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What I said to him that day scored deep. More than once, I’ve tried to explain my outburst was driven by shock and fear, but he feels differently. It awakened what he considered a huge, gaping, blind spot when it comes to his somewhat relaxed parenting style.
I haven’t seen Maya or Cole since the day they watched me carry a bloody Runner to my truck and most likely heard the awful things I screamed at their dad. Since then, it’s been a hectic balance of finishing the last of my orders, cleaning out the bakery, and packing the things to ship to Aspen.
He’s had them all week, but Mom and I made an unexpected trip to Charlotte to handle personal business with my house and meet with Stephanie. He was not happy with my spontaneous trip, but it couldn’t be helped.
“This week has been hell without you.” He flexes his grip on my scalp.
“I missed you, too.”
“I want you in my bed tonight.”
“Let’s see how dinner goes. I don’t want to barge in on their last night with you for the week, especially since we’re leaving tomorrow.”
“You’re going to see they want you with us. Cole is plotting his attack.”
“That’s because he’s exactly like his father.”
Pierce’s lips curve into a sexy grin as he releases my head and laces his hand with mine. Together, we enter the restaurant, and the hostess is waiting to lead us to our table. Everyone is already seated. When Cole spots us, he’s on his feet and in front of me in a flash. He flings himself into me, knocking me back on my heels. Luckily, Pierce steadies me before I collapse.
“Hi, Darby.”
“Hey there.” I take my hand from Pierce and wrap my arms around his little shoulders.
“How’s Runner?”
“He’s good, sweetie. Almost completely healed.”
He moves back and lifts his big blue eyes to me, asking sweetly, “Can we see him before you leave?”
I whip my head around to find Pierce openly smiling. “I did warn you.”
“Hi, Darby.” Maya stands awkwardly beside Cole.
I step into her space and embrace her warmly. “Maya, you look beautiful tonight.”
The compliment breaks the tension, and she hugs me in return, muttering her thanks.
“You’re sitting between me and Dad,” Cole announces, taking his seat.
Pierce’s hand goes to the small of my back, steering me to my seat, while Maya takes the open chair on the other side of him.
“I smell an ambush,” I whisper to Pierce.
“It’s your last night in town. Are you going to break a little boy’s heart by denying him?” Pierce doesn’t lower his voice.
“Yeah, Darby, are you going to break my heart?” Cole mimics, sending a round of laughter spreading around the table.
“I need a drink.”
Champagne arrives at my announcement, Mr. Rosen proudly popping the cork and pouring my flute first. He passes the bottle to a waiting server who begins filling the others. Warren raises his in the air. “To a very long-awaited and overdue celebration of your engagement. Congratulations.”
The underlying meaning of his toast isn’t lost on the adults at the table. The sound of crystal clinks around, Cole even tapping his glass of water to mine. I grin down to him and take a sip.
“Darby, I can only assume, with your upcoming nuptials, you’ll be back in Charleston,” Mr. Rosen says with a glint in his eye.
“Eventually, I’ll make it back.” The news of Brasher renovating their property here is still a closely guarded secret that can’t be discussed openly. We’ve even kept the news from Maya and Cole. They only know I’m trying to get back in the spring. Once the news of our engagement was revealed, Pierce and I have both fielded questions. Our response has been vague that ‘we’re working out the details’.
Rumors are swirling that Pierce is selling his share of the business and coming with me, leaving behind his kids to chase the girl that once dumped him. We suspect Connie started that one, trying to gain sympathy from a community that shunned her after the Runner incident.
“I expect to be the first name back on your client list.” He crooks an eyebrow expectantly.
“You’ll be one of the first to know,” Mom interjects. “Now, tell us about your delicious specials.” She gracefully takes the attention off me.
The rest of the night goes perfectly until the bill arrives. Warren and Dad argue over who’s paying. Pierce covertly slips his credit card to the waiter, letting them bicker until he signs the slip and announces it’s done. Dad scowls, throwing a dirty look his way and mumbling under his breath.
I excuse myself to the restroom, Maya asking to go with me. Mom and Jill exchange a glance and pass unspoken encouragement across the table.
Inside the restroom, I’m once again almost bowled over when Maya throws herself at me. “I am sorry for what I did! I’m an awful, terrible, horrendous person and deserve it if you hate me.” She cries into my stomach. “I’ve wanted to apologize for a while, but Dad told me this had to be done in person.”
