Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“We try.” Cal put his arm around me. “Where’s Cole?”

“Air conditioners went out. He had to make a parts run so the guests don’t spontaneously combust.” I tried to keep my voice peppy, but I was starting to worry he hadn’t returned.

“Darlin’, he’ll be back soon.” Lance put his arm around my other shoulder. “In the meantime, can we get you something to drink?” Lance was acting extra sweet.

It crossed my mind that Amber had told him about the scene I made at Peabody’s when I spilled my drink and ran. I should probably have been more embarrassed than I was.

“A beer would be awesome. Thanks, Lance.” Was it just last Saturday he had tried to get me a drink at the bonfire?

“Thanks.” I sipped on the coconut rum through the straw.

Lance shifted on his feet. “Kaitlyn, I wanted to talk to you about Amber.”

My cheeks turned a bright crimson. “You don’t have to do that, Lance. She and Cole seem to be working things out for Grayson. That’s what’s important.”

“I’m not the best uncle, or babysitter. But I’m here if he needs me.”

“Have you told him that?” I asked.

He hung his head. “I’ve always taken her side.”

“That’s what a good brother does.” I smiled.

“Yeah, but I see that Cole has always put Grayson first. Amber hasn’t. She puts Amber first. This damn poetry trip proves it.”

I squeezed his arm. “I know Cole would appreciate your help. I’ll let you tell him. And Grayson would love hanging out with his uncle.”

“Thanks.” He hugged me.

Sasha opened the gate at the top of steps for me. “Whoa, look at you. Has Cole seen you all dressed in yellow?”

I blushed. “Not yet. He isn’t here.” I searched the parking lot for his truck. “I thought he’d be back by now.”

“He’ll be here. He’s not going to miss the luau.” She turned to show me the pool. “What do you think? It was a last minute idea that I borrowed from my mom.”

I looked at the floating candles dotting the surface of the water. “Sasha, it’s beautiful. You definitely have the wedding planner gene. This looks amazing.”

“Good. I thought you might like it, and it’s romantic. You should lure Cole up here for a little one-on-one time.” She winked. “Now we just need some people.” She pulled one of the silk flowers from the garland and tucked it behind her ear.

Other than a few Dune Scape guests, no one else had arrived. I know being fashionably late was still a common party practice, but I had hoped more people would have begun to trickle in.

“What if no one shows?” I had a prickly feeling that had attacked the back of my neck.

“Don’t be silly. People love parties this time of year. This island is one big party. You’ll have people. They’re just extremely nocturnal—the later, the better.”

“I hope you’re right. If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what I’ll tell Cole. He trusted me to do this. I promised him it would keep the Dunes afloat for a few months.”

“Hey, he did not put the fate of the Dunes in your hands. He knows what he’s dealing with here. What you did for him is incredible. It shows how much you care. He knows that.”

God I wanted that to be true. I’d do anything for that man. And his son.

Before I could ask her what she thought about our situation, Cal whisked Sasha up from behind and planted a kiss on her mouth.

“Cal, save some of that for later. I’m in the middle of serious girl talk.” She slapped him on the butt. “You ok, Kaitlyn?”

“Yes, absolutely. You two go dance or something.”

I smiled and watched as they wandered to dance floor. I envied how Sasha approached her relationship. She didn’t let anything get in the way of her and Cal—not the age difference, not their friends, and not even her own heart. She was smart.