Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

43 - Pasts

The plan for Tate's second bachelorette party was slightly better than her first one. It was smaller, but they liked it that way. Doyle limited the guest list to Ivy, and Dani. Jimmy's cousin Shaun wasn't available, and Sofia wasn't close enough to Tate. Doyle was just getting to know her.

The day was sunny as Philip motored the boat out of the Marina. "We'll head north towards Cape Ann."

The girls sunbathed and enjoyed the view. Tate, who loved to sail, wore a permanent smile. They started the day with mimosas and enjoyed straight champagne with their lunch.

Philip was relaxed as he joined them. "A toast to my Tate and Jimmy. Honey, I know he loves you."

Glasses clinked, and the girls giggled. Doyle smiled at her father. Some men were sporty and rugged and got on with sons. Philip enjoyed his girls as much as his boys. Giggles and hugs didn't send him running. He left after returning the boat to the marina. For a moment, Doyle wondered if he was going home or using them as an alibi.

"Okay, with Dad gone we can make some decisions. Tate, do you want a slumber party on the boat, like old times?"

She smiled. "Yes. Are we having hot dogs?"

Doyle laughed. "No, we can either go out or order delivery."

"Delivery. I don't want to get dressed up."

Doyle frowned. "You planned a Vegas weekend for Ivy and I planned this."

"It's perfect. I love sailing. Where are the guys? Vegas?"

"No. They went to Saint Thomas to Whitby's house." Dani rattled off the details.

"Dani, did you plan it?" Ivy asked.

"Only a few details. They're having a laid back weekend."

"With the beach." Doyle frowned.

"Get your boyfriend to take you, Doyle." Ivy giggled.

Dani looked at her. "What boyfriend?"

Tate said, "Her muscular guy. Her hero."

"I liked guys with muscles. I've dated a few, and by dated I mean had sex with."

"Do you ever date?" Ivy asked.

"I'm too busy. Although married Baxter works less. I'm a professional not interested in being a wife." Dani held up her drink. "To Jimmy who is so much better than what's his name."

Ivy laughed. "I remember the night before you almost married him. Our lives have changed completely."

Tate laughed. "Yours changed the next day. You met Baxter. Doyle has matured a ton."

Doyle laughed. "Too bad Kasper hasn't." Everyone laughed. "I bet he's climbing trees."

Dani picked up her phone. "I'm texting Baxter now to get a video if he does."

Doyle's looked from Dani to Ivy. "Have you texted Bax yet?"

She nodded. "He and Dani are working on a problem. I'm not jealous of Dani anymore."

"Anymore." Doyle laughed.

Dani sighed. "I knew about Aspen and encouraged them. No need for jealousy. He's my boss."

Doyle put in an order for Chinese food at Tate's favorite place. She called Gray to ask him to pick it up.

"Depends on my tip."

"I'll kiss you."

He sighed. "It will have to do."

When she returned to the others, she said, "Food is coming. What did I miss?"