Page 154 of The Wayward Son

She laughed. “I think everyone won that bet.”

“Do you need any help?”

“You can make the gravy while I mash the potatoes.”

He took a sip of his wine, then set it on the counter. “Go mash, I’ve got this.”

Fifteen minutes later, they were at the table enjoying the meal.

Sage watched him take a bite. “What do you think?”

He nodded as he chewed. “Wonderful. And by the way, I’m by no means a chef. I spent a few years as a short-order cook, and am a pretty damn good baker. But this is far superior to most of what I make for the kids. Except for maybe my spaghetti.”

“I’m going to have to try that sometime.”

“When you’re ready to face the Hutchins mob, just let me know. It is a bit overwhelming and if it’s too much, I totally understand. But if there’s the slightest chance you might be able to figure out a way to deal with it. Then I’d love to do this again sometime.”

Sage shook her head. “Call me crazy. But I’d like that.”

Xander laughed. “You’re crazy.”

Sawyer got back to the ranch on Friday afternoon. And after taking care of Houston and taking a shower, he drove into town to see Jade at work. He went inside and took a seat at the bar. It was early, and there were only a few customers.

Jade came over to him. “You’re back.”

“Yes. I am. How happy are you to see me?”

She smiled. “I’ve got something to show you in the back room.”

“I’m right behind you.”

They went to the store room and Jade put her arms around Sawyer, then kissed him.

He smiled. “Hmm. Seems you missed me a little bit.”

She kissed him again.

“Okay, I’m starting to feel more loved now.”

“Are you going to stay awhile? I don’t get off for six more hours.”

“I’m going to have a beer. Then I’m going to go visit my favorite waitress and get some dinner. After that, I’ll be back to watch you work the crowd.”

“But you’re not going to overindulge?”

“No. I want a clear head when we go home.”

She gave him another kiss. “Okay. I need to get back out there. I’ll get you a beer.”

Sawyer spent the evening at the bar, and at midnight, he helped Jade close down. Then he followed her home to the ranch.

The next morning when they woke up, Jade snuggled into Sawyer’s side and laid her head on his chest. “I love you, Sawyer. I think I’ve always loved you, even before I knew what love was.”

He put his hand on her face and kissed her. “Me too. It just took me a while to figure it out.”

She kissed his neck. “Promise me things will never change.”

He stroked her hair. “That’s a big promise. One I don’t know if I can make. But I promise you this. I’ll never stop loving you.”

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