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Hunter wanted to small talk, but all he could think about was Cheryse and stupid Roger.
“You good?” Trey asked him.
All the men exchanged looks.
“I’m good,” Hunter said.
Marshall laughed and assessed Hunter’s supplies. “I brought a flashlight. We can actually make this into a tripod.” He demonstrated what the flashlight app could do.
“Awesome.” Hunter appreciated that Marshall had thought of it.
Suddenly, the whir of a helicopter rumbled in the air.
“What the crap?” Trey asked as he moved out of the garage.
Hunter couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Brooks was hanging out of the helicopter, hoisting a Stone family flag with the crest of the conquistador on it. At first, Hunter thought that might be Oliver Browne’s helicopter, but it was government issued.
Marshall roared out a laugh. “That’s one of my Night Stalker buds, PJ McConnell.”
Hunter had to laugh. He loved his family so much.
Marshall moved out into the street and guided the helicopter down. A whirlwind ensued as everyone took turns hugging Brooks. Brooks explained that he couldn’t be left out of this last treasure hunt. Serenity was with him as well.
Dramatically, Brooks offered the Stone family flag to Trey. “I thought we could fly this flag at the inn tonight.”
All the women came rushing out of the house.
There was a bunch of ruckus as they watched Trey pass off baby Trey to Ava and ceremoniously take the Stone family flag from Brooks.
As they walked with Trey to the front of the inn, he grinned at all of them and pointed to the United States flag. “In the Stone house, we never put any flag above our country’s flag. That’s why I have another spot for other flags. I thought when I installed the second one, I might hang up a SEAL flag or one for the rest of you guys to honor your service.” He blinked, and he and Ava exchanged smiles. “Ava thought she might put up different beach flags to symbolize different months or holidays. But now I know what that second flag holder was for: our family flag.”
Ceremoniously, he put the flag in the holder.
There was a minute of awed silence. Then they all clapped, and Hunter moved into a group hug with them.
They had to find the treasure tonight. They had to find it for Trent.
Maybe it was idiotic, but Hunter missed Cheryse. He didn’t want to think about that, though. Didn’t want to think about her and Roger.
Out of nowhere, a car pulled into the driveway. He turned, surprised and delighted to see that it was Cheryse’s car. He broke away from the group as she cut the engine and pushed open the door.
“Hey, you’re not leaving without a kiss, are you?” she teased. She pulled out a big present for the baby shower.
Hunter didn’t know what was going on or what had happened with Roger, but like a moth to a flame, he pulled her into his arms. Maybe it was stupid, but he would take this woman in whatever way he could have her, even if it was only for the treasure. Hunter searched her face. There was something different in her eyes, and it gave him hope. “What happened?”
She broke into a big smile. “I did your whole ‘laugh at the moon’ insanity.”
He had no idea what she was talking about, but he had to grin at the lightness in her expression.
“It’s over with Roger.”
He searched her face. “Are you okay?”
She turned serious. “I told him the truth, and it was horrible. I’ve been blind for so long. I thought I wanted a man like Roger—someone who looked good to everyone else, someone who had a great career, someone who was stable.”
Hunter didn’t know where she was going with this, but she was in his arms, so he figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. “What happened?”
She leaned in and gently pressed her lips to his. “I threw back my head and laughed like a crazy person.” She winked at him. “Plus, I realized I kind of like this soon-to-be pastor with a patch on his eye.”
