Page 81 of Carver’s Craving

As we drank, we stood around the kitchen and made small talk. The weather, the odds of a white Christmas, which pooches enjoyed snow and which were happy to hunker down and avoid the wet stuff. Ryan talked about the party planned at The Good Life—the retirement home where Simeon’s grandparents lived. Apparently, Chia was welcome at the home anytime. Ryan was her handler, and he could say without reservation the dog was happiest when surrounded by people she loved. As well as any strangers who might wander into her circle whom she could turn into a friend.

“I mean, Simeon and I are great—but if she can have twenty or thirty adoring fans, then she’s in her element.” He sipped his drink.

Styx grinned. “That sounds so awesome.” He glanced over to find Chia on the couch with Walter.

Poppin was at our feet—waiting for us to drop something. Working on the assumption we could all handle forks, I knew she was going to be disappointed.

The oven timer beeped.

“Great.” Styx moved to the oven and shut it off. “I’ll put this out to cool. Do you folks want to start with salad and garlic bread? Or wait?” He closed one eye as if contemplating. “You know, I rarely host dinner parties. Well, like, never.” He gazed at me.

“Uh…no.”

Simeon chuckled. “I h-have. Nanny and Bops had f-friends over all the time.”

Ryan smiled. “We’ve tried to carry on that tradition by having guests join us regularly. I can say with absolute certainty that there’s no right or wrong way. Friendship is far more important than which dish is served first. I mean, you had eggnog. That’s brilliant and already made my night.”

I laughed. “How about we eat salad and garlic bread while the lasagna cools? I’m starving.” I’d been careful to only eat a small lunch, so I’d be very hungry tonight.

“S-sounds perfect.” Simeon reached for Ryan’s hand.

Who took it.

They headed to the dining room table, which was already set.

Styx removed the lasagna from the oven and put it on a trivet on the table.

I pulled the garlic bread out of the toaster oven on the counter, plated it, and brought it to our guests.

While they were serving themselves, Styx grabbed the Caesar salad and brought it to the table. He and I sat together—across from Simeon and Ryan. After I let out a long breath, I grabbed a piece of toast.

Simeon met my gaze. “This is g-great. Seriously. We’re easygoing g-guys.” He offered up a heartwarming smile.

“We can see that…and we’re grateful.” Styx shrugged sheepishly. “Just I sort of railroaded Carver into this because I wanted an excuse to stay the week.”

We… Then the rest of his words struck me. I arched an eyebrow.

Ryan guffawed. “That’s brilliant. I didn’t exactly ask Simeon if I could move in. But I might’ve made it clear I was open to that possibility given half a chance.”

“We were t-trying to figure out the g-grandparent situation. When they r-realized Ryan could move in and I w-wouldn’t be alone, they were h-happy to go.” Simeon smiled. “They’re happier and l-life’s easier for them.”

“The great thing is we get to see them every week.” Ryan’s pale-blue eyes shone. “I’ve reconciled with my father, but when I first came to Mission City, I felt like I didn’t have a family at all. The Coxes gave me that. Easy decision to take their name. And be proud to carry that forward.”

Simeon blinked. “I’m the l-lucky one.”

Something stirred within me as I watched this private moment be shared. I gazed at Styx.

He nodded.

“Yeah, so—” I took a deep breath. I was about to cross the Rubicon. “I might’ve asked Styx to move in with me. Possibly forever.”

“Oh wow.” Ryan’s eyes widened.

“G-good for you.” Simeon’s grin increased—if that was possible. “You m-make a cute couple.”

“With a great backstory.” Ryan gestured between the two of us. “I still can’t fathom how you met again—only thousands of klicks from your old home.”

Styx nudged me. “I’m not sure we can believe it either. Isn’t that, like, fate or something?”