Kayla and her new assistant had a smoker going and a half-dozen grills for regular hamburger and hotdog fare. Another one was set aside for veggie kabobs to make everyone happy.
Both of the women in my life were something to behold when it came to running a business. Their teamwork made it even better.
I wandered over to Freckles and slid an arm around her waist. “Think I can steal my girl for a few minutes?” I asked the couple she was speaking to.
Freckles patted my chest. “This rude man is Chief Jake Mills.”
The tall man held out his hand. “I’m Seth Hamilton, and this is my wife, Ally. We were just talking about a few properties I have in mind for you to look at.”
“Oh, right. The realtor guy.”
“Yes. We’re looking forward to working with you two to find the perfect house.”
Well, that was quick. We’d talked about finding a house, but we hadn’t dealt with the financial part yet. We both had sizable nest eggs to put down on a nice house or a fixer upper, depending on what we found.
Seth smiled. “My sister-in-law, Sage, owns the Hummingbird’s Nest. She’s expanding as well.”
“Oh, right. I’ve had lunch there. She hosts some of our pancake breakfast charity drives.” Absently, I brushed a kiss along Erica’s temple.
“That’s our Sage. Women killing it in the Cove. Just as it should be.” Ally linked her fingers with Seth. “We’d love to have you over to the café, Erica. A group of us women entrepreneurs meet to talk over coffee—or decaffeinated drinks for the ever-growing bunch of mamas-to-be.”
Erica stiffened next to me. I glanced down at her.
She covered well, offering us a big smile. “I’d really like that.”
“Good. We’ll set it up. You sound like you can hold your own with the Brewed Awakening crew.”
“Would be nice to take a break.”
“She needs it.” I hugged her tighter to me. “Hope you guys can enjoy some food. My sister cooks a mean brisket.”
Seth’s eyes lit up. “Maybe we will.”
I pulled her away and urged her toward the path we’d created from our land to the lake.
“I shouldn’t go far. What if they—”
“Your staff has everything well in hand. You trained them well.”
She sighed but let me lead her away just the same.
“You okay, Freckles?”
“I’m perfect, why?”
“I know you too well.” I linked our fingers. “You’ve been running yourself ragged for weeks.”
“Months,” she corrected.
I laughed. “Agreed.” I stopped her on the path just out of sight of the nearest pocket of noisy teens. I cupped her face. “So, you’re really okay?”
She gripped my forearms. “You’re too astute.”
“I pay attention. Chicks dig that.”
“Yeah, well, I had something planned.”
I swallowed. “Planned?”