Page 96 of The Romance Adventure

“They were sketchy, to say the least.”

He tells me about the court case and that he’s dropped it. “Mostly, I’m sorry I doubted you.”

“I wasn’t entirely innocent. I got caught up.” I explain the painting and the near forgery.

“I told you that your skills are impressive.”

“Only when used for good. Speaking of—” I ask about painting a mural at the Driftwood.

Gazes locked, Royal says, “You don’t even have to ask. The answer is yes, Isla. From now on, the answer is always yes.”

“Then can I have a kiss?”

His lips twitch with an amused smile and our mouths meet.

The kisses continue, on and off, for the next couple of days while we catalog what we’ve learned about the will and the crown, trying to make sense of the map fragment and the ship’s log book, but it’s not much to go on.

It’s like the tide remains slack, not rising or falling. No new information, just speculation and guesswork. Luckily, we don’t see Mr. Glandman again, and I hold off on committing to his mural project. I could be an asset if I gain access to the grounds over at Platinum Shores.

My vision for the Driftwood takes shape and I gather my supplies, but before I can head over to the site, I find a folded note on top of my box of brushes.

Unfolding it, I read the inked scrawl.

Lemons are yellow.

Flamingos are pink.

Meet me at seven for a sweet drink.

Xo R.M.

On the back is a little map with an X that marks the spot at Hidden Hammock Beach. I meet my beau over there just in time to watch the sunset. He’s wearing a suit and has bare feet, the perfect Royal McGregor combination, if you ask me.

Pink and yellow lemonade fizzers chill in the cooler. He’s quiet for a spell as the ship with the dark sails makes a bump in the otherwise smooth horizon. Taking my hand, he draws a deep breath. “Whatever happens next, will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. McGrumpy?”

I do a double-take because that’s not what I was expecting.

Our gazes meet. His eyes sparkle in the descending twilight. He blinks a few times, giving me a moment to recover from the shock of his question.

But there is only one answer. I say, “Only if you become Mr. Sunshine.”

“Not sure I can pull that off, but for you, I’ll try.” Royal opens a box with a silver ring inside. A pearl surrounded by baguette diamonds sits in a vintage filigree band.

“I’ll say yes to our happily ever after, but you had me at the hiccup.” I wink.

“Do I want to know what that is?”

“You did something to my heart, Mr. McMuffin.”

“You captured mine, Strawberry Shortcake.”

“Was it love at first sight?” I ask, recalling the conversation with Allie and Gina.

“It was something at first sight,” he says with a laugh.

Royal slides the engagement ring on my finger. Turning to me, our eyes meet. “Isla, you’re better than an adrenaline rush, closing a deal, or discovering treasure. You are my future and I love you. I don’t want to just give you a good enough life. Together, we will have a great life.”

With a half smile, I say, “Define great.”