His laugh was low, intimate. “Maybe. But some things never change.”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Should I be worried you’ll start color-coding your dive schedules next?”
Eli’s eyes met mine, and in that moment, I saw a depth of emotion that took my breath away. It was as if all our shared history, all the battles and misunderstandings and eventual understanding, were reflected in that single look.
“Nah,” he murmured. “I think I’ll leave the spreadsheets to you. But maybe I’m starting to see the appeal of looking ahead a bit more.”
My heart swelled, and my eyes grew misty as I scooted closer. “Well, as long as that future includes plenty of poorly roasted marshmallows and private classroom sessions, I think we’ll be just fine.”
From the far side, Braden picked up a log and tossed it into the flames. The fire sent up an explosion of sparks, making me jump and ending the moment between Eli and me.
Lacing his fingers between his knees, Braden focused on Chase. “So when are you planning to start waving that magic wand of yours over our beloved resort?”
The architect laughed. “Magic wand? I think you’re confusing me with Harry Potter.”
“You know what I mean. The renovations.”
Helen, who’d been quietly observing our banter, leaned forward. “I have to admit, I’m rather eager to see what you have in store for us, Chase.”
My heart warmed at Helen’s words. Her presence asshe sat between Finn and Braden, her genuine interest in the project, showed exactly how far we’d all come.
Chase straightened, his posture a perfect blend of confidence and professional precision. “I’m still looking at places to set up shop, but the Sunset Siesta renovation plans are already in development.”
“So what’s the timeline?” Austin asked from Chase’s other side. Always watchful and quiet, if not a little grumpy, the fishing captain doled out words like carefully tended lines, casting them only when the moment was right.
“Measured,” Chase emphasized, a hint of playful sarcasm threading through his professional demeanor. “Let’s not rush anything. We want to preserve the resort’s character while bringing it into the twenty-first century. It’s a delicate balance. But I promise we’ll be starting soon.”
I appreciated his deliberate approach. Numbers and strategy were my love language, after all.
“Look at you, all grown up and responsible,” Eli teased, but the respect in his voice came through clearly.
“I think that sounds perfectly reasonable, Chase,” Helen added. We’ve waited this long. A bit more patience won’t hurt us.”
Harper finished her s’more, then her gaze drifted to Chase. “We’re all looking forward to seeing you around more often. Just like old times, except you and Eli are all grown up now.”
Their eyes met—a lingering moment that made the firelight seem to shimmer differently. Curiosity pricked at the edges of my awareness, but I’d learned enough about family dynamics to know when not to pry.
Austin turned his attention to Eli and me, and a mischievous smile broke through his serious expression. “So, looks like the workplace romance thing is working out pretty well.”
Eli took a seated bow. “Remarkably well with the new policy in effect.”
Helen’s laugh was knowing, a sound that suggested she was several steps ahead of everyone else. “A new policy for a new age. Department heads now have full discretion in these matters.”
Eli’s chest rumbled with laughter. “The only problem is that I’m one of those department heads in question.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” I said as I bumped him with my elbow.
Helen raised a finger. “Now, Eli, I think you’re forgetting something important here.”
Eli cocked an eyebrow. “Oh? And what’s that?”
“Your authority extends to the dive operation.” Helen paused, her amused eyes darting between us. “You might be in charge there, but in personal matters, I have a feeling that might not be the case.”
Bursting into laughter, I held up my can of beer to her. “I’ll drink to that!”
As the conversation drifted to other topics, I soaked in the comfort of Eli’s presence. The crackling fire, the laughter of his family—our family—all faded into a pleasant background hum.
I leaned in close, my lips brushing his ear. “So your place or mine tonight?”
