Page 30 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

“My parents are coming for sure,” Cora added, biting her lip. Heidi sat obediently at her owner’s side. “Maybe you should do a chocolate cake.”

“I thought you wanted white,” Braxton said.

Cora’s family’s name was in nearly every household, every kitchen, including his own. He also knew her parents had high standards and wanted the absolute best for their daughter, so she worried about disappointing them.

“I can do both to keep all parties happy,” Liam supplied. “Just leave it up to me.”

Sophie stood back up. “I need to head back to the resort. I left Brock there to answer phones and finish washing all the sheets since our guests left. A new crew is coming in the morning.”

“Don’t say anything to Brock about the wedding,” Zach requested. “I want to tell him together when you guys come home.”

Sophie kissed Zach on the cheek. “I won’t say a word.”

Once Sophie was gone, Braxton and Cora said their good-byes, leaving Liam and Zach.

“I need to let the hounds out. Brace yourself.”

Zach slid the patio door open, unleashing seven awkward pups, who were still growing into their long legs, and their mother, who trailed behind them. Their gorgeous yellow coats seemed to shine in the moonlight. Heidi didn’t even budge from Cora’s side. Not only was she used to the chaos, but she was a well-trained service dog and faithful to Cora.

Darkness had settled in. The outside lights had clicked on and the moon shimmered off the pond. The resort was exactly what Chelsea had envisioned in outlines and binders full of pictures and notes. Liam knew she had to be looking down and smiling at how she’d ultimately brought all of them together.

The lump of guilt in his throat threatened to choke him. They may all be together now, but circumstances would be changing soon. He only hoped his brothers understood why he couldn’t be here long term.

Liam hadn’t realized how late it had gotten, but he didn’t really have anywhere else to be except maybe another date with his punching bag. With all the thoughts flooding his mind, he could definitely use a stress reliever.

One of the pups, Hulk if Liam was guessing right, jumped up onto his lap.

“Don’t let Sophie know he’s up there.” As soon as Zach sat back down, Thor jumped up beside him, which triggered Hawk to do the same. “She just replaced the patio furniture last week and she didn’t want them on the new stuff.”

“You have to train them,” Liam replied, rubbing Hulk’s neck.

Zach shrugged. “I think they’re trained. They don’t get on it when she’s out here. They’re pretty smart.”

Hulk lay down, resting his paws over the side of the cushion and his head in Liam’s lap. “Where were you today?” Liam asked.

Zach crossed his ankle over his knee. “I had a bid to finish up. Why?”

“Nobody was at the resort except me.”

“And?”

“That’s not the deal.”

Between the moonlight and the antique lights hanging from the perimeter of the pergola, Liam could make out Zach’s face perfectly. Zach’s gaze narrowed as he tipped his head.

“The deal?” Zach repeated, his hand stilling on Hawk’s head. “The deal was we were all doing this together. I assumed you could keep things going for a bit while I handled my other job. Sophie was only gone a few hours for her closing.”

“Interacting with guests isn’t what I wanted when I agreed to come here.”

Zach’s jaw clenched and Liam was working up a good bit of mad himself. “We’re all in this together, just like Chelsea would’ve wanted. I can’t help it if you’re so hung up on your looks that you are afraid to talk to people.”

Rage coursed through Liam. “My looks? You think that’s all I care about? I never wanted to come back to begin with. I was more than happy staying in Savannah, sending money to keep this place running until we started seeing an income. I’m not supposed to be front and center here, Zach. This was your idea to get this going.”

“So, because you had to talk to people, you’re getting cranky?”

Liam gently shifted the dog and came to his feet. Hulk lay on the sofa, oblivious to the turmoil. “I’m done here. Just make sure someone is at the resort because I have a job there and it’s not to do meet and greets.”

As Liam turned to go, Zach’s low, angry voice stopped him. “If you want to leave, then go. We were getting along before you decided to jump on board and we’ll get along without you. Chelsea wouldn’t want you here out of pity or duty, and I don’t either. You either want to help your family or you don’t.”

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