Chapter 86

ELOISE

Adam and I came down the staircase, but as we were expecting to find his family gathered for breakfast, we were surprised to see the room empty.

“Where is everyone?” Adam wondered aloud, then glanced at a male attendant who passed by.

The attendant smiled. “Mrs. Sebastian, your mother, requested breakfast be served outdoors on the back porch by the beach.”

“Thank you,” Adam said, taking my hand. “Let’s head out there.”

We stepped onto the back porch, and the salty ocean air and the calming rhythm of the waves in the background instantly welcomed me.

The scene before us was picturesque, and I'm definitely in awe. The Long Island beach stretched out in a mesmerizing expanse of blue, and a large table had been set up under a canopy laden with an assortment of breakfast foods. The family was scattered around, some playing volleyball, others relaxing.

The first person to greet us was Rachel, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Good morning, my love birds!” She hooked her arm th