She fixed more chips and salsa, plated the pretty mini cupcakes topped with American flags she’d gotten from the bakery. She left some on the counter for those who came down, trayed the rest to carry up for those who wanted more time out in the summer night.

She carried up the tray. Belatedly thought Ryder might like something if and when he came by. She slipped out and down, plated a few more cupcakes. She had beer in her personal refrigerator now.

And what did that mean?

Just that she often had the company of a man who preferred it to wine, she told herself as she once again climbed the steps.

And stopped short when Ryder came down from the third floor.

“I didn’t know you were here.”

“I put D.A. in your place. The kids wiped him out. Did you make those?”

“No, the bakery—”

He grabbed two, ate the first in one bite. “Good.”

“Yes, they are. I was taking them upstairs in case you made it by and wanted some.”

“Good thinking. I do.” He ate the second, then held out some sort of plastic wand with a star on the top. “I got you a present.”

“You—What is it?”

“What does it look like? It’s like a magic wand or a fairy stick. They sell these light-up toys down at the park. The boys got light sabers and ray guns. This is girly.”

“It’s girly.”

“They’re fun.” He pressed a couple buttons, had it singing and shooting off light.

Laughing, she took it, gave it a little wag through the air. “You’re right. They’re fun. Thanks.”

“Did you see the show?”

“Yes, it was great. We had chips and salsa and margaritas on the porch.”

“It’s not Cinco de Mayo.”

“The guests are always right. And they’re excellent margaritas. Do you want to come out and have one?”

“Really don’t. I’ve had my quota of people today. The park was jammed with them.”

“Here. Take the cupcakes. I’ll be up as soon as I can.”

“Am I supposed to save any of these?”

“Yes.”

“Always a catch.”

“Beer’s in the fridge,” she said, and went out to her guests.

IT WAS LATER than she’d hoped, but they made their own fireworks. With too little sleep, she climbed out of bed to work with Carolee on breakfast. By the time she managed a minute to go back up, he and his dog were already gone.

See? Simple. Straightforward.

Then she picked up the silly wand, turned it on.

And felt her heart melt a bit—more, she realized, than it had with flowers.

She laid it down again to go and begin the process of reordering her inn after the long weekend.

As she hauled bags of linens into the laundry room to store till pickup, Avery poked her head in.

“Take a break.”