Page 72 of The Tropical Romance Test

“So, you’re all set?” I ask, as casually as I can. I wasn’t so obsessed with Hazel last night that I didn’t see the look on his face when Karina walked in, and the way he was glued to her side all night. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and from the stories mom used to tell about the two of them in high school… well, it sounds like Karina was the love of his life.

The love of his life who just so happens to be single again.

But my uncle doesn’t seem like a conflicted man as he strips off his robe. “I think the groomsmen are gathering at ten,” he says. “They asked what food we wanted, getting ready, and I said some good ol’ Tennessee barbeque as a joke, but I think they’ve flown out one of the pit masters from The Firehouse.” He chuckles. “We’re going to have sauce all over our suits, by the time they take the photos.”

“And you’re feeling good about it?” I venture, still trying to get a read on his mood.

He gives me a quiet smile. “Haven’t I always told you: a man’s only as good as his word. I made a commitment, and I’m going to stand by it.”

That wasn’t the answer I was looking for.

“What about you?” Robert continues, giving me a knowing look. “How are things shaping up with Hazel?”

I can’t keep the smile off my face. “And there I was, thinking we were being so discreet.”

Robert laughs. “Sorry to break it to you, kid, but there’s nothing discreet about the way you were panting after her last night. Not that I blame you,” he adds with a smile, “She’s a fine woman, alright.”

“Yes,” I say, feeling it in my gut. In my whole body. “She is.”

“So?” he prompts me. “What are you going to do about it?”

“I have a few ideas,” I say with a grin. “But I figured I’d wait until she’s not running around with this wedding stuff. Take it easy. I don’t want to risk scaring her off,” I add.

After all, not everyone decides they’ve met their future wife in five days flat.

“Psh.” Robert dismisses my caution. “You’ve got to put your cards on the table, kid. Otherwise, it’s all just noise. If she’s not game, that’s one thing, but you can’t do all this second-guessing, and talk yourself out of even playing a hand.”

“It’s always the poker metaphors with you,” I tease, and he grins.

“If there’s one thing I know about love, kid, it’s that you’ve got to go all-in.”

My uncle stops, pausing as if he’s heard his own words. His smile fades a little. “Do it before it’s too late,” he adds. He reaches out, and squeezes my arm, urgent. “Before you bluff the wrong hand, and it’s too late to fold. Because the real thing? It doesn’t come around too often. Maybe once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky.”

His expression is sincere, and full of regret.

“Uncle Robert…” I start. I know I made that deal with Hazel, but if he really wants out of this wedding?—

“I better get my laps in.” He cuts me off, and dives into the water with an ungainly splash. “See you for some brisket at ten,” he calls, surfacing, then sets off swimming laps with a steady crawl.

Conversation closed.

I go rinse off,then head out to go grab some breakfast, and find Hazel. Not necessarily in that order. I spot Lottie in the dining pavilion with Ivy and Reeve, so I go say good morning. “I heard there was a fierce Scrabble battle in action last night.

Lottie looks smug. “Is it really a battle when I destroy all the competition?”

“Excuse me,” Reeve protests. “I don’t know what rules you were playing by, but Xylo is not a valid word.”

“The internet says it is,” Lottie shoots back.

“Right, because the internet never lies.”

They keep bickering, and Ivy sighs. “Thanks a lot,” she tells me dryly. “Just when I figured they’d got it out of their system.”

“Sorry. I owe you a drink later,” I offer.

She smirks. “You mean, from the open bar?”

“Good point.” I grin. “Let’s make it two.” I look around the room, searching the guests for?—

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