Free Waterfront Weddings by Annalisa Daughety Page A

to make a phone call, and Luke here was checking on his wife.” He gestured upstairs. “I think she’s in her room.”
    Thomas clasped Jefferson on the back. “Mitch is looking for you.” He jerked his chin toward the french doors. “I think he wants to challenge you to a game of horseshoes.”
    “I’m never one to back down from a challenge.” Jefferson shot a parting look at Luke and walked out of the room.
    Luke raked his fingers through his hair, suddenly uncomfortable at being left alone with his father-in-law. “Thanks for having us over,” he said finally.
    Thomas looked at him with eyes that looked remarkably like his daughter’s. “I wish you and Summer would visit more often.”
    Luke stood silently. In the months since Bobby’s accident, Summer’s dad had reached out to him numerous times. And each time, he’d rebuffed. Those memories from when he and Summer had first met, and how her parents had disapproved of him, stung too much. If he hadn’t been good enough then, he wasn’t good enough now. “We stay pretty busy. Summer’s business really picks up about this time of year, and it’s hard for her to find a free weekend.”
    Thomas took a sip of his drink. “Well, you’re welcome even if she can’t make it. I’m always looking for a fishing partner.”
    A laugh caught in Luke’s throat. All these years, and Thomas wanted to be friends now? Too little too late. Same as his own dad. “I appreciate the offer. Maybe we’ll do that one of these days.”
    The words seemed to placate Thomas. “Is Summer not feeling well? I saw Mother go after her.” He frowned. “That woman has a sixth sense when it comes to one of her children or grandchildren being sick.”
    So her exit hadn’t been as unnoticed as he’d hoped. “I think she’s just hot. And tired.” He shook his head. “And she hasn’t eaten anything yet.” He forced a smile. “Bad combo.”
    Thomas nodded. “She needs to take better care of herself.” He sighed. “Well, remember my offer. You have my number. If you ever have a free Saturday, I’d love to hit the water.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Not a chance
.
    An hour later, Luke had made small talk with several of Summer’s relatives and family friends.
    Alone.
    He hated this kind of thing, but he forced a smile and turned on the charm.
    “Please drag my sister away from work one night, and let’s all go out to dinner,” Summer’s younger sister, Chloe, trilled. “Preston and I love Fig. We go there all the time, and I always say, ‘We should ask Summer and Luke to meet us here,’ because, you know, it isn’t far from where you live.” She paused for a breath. “And I’m thinking of getting Summer to help plan my baby shower. The big one, you know, the main one. Like the one that will be more of an event. Not just a tea or something, but a real sit-down dinner and celebration of our good news.”
    Luke watched her mouth, wondering how such a tiny person could use so many words in such a short time. Listening to her exhausted him. He glanced over at her husband, Preston. The man watched her adoringly and hung on to her every word.
It takes all kinds
. “I’m pretty sure that Summer is booked for a while.” The last thing his wife needed was to have to plan her sister’s baby shower. Not now.
    Preston put an arm around Chloe. “We’ll make sure you have the biggest, most fantastic baby shower this city has ever seen.” He pulled her close and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Anything for my girl.”
    Chloe giggled like a teenager on her first date.
    Luke fought to keep from rolling his eyes. “Great to see you guys.” He jerked his chin toward the house. “I’m going to see if Summer’s ready to go.”
    Thirty minutes later, he and Summer finally climbed into their SUV. She leaned her head against the seat. “Man. What a day.” She glanced at him. “Sorry I left you to navigate the party alone.” She reached over and patted his knee.
    He