Linc shoved his hands in his pockets, blew out his breath. “Hope so.” Regardless, Amelia wouldn’t be leaving the Bay anytime soon. That much he knew for sure.
“Yoohoo!” Delia ambled up next, waving a fistful of bills. Clad in overalls, Farmer Branson ambled behind—as usual, these days. Rumor had it Delia even got him into the movie theater last week. “I paid for someone to stay longer and for someone to go free. Guess who is who?”
No telling. “This is the wackiest town fundraiser idea you’ve had yet,” Linc grumbled at Cade. But maybe he didn’t mind that much. It’d been kinda fun—not that he’d ever admit it to the guys.
Cade grimaced. “Yeah, I didn’t think I’d be the one in here when I dreamt up this one. I somehow ended up in the dunking tank last summer too.”
“Hey, I liked that one.” Rosalyn winked at him. “Think you’ll be out of here in time for our date tonight?”
“I better.” Cade stood, waved at Delia. “Mama D, I beg you.”
Delia stopped at the cell door and smiled at Cade. Her lipstick today was back to normal—apparently, she’d snagged her man and had no more use for burgundy or fuchsia. “You can go, honey. I’m sure your fiancée needs you.”
“What about me?” Noah asked, clutching the bars.
“Actually, your wife is busy.” Elisa tucked her hair behind her ears. “Me and Zoey are about to go whip up the weekly batch of beignets at the Magnolia Blossom.”
“I thought you only baked from the diner on Fridays?” Linc looked at his wife. Man, he’d never get sick of that phrase.His wife.
“Right. But we missed last week because of the engagement party, remember?” Zoey asked.
Rosalyn wiggled her glistening ring finger in reminder.
Ah, that’s right. That was the same night he and Zoey had stayed up late at the pond, night-swimming. He grinned. Probably why he didn’t remember the prior part of the evening.
“Then I had all those photos to edit.” Zoey continued. “Been busy since Anthony went back to school full time and I went from having no job to three.”
“I love that you’ve got a photography hustle now and are just baking on the side at Elisa’s.” Rosalyn touched Zoey’s arm. “Your photos are so great, I can’t decide if I want you to do my wedding pics or be a bridesmaid this summer.”
“Definitely both.” Zoey flexed one arm, which made Linc do a double-take. She’d been working on her pushups.
“Yeah, I’m catering it too, so we can figure it out.” Elisa laughed. “Double-duty bridesmaids it is.”
Madame Paulette swooped down the hall in a wave of patchouli, followed by a reluctant Captain Sanders, who wore his fire department uniform. “Linc, you’re being traded for Captain.”
“Finally.” He stepped back as Sheriff ambled over to open the door.
“This is really unfair.” Noah sighed. “I’m your fearless leader, for crying out loud.”’
Ha. “Probably why you’re raising the most money.”
Noah tilted his head. “Not sure if I’m flattered or offended that my loyal subjects arepayingto keep me locked up.”
The barred door opened with a clank. Cade rushed out first. Linc stepped into the hall and only had to wait approximately two seconds before Zoey’s arms were locked around his waist, hugging him as hard as if he’d actually been arrested.
Fine with him—he’d take the excuse. He wrapped her up, breathing her in.
Zoey looked up at him as Sheriff locked Captain in the cell with a protesting Noah. “Did I tell you my mom called today?”
“No. Been in the slammer.”
“Right.” She grinned. “Well, my parents are finally back in the US, and they’re coming to town next week. They can’t wait to meet Amelia…and bring us our delayed wedding gift.”
“Sounds good.” He raised his eyebrow. “They weren’t upset they missed our elopement?”
“Nope. Actually, Mom already is hinting about grandkids.”
“She’s already got one.” Linc nodded his head in the direction Amelia had just left.
