Zoey grinned. “Just a little longer. Then we can bail.” Felt like old times, leaving a birthday party together, making excuses for each other or using the other as the excuse. Canceling plans last minute to go out on his boat or taste test a new beignet recipe, instead.
The familiarity of him—of them—healed a bit of the ache that thrummed in Zoey’s temples. Her shoulders relaxed. “The guys giving you a hard time over there?”
He shifted his weight. “Not too bad. I just kept changing the subject to Noah’s mayoral campaign.”
“Smart.” Zoey gestured to the bench seat across from her and Amelia. “Want to sit?—”
“Time for gifts!” Mama D clapped her hands so loudly, Amelia dropped a fry. “Zoey? Why don’t you and your hunky new husband take a seat at the bar stools, here.”
Her stomach flipped at the foreign word.Husband. Amelia scooted from the booth to let Zoey out, and the gathered crowd parted as she and Linc made their way to the counter. Did Linc feel any kind of reaction to hearing his new title too? Certainly didn’t seem like it—though she knew from experience his somber poker face was strong enough to take down Doc Holliday.
“How in the world did anyone have time to buy presents?” Linc grumbled as he eased one hip on the high seat. Half in, half out.
Hopefully that wasn’t some kind of symbolism.
Zoey took the stool next to him, in front of a stack of brightly wrapped packages and gift bags. The heat from his side warmed hers, and she fought the urge to lean into him. Once upon a time, she wouldn’t have thought twice about bumping her hip against his, grabbing his arm, pulling him along.
Somehow now, a simple touch felt very, very different.
“I know, right?” She eased away a few inches, sitting fully on her own stool. “We only got the marriage license yesterday.”
“It’s Magnolia Bay.” Mama D cackled as she rummaged through the pile of presents. “We keep some magic tucked away for rainy days, you know.” She shoved a white box with a pink bow into Zoey’s arms. “Now start unwrapping.”
“You too, sugarplum.” Madame Paulette nudged Linc’s arm, which Zoey knew from experience was a bit like tapping concrete. “Help your bride, there.”
He frowned a little but obliged, reaching for the ribbon on the box. The crowd gathered in, pressing on all sides, sipping punch and nibbling cupcakes. Sadie and Harper smiled at them while holding their own cups. Rosalyn and Elisa stood with Noah and Cade, while Owen and his older brother Sawyer stood clustered with their father, Pastor Dubois, and August Bowman, the local attorney. Miley’s frown as she sipped a soda guaranteed good coffee later.
“Little lovebirds.” Standing back from the counter, Mama D shook her head with a contented sigh.
Madame Paulette linked her arm through Delia’s, stacked bangles clanging on her wrist, and released a matching sigh. “Have you ever seen a cuter couple?”
“Hey.” Noah offered a mock frown.
Elisa reached up and patted his cheek. “I still think you’re the cutest, sugar.”
Linc had worked up to a full scowl now as he yanked at the tied ribbon. “I hate surprises.”
Not sure if he meant the gift or the impromptu party in general, but in either case, Zoey had to disagree. If she couldn’t have a real wedding, itwaskind of nice to be doted on with a party.
Still—she shot him a warning look. “Be nice.”
“This one is a together gift,” Madame Paulette offered with a grin. “You should be able to figure out why.”
Ah, it was from her. At least that explained why the wrapping smelled like essential oils.
Linc’s expression lifted a little as he fumbled with the box flaps. “I guess a new coffeepot wouldn’t be awful.”
“Or baking sheets.” Zoey winced. “I sort of burnt that one you had.” She opened the lid to reveal several layers of tissue paper. “Here, you do the honors.”
Linc reached into the box. Then he frowned, ducked his head to look inside, and froze. His eyes widened and he abruptly shoved the package away.
Madame Paulette cackled. “All clear on the together part now?”
Judging by the fact Linc’s face had turned as burgundy as Mama D’s lipstick, it must not have been a baking sheet or a coffee maker. Zoey rummaged under the tissue paper, and her hand brushed something silky.
Make that several silky somethings. And was that lace?
Oh, dear.
