Page 262 of The Bluffing Game

“Also, I just wanted to say I’m really happy for you and my brother.” Lucia grabs my hand and squeezes. “I’ve never known him to be this happy, and I mean, really and truly happy. And also,” she whispers, “please do not let him choose his next house.” She laughs. “I know you guys are looking for a place together.”

“I told him we’re not buying anything anytime soon,” I say. “We need to pay off as much of the debt that he has at this restaurant first, and then I need him to invest more in the restaurant so that Gracie can focus on new menu items while having help in the kitchen.”

“You have so many amazing ideas, Sage,” Lucia says. “I am so impressed by you.”

“Thank you.”

The door to the restaurant opens, and Dalton, Roman, and Brett walk in. Lucia’s eyes widen in appreciation.

“Is it just me, or does Roman look particularly handsome today?” she asks.

I look at her in surprise. “Do you have a⁠—”

“No, no, no,” she cuts me off before I can even continue my sentence. “Let me go to the back and make sure Izzy’s okay,” she says and hurries off.

I stare after her in surprise. Is she interested in Roman, or was I making that up in my head?

Dalton heads right over to me and grabs my hands before kissing me on the lips. “It looks and smells fantastic in here. You’ve done such a great job.”

“Thank you,” I say, touching the side of his face. “How was your afternoon? Did you guys finish everything you needed to get done?”

“We did,” he says. “The house is officially sold, and I have received the wire transfer.” He smiles at me. “And it’s a good amount of money. I’ve put money into Toby’s college account, and I’ve paid off some debts, and there’s still some left.”

“I’m so glad,” I say, squeezing his hand. “That’s really amazing.”

“Are you sure you’re not upset that I’m not super rich?” He starts laughing. “What? I’m just saying, when we first met, it was your intention to marry a billionaire, and now you’re stuck with me.”

“Well, we’re not married yet, Dalton.”

“We will be one day,” he says as he strokes the side of my face. “You know I love you. I can’t wait for you to be my wife.” He grins. “I want to introduce you as my fiancée and then my wife, not just my girlfriend.”

“One day,” I say. “But first, we have to make sure the business is running well, and we have to make sure…” I pause as I see Toby running from the back.

“Hey, Sage,” he says, running up to me and tugging on the bottom of my skirt.

“Yes, Toby?”

“Guess what Izzy just said.”

“What’s that?”

“She said that there’s ice cream, and if I ask you nicely, I might get some.”

“Oh, well, actually, Toby, I got you something really special.”

“You did?” He looks at me eagerly. “What is it?”

“I got you a root beer float.”

“A root beer float for me? Only for me?” He jumps up and down. “Thank you! Thank you!”

I pick him up and hug him. He kisses the side of my face, and I squeeze him. I love this little boy so much.

“Thank you, Sage. I love you,” he says softly, his lips quivering.

He looks over at his dad, and I see his dad shake his head slightly.

“What’s going on?” I ask, wondering what the look meant.