Page 90 of Part of Me (The Seaside Chronicles 2)

Giving me a look that should have knocked me out of my chair, Palmer replied, “No I don’t. Especially when there’s a little boy involved.”

“Okay, that is true,” I agreed.

Palmer sighed. “Braxton, can’t you do something wicked and wild to get them off my scent?”

He winked at me. “Who says I haven’t already.”

Harlee pretended to gag as Thomas clapped Braxton on the back. He started to say something, but Harlee shot him a look. He quickly pressed his mouth into a tight line and gave Braxton an apologetic smile.

“I think the conversation is turning in a direction I don’t wish to be a part of.” Mom stood. “Keegan, shall we head on up to the room and finish packing?”

My father looked lovingly at his plate, which had a few bites left. “But…I’m not finished.”

With a look as sweet as can be, my mother replied, “You’re finished.”

She turned and started to walk out of the dining room while my father stood, threw his napkin on his plate, and glared at my brother.

“Hey, it’s not my fault!” Braxton exclaimed.

Dad slowly shook his head, then turned and stormed out. Brody chuckled next to me. “I think your dad really wants to retire. He’s seemed to enjoy himself this weekend, being away from the restaurant.”

I nodded, then sighed. Turning to Braxton and Palmer, I said, “I really think Mom and Dad should consider retiring earlier. Dad seems so…tired.”

“They both do,” Palmer added, worry etched on her face.

Braxton nodded. “I agree. I tried talking to them about it a couple of days ago, and I think they do want to retire. But they’re not sure what they’ll do with all that free time.”

“Well,” Harlee started, “they do have two married daughters now. Maybe grandkids are in the works.”

I felt my cheeks heat, and Brody reached for my hand and squeezed it.

Palmer saw the interaction and gasped. “Are you pregnant?” she practically shouted.

“Annnnnd now that will be in Thursday’s paper,” Braxton said dryly.

Brody laughed while I shook my head. “No, Palmer, I am not pregnant.”

She and Harlee both sighed in disappointment.

A younger gentleman came up to the table and asked, “Mr. Braxton Bradley?”

Braxton looked at him. “That’s me.”

“An urgent message was left for you at the front desk.”

Taking the note from the man, Braxton frowned.

“You don’t think anything happened to the boats, do you?” Thomas asked.

Thomas and Braxton had been friends since high school. A few years back, Thomas had joined Braxton in running his fishing charter company. Braxton was so well known for his fishing expertise that his charters had grown in popularity much faster than he’d expected.

“I hope not,” Braxton said as he opened the note and read it. Then his eyes jerked up to meet Brody’s. “I need to talk to you—in private.”

Brody seemed confused, but quickly stood and followed my brother, who had already gotten up and walked away.

“Okay, was that weird or what?” Palmer asked as she looked back at me. “You don’t think anything happened to Addie or Gannon, do you?”

I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. “I…I hope not.”

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