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"What was that about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Nothing you should concern yourself with," he replied, a bit too dismissively for my liking.
"Don’t fucking patronize me," I hissed, the tension finally boiling over.
"You have enough to worry about tomorrow. You don’t need this too."
"What don’t I need?" I pressed, my patience wearing thin.
"They found Jonah."
I gasped. "Where? Is he alive?"
"He’s alive, but a little worse for wear. I told them to hold him on Fox Island."
I groaned, frustration and worry mixing into a heavy knot in my stomach. "I’m sorry, but I don’t want your brother disturbing our honeymoon."
"He’s staying in the employee’s quarters. He’ll return with us, and then I'll figure out what to do with him."
"Jonah doesn’t listen, and I don’t want to be restricted on our honeymoon."
Oliver grinned, leaning closer. "You mean you don’t want him to see you naked in the moonlight?" he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
"Maybe," I said softly, twisting my napkin in my lap. "I just don't need you to be upset by him."
Oliver reached across the table, gently taking my hand. "Security will keep an eye on him. We already have four agents there. He isn't going anywhere."
I exhaled, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. "Good. Let him stay on his part of the island. I want to enjoy my time with you without distraction."
A warm smile spread across Oliver's face. "And there will be none. Wait until you see the house. I had a few things done so we can tour the island easier."
My eyes lit up at the thought. "I want to skinny dip in the lagoon," I whispered, leaning in close.
Oliver's thumb traced circles on my palm. "We will. I promise that and more."
He leaned in, placing a soft kiss on my lips before returning to his meal. I set my fork down, draining the last of my champagne. An attentive waiter appeared almost instantly to refill my flute.
My gaze drifted around the room, taking in the sight of our friends and family enjoying the evening. My parents were taking turns holding Teagan, and a pang of sadness hit me as I thought of my father's absence. Anders and my mother would be walking me down the aisle tomorrow in his stead.
"Ryleigh?" Oliver's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I blinked, focusing on his concerned expression. "Sorry, I was thinking."
"About your father?" he asked gently.
My eyebrows rose in surprise. "How did you know?"
A sad smile played on his lips. "I just did."
I studied his face, noting the flicker of emotion in his eyes. "You've been thinking about your parents?"
Oliver nodded, his voice soft. "Yes. They would've loved to see me married. I was a bit of a player when I was a teenager. They thought I would be a bachelor my entire life."
"You were only nineteen when they died," I reminded him, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
"And never had a steady girlfriend," he added with a rueful chuckle.
I tilted my head, curiosity getting the better of me. "Did you ever, even before me?"
