Page 10 of Stone's Promise

"This isn’t the time," I interrupted. "But Family Day will be perfect for that. Check the website tomorrow for an official announcement." Then, leaning ever so slightly toward the camera, I added with a wink, "And I’ll be on your morning show to talk about it soon, right?"

Herb hesitated, realizing he’d just been outmaneuvered. He had to stick to the schedule, and he knew it.

"Right," he muttered, forcing a smile. "Enjoy your evening." He turned away, already scanning the room for his next target.

I exhaled, turning back to Cody. "Let’s get our table."

He gave me a look, one I couldn’t quite decipher, but followed me as I led him through the club. A hostess greeted us and, at my request, led us to a quieter corner near the stage where we had a good view but a little more privacy.

Once we were seated, Cody let out a breath. "Thanks. I don’t like cameras in my face too much, even for work."

"I can’t imagine all those cameras and lights." I watched as he ran a hand over his shirt sleeve, already looking a little restless.

"It’s only because I like to fight," he said, his voice quieter. "It got harder after I got back home from service."

Something in the way he said it made me want to know more, to understand the weight behind his words. Before I could ask, the next comedian took the stage, and the room filled with applause.

I glanced at Cody one more time, making a silent note to revisit this later. For now, we turned our attention to the stage as the night began.

About an hour passed. Time had gone surprisingly smoothly. Between the laughter from the stage, the casual conversation, and the steady presence of Cody beside me, I felt more at ease than I had in a while. Even Max had settled in, sprawled comfortably at Cody’s feet. The waiter brought our drinks andappetizers without issue. He even delivered a bone-shaped biscuit on a little napkin for Max.

Cody looked surprised. "Nice touch," he muttered, giving the waiter an approving nod before handing Max the treat.

After the open mic portion of the evening was over, we headed back to my house. Now, as we pulled up to the driveway, the evening winding to an end, I felt a quiet satisfaction settle in. Cody had been more relaxed tonight, and I liked seeing that side of him.

"You thought of everything," he said as he walked me to the front door. His tone was light, but there was something appreciative underneath it.

"It’s my job," I replied with a small smile, feeling warmth spread through me at the way he noticed. Behind us, Max stuck his head out of the truck window, ears perked up, making me chuckle.

Cody stopped a step behind me. "It’s your gift," he corrected. "I mean it. Thanks for making this a little easier for me. And for being nice to Max."

Something about the sincerity in his voice made my stomach flip. I hadn’t expected gratitude. My fingers fumbled as I turned the key in the lock, suddenly feeling the need to look anywhere but at him.

"Of course," I said, focusing on the doorknob. "He’s a busy boy, sticking by his human." I glanced over my shoulder and gave him a small smile. "Thank you for taking the time to do this."

Our eyes met in the quiet of the night, something unspoken passing between us. Before I could say anything else, the door creaked open, and a blur of movement shot toward us.

Oliver, clad in his favorite dinosaur-print pajamas, skidded to a halt in the doorway. His eyes went so wide I thought they might pop out of his head. “You’re Cody Stone,” he blurted.

I pressed a finger to my lips. “Inside voice, honey. It’s late.”

He barely heard me, too busy staring up at Cody like he’d just met his favorite superhero.

Cody chuckled, nodding at him. “Hey, kid.”

I sighed, rubbing Oliver’s shoulder. “This is my son, Oliver, whoshouldbe in bed.”

“I’m on it,” Mama called from the kitchen. “Just heating up some milk.”

Oliver turned back to Cody, practically bouncing on his toes. “Mom, this is so cool! Are you ready for the Intercontinental?”

Cody leaned against the doorframe, his tone easy. “Training for it right now. Well... notrightnow. Your mom took me to a comedy club tonight.”

Oliver scrunched his nose like he couldn’t imagine why anyone would pick jokes over a perfectly good fight. “That’s cool, I guess. Can you show me how to do a roundhouse?”

“We have to let Mr. Cody get ready for his big fight,” I reminded him gently. “We’ll see him at Family Day.”

“It’s all right,” Cody said, glancing at me. “I can teach him a couple of moves. I mean, only if you’re okay with it.”

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