Free Harbour of Refuge by Aliyah Burke Page B

hadn’t been working. Each day in her presence made him respect her even more. She was funny, giving and she did have her small-town values, which he admired about her.
    Family was everything to her, and she always made a point to ask him how his was doing. They’d gone for dinner at Gio’s and it had been a joy to watch her interact with his niece and nephews. Jaydee seemed to like her, as well.
    He’d woken alone in his hotel room this morning with Halyn on his mind, as usual. This time, he’d thought of her with children. His children. Their children. He smiled at the thought then blew out a breath and ran his hand over his face.
    “Everything okay?” Gio asked him.
    “I don’t know. I can’t help but envision her with children.”
    Surprised when Gio didn’t laugh at him, he slanted his gaze to his older brother. Gio had a pensive expression.
    “What?”
    “Nothing. I just wondered when you would realise it.”
    Enzo frowned. “Realise what?”
    “This woman has come to mean something to you. And just so you have a heads-up, Mama knows.”
    “What? Why would you tell her that?”
    “Who said I told her anything?”
    “Jaydee wouldn’t, she doesn’t bother herself with gossip.”
    Staring at his wedding ring, Gio shrugged unrepentantly. “Perhaps you shouldn’t have answered the phone with her name when it was actually Mama on the line.”
    Damn, he’d forgotten about that. “And so of course she went to you and asked.”
    “She does know you’re here for your race. Figured you’d be staying with us. So, yes, she called.”
    “Do I want to know what you said?”
    Ahead of them, Halyn window-shopped, appearing entirely comfortable with them walking behind and talking. She looked as though she was in her own little world.
    “I told her she needed to talk to you. Don’t forget, you all showed up at Jaydee’s door and I wouldn’t want that for Halyn, especially if they find out she lives in this town and isn’t here for the festivities.”
    Enzo remembered that. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that he knew Jaydee, he felt bad. It had to have been hard for her when all of them descended on her as they had.
    “That is why you’re my favourite brother.”
    Gio snorted with disbelief. “Whatever.”
    They continued walking along the storefronts. His race was tomorrow, he’d already met with his team and had the afternoon off today. Gio had opted to come with them and walk around while Jaydee stayed home with the babies—she didn’t really care for this kind of thing.
    They meandered along and Enzo watched as Halyn talked to his brother with ease, continuing to browse. After noticing how often she looked at a necklace, he sent Gio on ahead and stayed back to purchase it as a gift for her. With the gift box comfortably in his pocket, he hastened to catch up.
    Halyn glanced over her shoulder at him with a smile. “Where’d you go?”
    “Wanted to look at something.” He reached out and brushed his knuckles over her cheek.
    That was it. She didn’t pry anymore. In fact, she went back to her conversation with Gio. He listened in, amused, as they talked about the differences between having siblings or not.
    They took a break to sit for some ice cream. He hardened as he watched her lick her treat off her plastic spoon and moan in delight. He shifted in the chair.
    “Good?” he asked.
    “Delicious. How’s yours?”
    He flicked a glance down at his waffle bowl full of chocolate mint ice cream with fudge drizzled on top. “Hits the spot.” He lifted his chin in her direction. “What’d you get?”
    In went another spoonful. Her eyes darkened and he swore he heard a rumbling purr escape from her throat.
    “Cake batter-flavoured yogurt with the sprinkles and chocolate-covered candies you see. Want to try it?”
    Immediately he leant forwards. “Please.”
    She offered him a bit and he took it. It slid down his throat smoothly. “Damn, that’s good.”
    “I know. I