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But their lingering silence was unexpected. Lea didn’t realize how deeply their unhappiness with her went. Right then and there she promised herself that she’d never do something like that with her child. A love fiercer than she’d ever known came over her. She wouldn’t let anyone or anything come between her and her child.
“Hey. Hello.” Popi waved at Lea to get her attention. “What has you so deep in thought?”
Lea gave herself a mental shake. “Sorry. What did you say?”
“I stopped by to ask if you wanted to go over the plans for the upcoming wedding.”
These weddings weren’t just your normal weddings. They were dreams brought to life. And in some cases, they took a lot of construction.
“Remind me of the details?”
Popi gave her a strange look. “It isn’t like you to forget details.”
Lea sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”
“You mean that tall, sexy guy sharing your bungalow has you distracted.”
Lea frowned at her friend. “I meant the business.”
Though Popi was partially right. When Lea wasn’t thinking about what to do with the island, her mind was on Xander and how every time he kissed her, it felt like the first time. She lost touch with reality and her feet no longer touched the earth.
Popi nodded in understanding. “Have you eaten lunch yet?”
Lea shook her head. Ever since she’d heard there was another buyer interested in the island, she’d been utterly distracted. As much as she loved the island, if she found a buyer that loved it as much as she did and was capable of fixing it up the way it should be, Lea knew the right thing would be to turn the island over. It would be what was best for everyone. Wouldn’t it?
Popi signaled for her to join her. “Come on. Our babies would probably appreciate the nourishment.”
Lea arched a brow at Popi. She was worried her friend was going to get too attached to her niece or nephew and have a hard time handing it over to its parents. Popi assured her that wouldn’t happen but it didn’t keep Lea from worrying. Lea couldn’t imagine ever parting with the little one inside her.
“Stop worrying,” Popi said. “I’m not getting attached.”
“Uh-huh.” Lea didn’t believe her and she doubted that Popi believed her own words.
“I’m serious. I know this is my niece or nephew. And...and I’m glad I won’t be the one stumbling around in the middle of the night with a crying baby.”
As they made their way to the nearby café, Popi changed the subject. “So, what are your plans?”
Lea’s eyes lit up with interest. “Plans for what?”
“Mr. Hot & Sexy. Are you going to ride off into the sunset with him?”
“No. Of course not.” Although he had asked her to marry him. But he hadn’t really meant it. It had sounded more like a business proposition than anything else. Not wanting to talk about Xander and all of her mixed-up emotions where he was concerned, she said, “But I do have news.”
“Spill it.”
“I have an interested buyer for the island. And I think this woman has real potential to be the right fit. We talked on the phone this morning for quite some time. She had so many questions. She was interested in all aspects of the island.”
Popi paused outside the café. A worried look came over her face. “After walking away from your life—from your family—to claim your heritage, are you ready to give it up so quickly?”
“I have to do what is best.”
“Best for whom?”
Lea’s gaze met her friend’s. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure whoever buys the island keeps the staff. You don’t have to worry. I’ll make it part of the sales agreement.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about, but thank you.”
The meeting with the potential buyer was in the morning. After Xander had been so reckless in front of her other potential buyers, she wasn’t about to tell him about this one. But she needed to make sure he was distracted.
“Would you mind if Xander helped you with some of the reception details?” Lea asked.
