Page 74 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Ginny made a note of that before looking up again. “Now, how about a firepit?”

Willie grinned. “Oh, yes, we definitely want one of those.”

“We can do one as part of the pool, next to the pool, or as a sunken pit within the pool itself.” She opened up a brochure she’d brought. “You can see examples of those here.”

Willie liked them all, but she knew what she wanted. “I want to be able to use the firepit without getting wet. Next to the pool is close enough, I think.” She turned to Miguel. “Do you agree?”

“Yes.” He looked at Trip and Ginny. “We like to sit out there at night. It’s very romantic.”

Ginny smiled. “How long have you two been married?”

Miguel grinned and Willie laughed. She answered, “We’re not. But we will be after the weekend.”

Ginny’s whole face lit up. “That’s so amazing. Congratulations to the both of you.”

Trip gave Miguel a nod. “Well done, sir.”

“Thank you.” But Miguel was looking at Willie. “We are very happy.”

“What about an initial on the bottom of the pool?” Ginny said. “Or a design? Something that’s special to both of you? Something to commemorate this new love? We can do some amazing designs with our tile.”

Willie smiled, her focus on Miguel. “How about a star?”

His eyebrows rose. “Like on the flag of Puerto Rico?”

“Yes,” she said. “Exactly like that. But also because you make me feel like a star.”

Eyes shining with happiness, Miguel nodded at Ginny. “Whatever my bride wants.”

“You’re sure he won’t mind that I’m here?” Trina asked.

“No way,” Miles said. “He’ll be happy to see you.”

“Okay.”

Miles took her hand as they walked through the parking lot toward the visitors entrance of the hospital. “I’m glad you came. I know this isn’t the most exciting way to spend the day, but Alex will appreciate that you took the time to help out and I do, too.”

“I’m not sure how much help I’ll be,” Trina said. “You’re the paramedic.”

Miles laughed. “Yeah, but you’re a lot prettier to look at.”

She grinned. He was so sweet.

They went inside, went through security, then registered at the front desk to get visitor badges. They stuck those on their clothes. Miles knew exactly where they were going, so Trina just followed along.

They got on the elevator. She watched the floors light up on the panel as they rose. “Is he in a lot of pain, d’you think?”

“I’m sure the burns are what hurt the most. But he’s not a complainer, so you probably won’t hear him say anything about them. Or his shoulder, which will be sore for a few days. He’s in a sling.” They stepped out of the elevator and started down the hall. “Not sure how long that will last though. Should be two weeks, but he’s probably frustrated with it already.”

“Poor Alex.”

Miles nodded. “Yeah, he got beat up a little, that’s for sure.” He pointed. “Right there. That’s his room: 312.”

Miles pushed open the door. “You decent, buddy? I’ve got Trina with me.”

Laughter answered him. “I’m in a hospital gown but I’m also still in bed, so there’s nothing exciting to see.”

Miles snorted and they walked in.

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