Page 105 of The Romance Game

I unfold the blank page from the envelope. “I’ve been nervous to try to reveal the hidden message because if I use the wrong solution, I might destroy it.”

Royal jiggles the ice in his glass. “If the Pirate Defense League used this method to pass messages about their meetings, what would they all have had on hand to decode messages?”

CJ and Magnus look up at the same time and say, “Rum.”

“Be right back,” Royal says.

Moments later, he returns with a bottle of Sempre Spirits, Chip’s brand. “But how to apply it without drenching the paper?”

“A paintbrush?” CJ suggests.

I gasp, shocked at Chip’s genius, if it works. “Or a pen with a plume. The plume end, obviously.”

It takes a few tries to get the right dispersal of liquid, but soon letters appear on the paper and then sentences. Magnus takes a photo with his phone in case it fades.

Swallowing, I read, “‘Boys, If you’re reading this, you’ll know half my secrets. The others are hidden in the mermaid’s cement chest, the mahogany carving that belonged to my heart, and in plain sight if you know where to look during a sky painted red at night.’”

“The mermaid’s chest refers to the pearl,” Royal says.

“And the diamond in the wooden box, whose pair was part of our grandmother’s engagement ring,” Magnus says, having solved that puzzle.

“But the last one is in plain sight if you know where to look during a red sky at night,” CJ says, gazing out the window.

I slouch in the chair. “I have no idea.”

“In plain sight,” Magnus repeats.

We look around the room. I suggest we divvy up the areas around the property.

“No, it’s not here. We’ve been over every room in these buildings. I would’ve noticed a rare red piece of coral.” Royal paces as if that’ll move him closer to an answer.

But one doesn’t come. However, an idea does.

All of us lost in thoughtful silence, I say, “Guys, I’m going to officially ask Harley to marry me.”

Royal’s head snaps in my direction. “I don’t know if that’s a good?—”

“You have my blessing,” Magnus says.

CJ nods. “Marriage will look good on you.”

Royal huffs. “Guys, seriously? Harley?”

I nod. “Yeah. We’re not playing a game, but I’m not going to just lay down and lose. We’ve both grown up a lot. And are independent in our own ways. But it’s time for us to grow together.”

Royal exhales slowly and then nods. “I respect that. But if she toys with you?—”

“Yeah, yeah. You won’t ever let her stay at the resort.”

“You either.”

The corner of my lip lifts in a smile. “I think we’ll be guests here sometime soon. Maybe on our wedding night.”

Royal rolls his eyes.

“In the meantime, we’ll keep searching for the last stone for the lost crown,” CJ says.

“And we’ll let you know if we make any discoveries,” Magnus adds.

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