Page 101 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Danny ran his hand through his hair. “The work never ends, does it?”

Claire shook her head. “Nope. But that’s all right. It’s good to be busy.”

“I’m glad you think that way,” he said.

“Go home,” she told him. “You look as tired as I feel, which means I look worse.” She laughed. “Thank you again. I couldn’t have done today without you. Or any of you.”

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Call me tomorrow if you need help with anything.”

“I will, but I won’t.”

He chuckled as he gave them a wave. “Night, all.”

“Night.” They waved back.

Conrad nodded. “I’m going to head home as well. Unless there’s something else I can do?”

“No,” Claire said. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, young lady.” He winked at Margo. “See you tomorrow. It’s all right if you’re a little later than usual. Might not be a bad idea to sleep in.”

“I’ll be there on schedule,” Margo said. “Unless you need some extra sleep.”

“Marines never sleep in,” Conrad said. He grinned, then headed for his car. “See you tomorrow.”

“Thanks again, Conrad,” Margo said. Then she went toward the elevator.

Cash closed the back of the truck. “I’m going to take a hot shower.”

“You don’t want anything to eat?” Claire asked. “I thought for sure that’s what you’d want.”

“So did I,” Jules said. “Where’s my son and what have you done with him?”

Kat laughed. “We had Fry Shack before we drove back.”

“That explains it,” Claire said.

Cash’s mouth bunched to one side. “I’m not saying I couldn’t go for some dessert.”

They all laughed. Claire put her arm around him. “How about some sour orange pie? There are probably some cookies left, too.”

He nodded. “I’ll take whatever you’ve got.”

“Now, that’s my son,” Jules said.

They walked toward the elevator.

“How about this,” Claire said as Kat pushed the call button. “Let’s all clean up then meet back in the living room for dessert. I’ll put out whatever we have, all right?”

“I’ll be in my pajamas,” Kat said.

Cash nodded. “Same.”

The elevator doors opened. Claire smiled as they all squeezed in. “Pajama dessert party sounds like the perfect ending to a long, hard day.”

“Yes, it does,” Jules said. “Which reminds me, I need to talk to you about those sour orange pies.”

“Oh?” Claire glanced at her sister. “What about them?”

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