The next morning.


    Justin was up at dawn, meeting Herman, Carter, and the rest of the crew at the hotel to head back to Riverdale.


    Herman and Carter shared a look. Carter grinned, “Old Howard really knows how to raise a son. If it were my kid, I''d be a nervous wreck."


    Jonah had always given Justin a long leash.


    Of course, Justin was the kind of guy who could handle any situation-confident, cool-headed, the type who made everyone else rx.


    Carter couldn''t help but envy Jonah for having such a son. Herman wasn''t jealous, though his own little boy was only three, and the future still wide open.


    As soon as Carter finished, Andrew strolled over. "Dad, you gossiping about me again?"


    Carter nced at his son. "Just saying, if you were even half as capable as Justin, I''d be counting my blessings."


    Andrew draped an arm over Justin''s shoulder and shot his dad a look. "Dad, I keep telling you don''t go wishing for someone else''s kid. Different seeds, different soil, right? No way you''ll get the same fruit."


    Carter rolled his eyes. "You always have an answer for everything."


    Andrew just grinned and turned to Justin. "Hey, Herman, you''re up early."


    Justin smiled. "I''m heading back to Riverdale with you guys."


    “For real? Sweet-means more time to hang out." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Mind helping me with my winter homework?"


    Justin pretended not to hear. “Sorry, what was that? Didn''t quite catch it."


    Andrew gaped. “One night away and you''ve already learned how to dodge like a pro, Justin?"


    Justin ignored him, just in time to see Anastasia and Paradise walk in. He greeted them politely, "Good morning, Aunt Ana. Paradise. Sleep well?"


    Anastasia smiled. "Very well, thank you."


    She genuinely liked Justin-such a thoughtful kid.


    Andrew was a favorite too. Every son had his own strengths.


    Paradise chimed in, "I slept great! I even caught the sunrise from my room. It came up right over the ocean-absolutely beautiful."


    "There was a sunrise?" Andrew said, scandalized. "Paradise, why didn''t you invite me? Justin, howe I couldn''t see the sunrise from my room?"


    Justin kept a straight face.


    No way was he admitting he''d arranged a sunrise suite just for Paradise.


    He yed dumb. "You couldn''t see it? I don''t know-next time, I''ll get you an ocean view."


    Andrew looked ready to argue, but Carter cut him off. "Sunrise, huh? At the hour you roll out of bed, the sun''s already halfway up the sky. et''s get going me to head home."


    They all piled into the car and made their way to the harbor.


    Paradise''s heart fluttered-she was thrilled that Justin wasing to Riverdale too.


    On the boat, Justin headed out to


    the deck to


    make a call. Paradisene


    watched him through the window,


    then nced at Anastasia for permission to join him.


    Anastasia understood and nodded.


    Paradise slipped out of her seat and made her way to Justin, waiting quietly as he wrapped up his call.


    When he finished, she smiled. “Justin, thank you for the painting you gave me. I really love it. I have something for you, too."


    She''d had the painting delivered to the hotel earlier that morning.


    Paradise had prepared a special gift-a bead ne, something she''d worn for good luck, a birthday present from Herman.


    She unsped it and handed it to Justin. "It''ll keep you safe. My dad says it''s blessed-kind of magical."


    Justin''s eyes lit up. “Thank you. I''ll take good care of it."


    He slipped it over his head, as if it belonged there all along.


    Paradise had only wanted to thank him—her parents always said, if someone gives


    you a gift, you should return the kindness.


    The sea breeze yed with their hair


    as they stood together at the rail Suddenly dolphins arched out of the water, dancing in the sun. Paradise''s eyes went wide. "Justin, look! Dolphins!"


    “I see them,” Justin said, smiling. “You know, they say if you spot dolphins dancing,


    you can make a wish, and it''lle true."


    "Then I have to wish!" Paradise squeezed her eyes shut, wishing with all her heart. Then she peeked at Justin. “You should wish, too!"


    Justinughed. "Already did."


    Paradise''s curiosity sparkled in her eyes. "What did you wish for?"


    He met her gaze and smiled. “If I tell you, it won''te true."