As the afternoon wore on, he considered calling Laurel’s cell. He nearly gave in and did so when he finally saw Parker’s car turn in the drive.

He headed down while the two of them unloaded a mountain of shopping bags and giggled like a couple of kids with both hands in the cookie jar.

He had no excuse for it, but it annoyed the hell out of him.

“Oh, Emma, that looks fabulous!” Parker called out.

“It absolutely does, and I’m not nearly done.”

“Take a break. Come see what we got. We had the best time. Hey.” Laurel stopped to shoot a grin at Del. “Just in time to help haul all this stuff. And God, it’s way past time to start up the blender, because shopping’s made us thirsty for beach margaritas.”

“I was starting to get worried.” He heard the tone of his own voice, nearly winced.

“Oh, don’t fuss, Daddy. Haul.” She pushed bags at him. “Em, we found the most amazing gift shop. We have to go back!”

“You mean they have something left?” Mal wandered over to take some bags.

“I think we hit every shop within fifty miles, but we left a few things behind. Don’t look so put out.” Laurel laughed at Del. “I bought you something.”

With no choice, he carried bags upstairs. And had to stand back while the women tore into them to show off their scores.

“Why don’t we take a walk on the beach?” he asked Laurel.

“Are you kidding? I’ve walked a half a million miles. Must have margarita. Who’s in charge of the blender?” she called out.

“Got that covered.” Mal headed off to the kitchen.

Del shot Emma a look, hopeful for a little help. She merely shrugged and went back to admiring the take.

Payback, he thought.

“Here.” Laurel offered him a box. “A memento.”

Since he couldn’t beat them, Del settled down.

“A sun catcher,” she told him when he opened it. “Recycled beach glass.” She reached out to finger one of the smooth, colored shards. “I thought you might like to hang it in your place—to bring back good times.”

“It’s great.” He tapped a piece so several danced and clicked together. “It really is. Thanks.”

“I got a smaller one for my sitting room. Couldn’t resist.”

They drank margaritas, talked about dinner. He couldn’t budge her.

Patience, he reminded himself.

He managed to take his own advice until nearly sunset.

“Walk. Beach. You and me.” He grabbed her hand, pulled her toward the door.

“But we’re going to—”

“Later.”