Rory leaned on the balcony rail of their stateroom as the cruise ship sailed through the Caribbean just before sunset. She closed her eyes and breathed in the salt air as a gentle breeze blew through her hair. Will joined her, carrying two glasses of wine. He handed one to her and held up his glass. “To a great honeymoon.”

She clinked the glass and took a sip. “This has been perfect, Will. Marrying a great guy at the same time my best friends get hitched. All traveling together. I can’t imagine anything better. And it’s so beautiful here. Getting to enjoy this weather during December is a real treat.”

“But...”

“It’s the last night of the cruise and while I’ve enjoyed it a great deal I’m ready to go home.”

“You miss Hemingway, don’t you.”

“Of course I miss him. I’ve never been away from him for an entire week.”

“At least he’s not lonely being with his siblings.”

“God only knows what those four cats have done to Madison’s house.”

“Well, you’ll see him tomorrow.”

“I, uh, kinda already saw him. Did a Skype call with the cat sitter. I thought he’d like it if he could see me and hear my voice.”

“How did he react?”

“He knew it was me every time.”

“Every time? How many times did you call?”

She looked down for a moment. “Uh, well... just once a day.”

“I hope you miss me as much when I have to travel.”

“Who said I’m allowing you to travel without me? Sorry, your days of being in a hotel alone are over. Especially after what I saw at the pool this past week.”

He furrowed his brow. “What happened at the pool?”

“Every time you got up and went somewhere, every damn woman at the pool stared at you and that incredible body of yours. Why do you think I made you put on the wedding ring when we went swimming?”

Will shrugged. “Fine. I’ll stop working out and put on twenty pounds.”

“Like hell you will.” She turned toward him and slid her arms around his waist. “Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you can let yourself go. I will be making a thorough search for an ounce of fat on a regular basis.”

He wrapped his arms around her neck. “Speaking of not gaining weight, I had no idea you could put away so much food. I mean, I’ve had dinner with you enough to know you have a good appetite, but with all the unlimited food on a cruise, it’s like you’re in some feeding frenzy.”

“High metabolism. And I’ve had a way to burn off all those trips to the buffet.” She slid her hands down into his back pockets and gave him a squeeze. Her eyebrows did a little jump.

“In that case, let’s both get a job on a cruise ship.” He looked at his watch. “Hey, speaking of food, it’s just about time for your evening feeding. Let’s go to dinner.”

“Oh, I almost forgot. We got a couple of great emails. Skylar and that guy you fixed her up with are really hitting it off and they’re going to be exclusive.”

“I thought they were a good match. What was the other email?”

“It was from Savannah. She and Brett got engaged!”

“Wow, that’s great. They’re so good together.”

“And I told her she couldn’t quit even though she’s marrying a rich guy. Need her around to make sure you don’t fall off the wagon.”

***

RORY AND HER FRIENDS practically burst into Madison’s house, excited to see their fur babies after a week. “Hemingway? Where are you?”

The cat came running toward her from the kitchen. She picked him up and hugged him hard as he immediately began to purr. “I missed you, tiger.”

Will came up behind her and scratched the cat’s head. “He looks happy to see you. How you doin’, buddy?”

“I’m sure he’s happy to see you as well.”

Madison, Tish and A.J. came toward them, each carrying their cats. “By the way, you guys ever decide whose house you’re gonna live in?” asked Madison.

Rory nodded. “We did.”

“And...”

“It’s up to the cat.”

A.J. furrowed her brow. “I don’t understand.”

“Well, we’re going to use one house for both our ad agencies and live in the other.”

“We know that part,” said Tish. “How is the cat going to decide?”

“We’re going to bring him over to my place for a few days,” said Will. “See if he likes it better. I do have a screened porch, bay windows and the house gets more sun.”

“Every cat’s dream,” said Madison.

Rory looked at her cat. “But for now, we’re at my place. He’s got enough adjusting to do with Will being around every day.”

Will rolled his eyes. “I think it’s the other way around. I’m the one who has to adjust. I have to share my bride with a cat. But Hemingway and I will work it out.”

***

RORY SLID UNDER THE covers and ran her hand through Will’s hair. “Hey, first night here as husband and wife.”

“Yeah, guess so.” He stifled a yawn.

She put out her lower lip in a pout. “You’re too tired?”

“While air travel does tend to wipe me out, I’m not that tired.”

She flashed a big smile. “Excellent. You just relax and let Rory do all the work.” She leaned forward to kiss him but Hemingway jumped on the bed and got between them.

Will laughed as he started to pet the cat. “Is this his way of saying the honeymoon is over?”

“Sweetie, if it’s up to me, the honeymoon will never end. However, you will have to share me.”