Waves spread across the crescent beach. Only Regan, Kylee, Lara, and Colby were on the island now. Even the honeymooners had gone adventuring to other places in the Caribbean. The information that Regan had dumped on Colby, in reference to what he could do with his island, had clearly left him stunned.

Regan spread her toes in the sand again as Colby’s perplexed face studied her and Kylee.

“You know this is what she does, right?” Kylee asked. “She’s up for this huge job at this incredible high-end resort on Lake Michigan. Regan’s a big deal.”

“I believe it,” he said. “So…If this were your island, where would you start? You’ve given me a ton of ideas, but where do I start?”

Right. Because she was kind of dating, or at least kissing, a man who owned an island in the Bahamas…Colby, who was still the kind boy she remembered, turned gorgeous entrepreneur. “Re-painting the Harbor House. It’s the first thing people see when they come. Also, the signs at the Harbor House and along the pathways are childlike, and the colors are—”

“Loud, Caribbean colors,” he finished.

“And that’s a very cool cultural feature, but if you soften it a little for Westerners, or for people who spend money, you’ll get more people coming here.” She tugged at her braid. “Like you did with the small cabins Kylee and I are staying in.”

“And then what?”

“The mini-kitchens are great, but you need a restaurant.”

The look on Colby’s face said he already knew as much.

“You know you can build the facility, and I bet you could take applications from people who would love to run a restaurant on an island out here.” Her mind was already spinning as to names she’d heard, or places either of them could check or advertise. “But because this place is such an excellent spot for kids, I’d keep the menu delicious but simple, and really own the idea that this is a one-stop paradise wonderland.”

Colby nodded. “I feel so lost with this end of things, you know?”

“There’s a lot to consider,” she agreed. “You need to come up with a hashtag or two that’s just for this island, so when people post their pictures on social media, possible customers would be able to see.”

“This is something I feel like I should know.”

Kylee slipped down until she was lying on her back in the sand, her hat covering most of her face. “I’m still here,” she said, “just too tired to participate. I don’t know how anyone is pregnant in this heat.”

But the excitement of putting together a place from scratch, like Colby was doing, had Regan’s mind spinning over the possibilities.

“You have a star-gazing platform, snorkeling, sharks, pathways…”

“There’s a cave on the far side that has quite a few bats. Under the star-gazing platform.”

“See? I still think this lends itself to a family-friendly place. You could even go big and try all-inclusive, but you need more rooms for that.”

“I need workers and plans and…”

“And no matter how much money you have in your bank account, you need to be watching your costs. It’s amazing how quickly things can add up.” Discussing possiblities for a vacation island was on Regan’s bucket-list of things she hoped to accomplish, she just never dreamed it might come about in this way.

“And you get paid to do this for people, huh?” Colby asked.

Regan flipped her braid over her shoulder. “I love it. I sorta fell into it after using a hotel management class to fulfill a general education requirement, and…”

“And here you are,” he finished for her.

“Here I am.” She shrugged again. “I’ve been working at a spectacular spot in Chicago, but with any luck, I’ll get the job managing the exclusive Hunter Club up the east side of the lake.”

Regan pulled her hat off the sand and rested it on her head to shade her face. She leaned back on her elbows and Colby did the same.

His fingers ran over hers, sending shivers up her arm.

“My trip here ends in five days,” spilled out of her mouth. Because she had a mother with MS, and a little sister who was a junior in high school, and hopefully a dream job.

Colby kissed her shoulder but didn’t say anything.

If Colby were still in Chicago, this might be the start of something really incredible.

Regan stretched her tan legs in front of her on the bed.

“I still can’t get over the fact that you’re dating a guy who owns an island.” Kylee tucked her knees up and re-situated her pillow before lying back down.

Mindlessly scrolling through her phone was the only distraction Regan could find—only her Facebook feed wasn’t helping. At least half of it was Matt and LaChelle’s wedding.

“I’m not sure you can call what we’re doing dating,” Regan said. He was far too tied to her for a casual fling, but their lives weren’t headed in similar geographical directions.

Curling her knees even tighter, Kylee sighed. “Still, I will say that it’s not the worst thing that I’m so tired all the time. It means you two have more alone time.” She waggled her brows.

Fortunately, a ping from Regan’s phone saved her from answering Kylee’s questions. “My sister.” Regan held up her phone and Kylee nodded in understanding that she may need a few minutes.

Sydney: Did you know that Colby bought an island?

Regan: I found out a few days ago, yeah.

Sydney: Are you freaking out?

Regan: A little. How did you find out?

Sydney: Um, I googled him when I saw the pictures and remembered you two had a date.

Regan: You make it a habit to stalk guys I date?

Sydney: Every single time.

Regan: You’re a creep.

Sydney: I’m ignoring the hate, sis. So, how was your date? *waggles brows

Regan: It was a wedding date, which barely counts.

Sydney: A DESTINATION wedding date.

Regan: I’m sharing a room with a very tired, pregnant, Kylee. So, the destination part means very little.

Aside from getting very nice views of Colby.

Sydney: So, he’s changed since you were in high school, huh?

Understatement of the year. Well, physically, anyway.

Regan: a bit.

Sydney: I’m going to assume, since you’re being vague, that you LIKE HIM

Regan: Did I ever tell you that little sisters are annoying?

Sydney: Oh, and Mom’s fine, so I thought you should know.

Regan’s heart flipped. Had her mom had an episode or a bad day or something?

Regan: What do you mean Mom’s fine?

Sydney: That she’ll be coming home soon

Regan: IS MOM IN THE HOSPITAL?

Sydney: Crap. Dad asked me not to tell you. So yes, but she’s coming home tomorrow, and she’s FINE. And please don’t say anything to Dad because I promised!

People with multiple sclerosis weren’t fine—especially when that person was Regan’s mother.

Regan: I can come home early.

Sydney: Mood.

Regan: What does that mean?

Sydney: It means that I can tell from here that you’re far too worried for the situation and over-thinking.

Regan: Sometimes I hate that you’re in therapy.

Sydney: Bella’s calling! Gotta run!

“What’s that look?” Kylee asked, her eyes already fluttering and fighting sleep.

Instead of answering, Regan skimmed over the messages with her sister again.

“Regan?”

“Mom,” Regan answered. “Hospital again.”

Kylee frowned. “Sorry.”

Regan immediately started messaging her mom. Sydney would be forgiven for letting her mom’s hospitalization slip, and Regan wasn’t even going to attempt sleep without talking to her mom.