Page 126 of No Place Like Home
Zoey took another bill from Noah and handed it to Rosalyn before turning to Elisa. “Have you guys talked wedding dates yet?”
“Only a zillion times. But we haven’t nailed anything down.” Elisa’s eyes shot hearts as she watched Noah pitch. “He’s actually way better at baseball than this, guys. I’ve seen him play.”
“You’re blinded by love.” Zoey rolled her eyes.
“What about you, Zoey?” Rosalyn zipped the money bag and tucked it under her arm. “What’s going to happen with your beignet shop?”
“My insurance company has a lot of questions.” Zoey’s eyes flitted to Linc, who stood with his arms crossed, surveying the park like a bodyguard. His bun ruffled in the breeze. “I’m still waiting to hear from the fire department on what started the fire, which obviously matters for the claim.”
“I’m sure it’ll work out.” Elisa rubbed her friend’s back. “You know we’re all here to help you.”
“I do. And everything happens when it’s supposed to, you know?” Zoey cut her eyes to Noah and she smirked. “Except for maybe Noah hitting that target.”
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Linc tossed a twenty toward Rosalyn, snagged the ball from Noah’s hand, and threw it hard. The ball landed squarely on the buzzer.
The bench gave way beneath Cade and he sank beneath the water, arms flailing. He came up sputtering, shoving his hair back from his head as he stood. His white T-shirt clung to his chest and biceps.
“You’re welcome, Rosalyn.” Linc shot her a wink.
“I almost had him,” Noah protested. Elisa patted his shoulder in consolation.
Cade hoisted himself out of the tank, dripping onto the grass. Then he squished toward Rosalyn, mischief in his eyes.
“Oh no. Don’t you dare.” Rosalyn held up one finger, heart pounding.
“Come on, Ace. Get on board.” Cade mocked her earlier words as he hurried toward her, arms held wide. He grinned as water sluiced off his shorts onto the ground.
Rosalyn squealed and started to make a run for it. He easily caught her, cool water immediately soaking through her tank and shorts. “You can’t get away that easily.”
She surrendered. Turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I wouldn’t dare try.”
In her peripheral vision, Elisa clutched her hands to her chest. “Aww.”’
“Just precious.” Zoey sighed.
Linc rolled his eyes. “There’swaytoo many hormones in this park.”
Zoey and Elisa both swatted his arm as Cade pulled Rosalyn in for a kiss.
She closed her eyes and kissed him back, breathing in the scent of water and sunscreen and his lingering cologne, memorizing the feel of his broad shoulders beneath her hands. Their timing had turned out perfect after all.
There was no place like home.
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