Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(103)

“You’re going to get the job. You just graduated from college; you’re overqualified. And you’d be the perfect assistant,” Brinkley said.

“You think so?”

“Yes,” we said at the exact same time and laughed.

“Your calendar is color coordinated,” I reminded her. “You’re always bright and sunny, which makes for a perfect assistant, and you’re upbeat and organized.”

“You’ll get this gig because you’re brilliant and smart and talented. He should be so lucky,” Brinkley said.

The door flew open, and just like that, everyone started pouring in all at once. I hurried to help Hugh get the food out on the kitchen island, and we all ate and laughed and talked. Gracie was trying to convince Hugh to get a puppy, and then she made her way over to me, knowing that I’d be the weaker link. I picked her up and walked over to my boyfriend, and we both started in on him.

“Why don’t you get the dog?” Hugh asked his brother, and he didn’t hide his annoyance. Saying no to Gracie was not easy for him.

I could see Hugh as a father when I watched him with his niece. I was surprised how easy it was for me to see our future. I’d always been looking toward the future in regard to what I needed to achieve, but not anymore. I’d arrived exactly where I was meant to be, and I knew that this man was my forever. I saw us with a houseful of kids and growing old together.

“Because I’m with animals all day, and Gracie is still too young to take on that much responsibility. But if you are going to let a four-year-old work you, and be a big marshmallow, that’s on you.”

Hugh barked out a laugh. “Says the man who dressed like a unicorn for Halloween.”

Cage reached for his daughter and kissed her on the cheek. “Go ask Grandma if she likes dogs.”

He set her down, and she ran off.

“I’m getting her the damn dog for Christmas. I’m just trying to keep it a surprise,” Cage hissed, and Hugh wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

“So, who’s the marshmallow now?”

“I’m the fucking marshmallow. Is that what you want to hear?” Cage moved toward the island to get a second plate of food.

Hugh leaned down close to my ear. “Hey. I have a little surprise for you after we get everyone out of here.” His tongue dipped out to wet his lips, and I could feel my cheeks heat. Something about the way he looked at me got me every damn time.

“What are you up to? You didn’t already get a dog, did you?” I whispered, my hands moving beneath his hoody so I could feel his warm skin as I slid up the sides of his ribs.

“It’s not a dog, but I think you’ll like it.” He nipped at my bottom lip just as Georgie barreled up beside us.

“I hate to ruin this steam fest going on over here in the middle of your kitchen during my graduation party,” she said, with a goofy smile on her face. “Can we do cake now, because a bunch of my high school friends want to meet over at Garrity’s to celebrate.”

I pulled my hands away, already missing the feel of him beneath my fingertips. Brinkley and Alana met me at the island, and they started clearing off the platters as I pulled out the graduation cake. I heard Hugh giving his youngest sister advice about her interview next week, and he told her to just be herself. And then Cage walked up and told her it was all about selling yourself. Finn jumped in and told her that men in powerful positions like confident women, so go in there and act like you own the room. And then all three of them argued about whose advice was better.

Everyone gathered around the island, and we all congratulated Georgia before cutting the cute cake that was the shape of a giant graduation cap.

I’d pushed for Hugh to hire a pastry chef who I’d interviewed for the restaurant, and he’d agreed. People were so crazy about the desserts, we were considering opening a small bakery in the open space next to Reynolds’. I loved brainstorming with him about different ways that we could grow the business, but maybe that was just because I loved being with him so much.

We ate cake, and chatter filled the open space before Georgia said she needed to go. Everyone started the infamous Reynolds goodbye, making their rounds and heading out the door. Alana hugged Hugh a little longer than usual, patting his cheek and beaming up at him. They were such a loving family, and I was thrilled to feel like such a part of it.

Once everyone was gone, Hugh got my coat and helped me slip into it. “I want to show you something.”

“Okay,” I said, curious what this big surprise was. He zipped up his coat and then put a beanie over my head before grabbing his.

“Come on.” He reached for my hand and led me out the door and down the street before cutting up the path to the cove. It was our favorite place to go late at night when the tide was coming in.

“Was your mom okay tonight? She gave you an awfully long hug.”

“She’s just really happy for us.” He tugged me closer, pulling me in front of his big body and wrapping his arms around my shoulders.

“You aren’t planning to skinny dip in that freezing water, are you?” I asked, as he held up a branch, and I ducked beneath it.

“Not tonight.” He chuckled, and we continued walking toward the cove.

There were lights up ahead, and I gasped when we came around the final turn. There was a big blanket set out, with rose petals on the ground all around it. A metal fire pit sat a few feet away, with a roaring flame that I recognized from our backyard. Dozens of white candles—that were clearly battery operated or the whole place would have gone up in flames—lined a path down to the blanket. Even the surrounding trees were covered in little white twinkle lights. Two vases overflowing with wildflowers sat on the blanket alongside a bottle of wine and a platter with what looked like cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberries. My favorite. My hands covered my mouth as it nearly took my breath away. I whipped around when I realized Hugh no longer had his arms around me.