“What’s the prize?” Teddy asks with his face buried in his computer screen.
Every head in the room turns to him.
“Besides bragging rights?” Beck says with a scoff, as though bragging rights are the only reason to do it. “The adult winner also gets to choose the theme for the fall send-off.”
“Marlo said it’s the biggest party of the year,” Seren says, practically bouncing on her toes. “It’s a send-off for the tourists, and the town celebrates another great summer season.”
“You guys sure do love your parties around here,” Teddy says with a grin. According to Beck, he’s still adjusting to small-town life.
“You have no idea.” Elijah smirks. Though he lives in Raleigh, he’s been staying in Sailport Bay while we sort through this merger with Bryer-Blaine, and he understands how this town works.
“But the send-off is really just the lead-up to theSailport Games,” Beck explains, then begins pacing behind his chair. “It’s Sailport Bay versus Sailport, South Carolina, and having the ability to pick the theme is crucial. The winner from Sailport Bay then faces off against the winner of Sailport in the winter games, and Sailport has been trying to cheat their way into a win since I was a kid.”
Teddy groans. “Are you telling me we’re putting another workday on hold to finish a scavenger hunt? I love this town, don’t get me wrong, but we have a tight turnaround time here, Beck.”
“No, we’re not putting the workday on hold.” Beck grunts. “We’re going to kick ass at this scavenger hunt during the day and then work all night if we have to. The hunt changes daily for one week.”
I lift my brows at him.
“What?” he grumbles. “We can’t let Sailport win. They’re a bunch of cheaters.”
“Yeah, Dad. Come on. We have to win.” Seren grins and tugs on my arm.
I hold up my hands in surrender. “Rowan and I are leaving for New York this afternoon. The scavenger hunt is all you guys.”
Leo shakes his head, mumbling about shit to do, but then Kade pushes into his lap. “It’s okay if you’re not a winner, Uncle Leo. We’ll still love you.”
And just like that, the switch is flipped on my friend. “I know how to win, Kade,” Leo chuckles. “And since I’m on kid duty while your dad’s in New York, looks as though we’re going to have to win one for the team.”
Beck scoffs. “You’re not going to win.”
“Why not?”
The tension in the room builds as we watch a silent war break out between Leo and Beck, then, without warning, Beck slides his hand across the conference room table, sending papers and pens flying before he sprints from the room.
“Because I’m going to win the whole freaking thing this time,” he calls over his shoulder.
“I…” Stella snaps her mouth shut. “That’s the least Beck Hayes thing I’ve ever seen my husband do.”
“Give me your list, Row.” Leo snatches it from her hand and follows Beck outside with my kids in tow.
“What the heck was that?” Rowan asks, her shoulders shaking with laughter.
“I guess we still have a lot to learn about our new hometown.” I kiss her forehead before she can reply. “Let’s go talk to Lottie before we have to head to New York, Peach.”
“You’re sure Leo can handle the kids?”
“I know he can,” I say easily. “And if he can’t, Beck, Stella, and Tabby will be right there to back him up.”
Rowan’s eyes light up. “I love it here, Seb. It’s overwhelming and chaotic, but so full of love and happiness I never thought would be part of my life.”
“Peach.” My tone carries a thick thread of emotion. “The love and chaos are here for you today and all of your tomorrows.”
She buries her head in my chest, so I wrap my arms around her and hold her close.
“We should get back to the house,” I say, checking my watch. “Lottie will be there any minute.”
“I still don’t know what her plan is.”
