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I hang up before she can argue with me and stow my tools in the mudroom before heading to my truck.
I’m sick and tired of June avoiding me, but I wasn’t lying when I told her I haven’t seen my parents much since they got to town. We were supposed to all have dinner last night, but I ended up working late on a project across town, so I couldn’t make it.
It’s been a cold week in Huckleberry Bay. The town decorations are all up, and the garland and lights make everything feel festive as I drive toward the lighthouse.
When I pull to a stop in front of the inn, I whistle long and slow. “Holy shit. The elves have been damn busy.”
Red bows and garland are draped across the front of the building. The old Ford that we found in the barn and had restored is parked under the portico, a small wreath hanging on the grill. It looks like something off a postcard.
Once I walk inside, I find several tall Christmas trees, fully decorated with thousands of ornaments, and lanterns sit on each step leading up the staircase.
“Did Sarah paint this?” I ask Luna as she walks in from the kitchen. She looks up at the painting I’m pointing at. It’s of the inn decorated for the holidays, and Luna lights up with pride and happiness.
“Yes, isn’t it perfect for the holidays?”
“It’s beautiful,” I confirm. “How’s it going in here?”
“Better than I expected, actually. Mom and Dad have been a huge help. We’re right on track with everything. What are you up to?”
“I came to see Mom and Dad and to check in with June.”
“Why would you need to check in with June?” she asks.
Well, no better time than the present, I guess. “Because she and I are…together.”
Her eyebrows climb, but she doesn’t look shocked.
“And you already knew that.”
“I kind of figured it out. I love it, by the way. My best friend and my brother? Hell yes.”
“Where is she?”
“Oh, she just left. Said she had some errand to run or something.”
I huff out a breath and rake a hand through my hair.
“Did you give her a heads-up that you were headed this way?”
“Unfortunately. She’s been avoiding me, and I’m ready to shake some sense into her.”
“I think she’s been really busy, Apollo. Honest.” She bites her lip, and before I can ask any questions, my dad walks into the room.
“Luna, I love these old lighthouse magazines that you have sitting out in the library. They’re fascinating—oh, hi, son. Come on in and sit with me in the library.”
“You know what? I think I will. Where can I find a cup of coffee?”
“There’s some on the sideboard in the dining room.” Luna gestures to her right. “There are muffins and scones in there, too. Help yourself.”
I do just that. Armed with fresh coffee and sugar, I follow my dad into the library, which has an incredible view of the ocean. We sit in the leather chairs that face the floor-to-ceiling window, giving us an unblocked view of the waves below.
“How do you feel after your trip yesterday?” I bite into a scone and glance at Dad, who’s watching me with a big grin on his face. “What?”
“You look frustrated. It must be a woman.”
“I—” I laugh and take another bite of scone. “Yeah, I’m frustrated over a woman.”
“They’re clever beings, aren’t they?”
