Picture Perfect: A Somerset Harbor Novel (Cargill Brothers Book 3) by Charlotte Byrd & Ronan Byrd

Author:Charlotte Byrd & Ronan Byrd [Byrd, Charlotte & Byrd, Ronan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Byrd Books, LLC
Published: 2023-07-29T16:00:00+00:00

17

Rowan

The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of fresh seafood and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. As guests arrive at my parents’ sprawling oceanfront estate, they are greeted by the sight of a lavish tent adorned with twinkling lights and rustic wooden tables, all set against the backdrop of the vast, shimmering sea. In Somerset, the Cargill family clam bake is the best way to cap off the summer.

“This happens every year?” Autumn asks when we walk in.

I smile and nod. “Yep. Every summer.”

Servers in crisp white uniforms move gracefully around the party, carrying trays of ice-cold champagne and serving platters of succulent lobster, steaming clams, and plump mussels, all freshly caught and cooked to perfection. The scent of melted butter and lemon zest hangs thick in the air, and the sounds of laughter and chatter fill the space as guests indulge in the luxurious feast.

When the sun sets over the water, a live band takes the stage, playing a lively mix of traditional sea shanties and upbeat contemporary tunes that has guests of all ages tapping their feet and swaying to the rhythm. The dance floor soon becomes a lively hub of activity, with guests twirling and spinning under the stars.

In addition to my entire family, a hundred of my parents’ nearest and dearest are in attendance. To avoid suspicion, we part ways for a little bit and mingle with the crowd. Quickly, I find myself surrounded by my brothers—all except Parker—and the usual jokes get told about the usual people. It’s easy for me to tune them out until Brooks says, “Good turnout.”

“Yeah,” I agree, but then ask, “Why are you wearing a lapel mic?” It’s pinned to the collar of his polo shirt.

Ignoring my question, he peers across the crowd. “I wish Parker were here.”

Sawyer and I frown at each other. “You do?”

“He should be here for this.”

“He should be around for a lot of things,” Sawyer says, “but we’re used to him being gone all the time. What’s so special about today?”

Brooks smirks. “This.” He gives a nod to the DJ, who switches the song to You’re All I Need To Get By. Sawyer and I share another look as Brooks snakes through the crowd. Brooks speaks on the mic over the lowered music, “Good afternoon, everyone. I wanted to take a moment today to share a few thoughts.” The crowd simmers down and watches as he hones in on his target. “Summer is a fleeting thing. And the end of summer always leaves me a little sad because it means winter is coming. But today, I have no idea what’s coming, and for once in my buttoned up, stuffy, well-planned life, I’m excited for the unknown.”

He stops when he reaches his girlfriend, Zoe, and off to the side, I notice Autumn standing by. With a smile plastered on Zoe’s face, she quietly asks Brooks, “What are you doing?”

“Zoe, in all my life, I never would have thought I could be as happy as I am with you.

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