“Hey,” he said softly when Megan had turned to talk to a woman whom Harmony didn’t recognize but that Megan appeared to know well. “Want to get out of here?”

She nodded, not even teasing him about the fact he’d used yet another bad pick-up line on her.

Nolan wasted no time rising to his feet and stretching his arms high overhead. A giant, theatrical yawn drew his sister’s attention to him. “Welp. That’s enough sun and socializing for one day,” he announced. “Harmony, do you mind if we head out of here early? I’m sorry, but my Irish skin just can’t take anymore without bursting into a punishing amount of freckles.”

“Sure, seeing as you’re my ride. Thanks for that, by the way.” She stood now, too.

Megan smirked at her brother. “The Irishman in the sun excuse doesn’t really work when you’re with family,” she pointed out. “But you and Harmony make a really cute couple, so I’m cool with it.”

They both accepted hugs from Nolan’s sister. Neither corrected her about the status of their couplehood, which meant their escape was swift.

“Thanks again,” she told him once they were safely settled in his car. “I don’t think I could have lasted much longer.”

“You betcha. Coming at all took some serious guts,” he agreed with a nod while keeping his eyes focused on the road ahead. “Add it to the long list of things I really like about you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say.”

“Where to now, Madame?” He adjusted both hands on the wheel and sat straighter in his seat, the very portrait of a proper chauffer. It was adorable, but still, Harmony was very tired.

“Home?” She looked down at Muffin, who sat proudly on her lap with his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. He didn’t seem ready to call it a day, even though the short outing had exhausted Harmony.

“Nope, I’m not letting you off the hook that easy. You promised we’d spend the potluck together, and that thing is nowhere close to over.”

Muffin barked in agreement, then stood with his front legs against the door and scratched at the window until Harmony relented and rolled it down for him.

“So you’re taking me hostage?” she asked with one eyebrow quirked.

“Only until…” He glanced at his car’s dash to get the time. “Four o’clock?”

“I guess that’s fair. What would you like to do?”

“I have the perfect plan, but first we need to swing by and pick up Pancake. It wouldn’t be fair to let Muffin have all the fun when he’s stuck at home.”

At the mention of his name, the fawn-colored Chihuahua popped down from his perch at the window and scurried over to Nolan’s lap.

Harmony had to grab the little dog quickly so as not to interfere with his driving. “We headed to the dog park?” she asked with a laugh. “That sounds fun and is clearly needed.”

He smiled. “Nope, it’s even better than that. And nope, I’m not going to tell before we get there.”