Page 72 of Baby, Be Mine

“Especially in the winter.” I crossed my arms. “We’ll have to figure out some ways to winterize it too. It’s too big for the covered docks.”

“I’ll look into it.” Lucky grinned. “The wife is a fabricator. We might be able to figure out a way to put some shutters on this big baby.”

That sounded like money. Another reason to make sure I started getting some events booked.

Using the boat for the engagement party was going to be my gift to my brother—as well as the food. Not that he knew that yet, but it was the least I could do for him. Jared had done a lot for me as a kid.

It had just been the three of us growing up and our dad had to work a lot to feed two hungry growing boys. And he’d been hurt by our mom leaving, which left him a bit emotionally absent at times. Jared had done what he could do to fill in, but we’d all been a mess.

Now I could give back to my big brother for all the times he’d done what he could to take the place of our dad.

I slid the strap of the pack and play over my shoulder. “We’ll leave you to finish up. The sound system speakers can pair to your phone if you want some tunes.”

Lucky grinned. “Now that’s what I like to hear.”

“I’ll be right outside if you need me.” Emma had her trusty notebook and planner in hand. “I’ll make you some sketches for what we need then you can measure it out.”

“Sounds good.” Lucky saluted her and gave me a lopsided grin as he dug out his phone. “Now, do we want Metallica or a little Kenny Chesney since we’re on the water and it’s freaking eighty degrees?”

“Mixed bag is my vote.” Emma’s eyes glittered with happiness.

“Mine too,” I answered.

“Okay, that makes me three.”

We left Lucky to his playlist as Emma and I walked back down to the tree. It was barely eight in the morning and the temperature was already soaring. I’d grab one of our pop-up tents for her and the baby while she was working outside.

“Make sure you go inside out of the heat. I’ll help as much as I can, but Thursday starts our busy time.”

She waved me off. “I’ve got plenty of help coming in today. Don’t you worry about me.”

I didn’t do much else but worry about her lately.

“Now tell me what you’re going to do with the tree.”

I listened with half an ear as she gave me the download of what she wanted to do. Between the lights and the mason jars she wanted to use, the tree and the dock would be lit up like a damn runway.

Based on what I’d seen so far on the boat, I had every faith she’d take care of every little thing on her list.

I set up the playpen so she could stick bean in the shade and give herself a break from carrying her around. Adriana might be under ten pounds, but she had to feel heavy after toting her around for a few hours.

Now that the baby wasn’t strapped to her, she looked like a freaking college co-ed. Her long, golden legs were distracting as fuck in the denim cutoffs. She was a flurry of energy as she unpacked her bags and spread out the greenery from my dad’s shop.

“I didn’t know you were going to see my dad.”

“There’s a new flower shop on Main Street. I actually almost went in there but then saw your dad’s name on the greenhouse a little farther down. Keep it in the family right? Bet my budget dollars can stretch more with a Brooks.” She grinned up at me, a fat golden curl slipping out of her twist, and I had the strongest urge to push it back.

Instead, I shoved my hands in my pockets. “Does my dad know about the other flower shop?”

“Not sure. I didn’t mention it.”

“Good.” My dad was pretty proprietary about his status in the town. From weddings to proms, Brooks Greenery was the most enduring flower shop in the Cove. There’d been a few others, but they’d never lasted more than a few years.

“He brought me back to his workshop and helped me figure out what I wanted. Since it’s been so hot, we needed greens that would last in the heat. On Sunday, he’ll come out and add some blooms to match Gina’s colors. Handily, he’s doing her wedding flowers, so he knew what we needed.”

And I’d bet she charmed him just like she charmed everyone else.

Including me.

---