“Morning. How was surfing today?”
“It was good, but I think we did more talking than surfing.” A smirk crossed my lips. “I’m going to take a shower.”
“Me too,” Grayson said.
“I’ll have your coffees waiting when you get out,” Charleigh said.
We all helped get things set up for the party while Sebastian started the grill. It was cooler out than usual for this time of year, but that didn’t stop us from having fun in the sun. While the kids played in the sand, we played volleyball. Once everyone was seated at the table to eat, Shaun stood and raised his glass.
“Welcome to the beach, Grayson and Gabriel. You’re exactly where you belong, here with your family, and we couldn’t be happier. Here’s to a lot of family fun and laughter.”
“To Grayson and Gabriel,” we all spoke as we raised our glasses.
As darkness settled in, we gathered around the bonfire and took in its warmth. Picking up my guitar, I leaned over and whispered in Nathan’s ear. He looked at me with a smile as he picked up his guitar, and we both belted out the first verse of Carry On Wayward Son.
“Fuck yeah!” Simon shouted as he held up his beer bottle, and everyone sang with us.
When the song ended, Charleigh took my guitar, set it down, and climbed on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I’m cold, babe,” she pouted.
“Then I better get you home and warm you up.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
CHAPTER18
Charleigh
I was waiting for Christian to come down in the kitchen when the sliding door opened, and Conner walked in.
“Hi, Conner.” I smiled.
“Hey, Charleigh bear. Where’s my twin?”
“He’s upstairs getting ready.”
“For?” His brow arched.
“We’re meeting my parents for dinner tonight.”
“So that means you won’t be joining us down at the beach?”
“We’ll come down after dinner if it’s not too late.”
“Hey, bro.” Christian smiled as he walked into the kitchen. “What’s up?”
“I was just checking to see if you two were coming to the bonfire, but Charleigh said you’re going to dinner with her parents.”
“Yeah, but we’ll try to make it after,” Christian said.
“The hospital just paged Jackson, and he had to run. So, who the hell knows if he’ll even make it back tonight,” Conner said. “Anyway, I was asking because Ella wanted us to do a TikTok video.”
“Tell our niece that I’ll do my best. If not tonight, tomorrow for sure.”
“You got it, bro.” Conner fist-bumped Christian. “You two have a great dinner. Charleigh, tell your parents I said hi.”
“I will, Conner.” I smiled.
“You ready to go, babe?” Christian asked as he grabbed his keys from the island.