This hadn’t been an issue until Seamus decided to take a cart for a spin and ended up in the pond.
“You’re lookin’ sharp, Dee,” Aislinn commented as she puttered around, cool as a pint on a rainy day, even though she was catering lunch for fifty bodies, most of themfamous as feck.
For the occasion, I put on a blazer over my jeans and T-shirt. I thought that looked formal enough for Ballybeg.
Jax said I could wear what I want. “Wear a bikini if it makes you happy.”
“In this weather? I’ll catch a cold.”
I tugged at the hem of my jacket, pacing near the edge of the old barn, which was now the clubhouse with a bar.
“Dee.”
I turned at the sound of Jax’s voice.
His easy smile still made my heart stutter.
He was ridiculously delicious in his golf attire—crisp navy polo, khaki pants, and a cap that made him look even more annoyingly handsome.
“Maybe a quick tumble would make me feel better,” I muttered.
He laughed. “I’m game if you are.”
I glowered at him. “We don’t have the time.”
“Darlin’ Dee, stop pacing.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “You’re going to wear a hole in the grass.”
“I’m not pacing,” I protested petulantly.
He raised an eyebrow. “You are.”
“Fine,” I snapped, glaring at him. “So, I’m a bit scared, okay?”
“Scared of what?”
“Everything! What if?—”
“Nothing’s going to go wrong,” he cut meoff. “You’ve done an amazing job, Wildcat. Everyone’s here because of you.”
“That’s not true. They’re here because ofyou.”
“They’re here because ofus.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Now stop worrying and enjoy it. You’ve earned it.”
I rolled my eyes. “Alright. But if Seamus drives the cart into the pond, you’re dealing with it.”
“I think that’s Ronan’s problem.” He then tilted his head. “I know it fucks up the cart and all that, but you can’t put a price on the entertainment value of Seamus screaming ‘Yippee ki yay, motherfucker’as he takes on the pond.”
Laughter bubbled inside me and spilled out. And just like that, Jax Caldwell did what he was so good at doing, which was making me feel better.
My fears had been unfounded.
By midday, the course was buzzing with activity.
Players were scattered across the greens, laughing and cheering as they teed off.
Volunteers from the village manned refreshment stations, serving tea and sandwiches to anyone who wandered past.
Geraldine was walking around like she was the Queen with Poppy in her arms.
