Chapter 24

“Looks like your future bride is coming this way. Good luck, man.”

“You’re such an ass. She’s not my bride,” He grumbled as he pulled his hoodie over his head.

Walking down the beach to meet her, Hunter watched as Ava walked alongside the waterline, never allowing the waves to touch her feet. The look in her eyes as she looked at the water, showed she wanted to feel it cascade over her, but fear consumed her. He knew that feeling all too well himself, on a different level, but fear was fear. All-consuming and life-altering.

Waving at him, she ran over, asking, “Where’d you go? I woke up, and you were gone.”

“I went to grab us some breakfast at the main clubhouse. I was just heading back. I got us some donuts and juice. Then I took a short stop here to watch the sunrise and got distracted.”

Looking over the water, Ava smiled. “It’s beautiful.”

“It is. I miss being in the sun. Let’s head back to the bungalow and eat before I get burned. I forgot to put on my sunscreen.”

Quietly, they ma