“Yeah, sorry. It’s just knowing that help is on the way…”

“I know.” Jenny gave him a gentle tug, urging him to lean on her, which he did. She put both arms around him and slid her lips over the silk of his hair.

His arm encircled her waist. “Let’s go surfing.”

“What? Where did that come from?”

He sat up to kiss her. “It came from me wanting to spend the afternoon with my hands all over you.”

“I have to work, and so do you.”

“We’re taking the afternoon off. I’m the boss. I can make up the rules as I go along.”

“Um, Paul is my boss, so…”

“If he messes with me, I’ll pound on him.”

“If you do that, Hope will see that you’re nothing more than a caveman, and she’ll quit her new job before she starts.”

“You do make a good point. Perhaps I won’t pound on him. I’ll just kidnap you and let him wonder what became of you.”

“That’s not happening either.”

“The surfing? That’s happening, so go square it with the boss man before I forget I have to be on my best behavior today.”

“Only because an afternoon with your hands all over me doesn’t sound awful, I’ll do what I’m told. But don’t get used to my obedience.”

Alex smiled and raised an eyebrow.

Jenny got up and went inside to talk to Paul before Alex could say something outrageous.

David and Hope were going over Marion’s medical records, so Jenny signaled to Paul. “Your brother has a big idea about playing hooky this afternoon. Any objections?”

“Not at all. Hope is here for the day, and she’s going to spend some time here with Mom this afternoon when she gets back with Daisy, so we’re covered.”

“What about the store?”

“They can handle things for a couple of hours. We need you for the big-picture management stuff.”

“I’ve got you covered there.”

“Go have some fun. You both deserve it.”

“So do you, Paul. There’s a party at the lighthouse later with the McCarthys and other friends. We’d love to have you join us, if you can get away.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Great.”

Paul glanced at the window to the porch where Alex was waiting for her. “You’re really good for him.”

“We’re good for each other.”

“I’m happy for you guys,” Paul said, his expression wistful. “Maybe I’ll see you later.”

“I hope so.” If only she had a single friend to fix up with Paul. He was a great guy—smart, funny, almost as handsome as his brother and genuinely devoted to his family. But all her friends were happily settled now.