggler,” he says and my brothers nod in agreement.

Huh. I didn’t expect my brothers to want to help Blossom. I know they like her. It’s impossible not to like her. She’s smart and fun. She practically radiates happiness when she smiles. She’s everything I’m not.

But she’s also a newcomer to the island. Usually, the only people referred to as smugglers are those who grew up on the island. For good reason, mainlanders can’t be trusted to stay.

Just ask my dad. Except you can’t, since he left when I was fourteen and hasn’t been heard from since.

“Should we stay at the resort this weekend?” Miles asks. “We can act as moral support.”

“Good idea,” Zane says. “We can give Jaxon moral support since someone hates crowds, and a wedding is a crowd.”

I frown. I don’t hate crowds. I don’t enjoy them either. But I can handle a crowd. Assuming I don’t have to make small talk to dozens of people.

Rhett groans. “You just want to crash the wedding.”

Miles shrugs. “What can I say? Desperate bridesmaids is a thing.”

“I can’t make it this weekend,” Kai says and everyone switches his attention to him.

“Why not?” Zane asks before slapping his thigh. “I nearly forgot. You have a date with Harper. Oh, wait. No, you don’t, since she won’t give you the time of day.”

“Harper? The owner of theRumrunner?” I ask. “Isn’t she ten years older than you?”

Miles clutches his chest. “Age is merely a number when love is involved.”

Kai shoves him. “It’s not love. And she’s seven years older than me. Not ten.”

“Dude, if you’re merely horny, come to the wedding with me. We’ll score a couple of chicks. I promise you’ll have a good time.” Miles waggles his eyebrows.

“The wedding? You’re not coming to the wedding.”

I don’t understand what’s happening between Blossom and her ex, but I’m certain she doesn’t want everyone to know. Especially not my brothers, who think gossiping is a sport they’re determined to win.

Eli sidles up to me. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep them away from the wedding.”

“Unless you need us,” Rhett adds. “If you do, all you need to do is call.”

“We’ve got your back, brother,” Eli says.

“Always,” Rhett agrees.

I lift my chin in thanks. I shouldn’t be surprised. Rhett and Eli have always been there for me.

After Dad abandoned us for the mainland, Eli worked side jobs to ensure we had money for the ‘extra’ stuff. A chemistry set for me. Sports stuff for my younger brothers.

---