Page 139 of Knockin' Boats
Vera smiled. “That’s right. I think you’ve more than made amends for that mistake. My son didn’t exactly go easy on you for it.”
“I deserved it.”
She hummed, as if she didn’t entirely agree. But all she said was, “Well, I hope you both give each other the love you deserve now. If you want a future together, you’ll have to let those old regrets go.”
“They’re gone,” Sawyer said confidently.
I couldn’t quite say the same. Sawyer may have forgiven me for blowing up our friendship, but I hadn’t quite forgiven myself. I wasn’t sure if I ever could.
But I’d use every day I had to make it up to him. To give him the love he deserved, just as Vera said.
The door banged open and Charity strolled in. “What did I miss?”
“Just your boss canoodling with my son,” Vera said, tsking. “Not very professional.”
Sawyer groaned. “Mom.”
I could tell that she loved needling him. Sawyer turned pink, and it was freaking adorable.
“Oh, well I’ve known that for ages,” Charity said. “These two have ridiculous heart eyes for each other.” Her lips quirked. “Among other things. The popsicle innuendo was a little OTT, but?—”
Vera whirled away hastily, apparently not interested in listening to stories about ouractualcanoodling. “All right, everyone, we’ve got work to do. Enough gossip about my boys.”
Her boys. Because I was one of them again. My chest grew tight, and Sawyer squeezed my hand, smiling over at me. “Welcome to the family. I think you’re going to be her favorite.”
I grinned. “Well, don’t worry, you’ll always bemyfavorite.”
Sawyer smiled at me, so open and happy, eyes so soft, that I could live in this moment forever.
Which is when an oven mitt hit me in the head.
“Come on, boss. We’ve got work to do!”
I sighed. “Duty calls.”
“Mm-hmm. You hate it so much,” Sawyer teased.
“Right now I do.” I leaned in for one last quick kiss, then turned to Charity with narrowed eyes. “Since you’re enjoying calling me boss, you can cut all the onions today.”
“But, Ash, they make me cry.”
“I know,” I said with an evil chuckle.
Sawyer made a beeline for the coffeepot in the corner that fueled the kitchen staff at all hours and filled a to-go cup, then blew me a kiss on his way out the door.
“You see where his mother ranks? Not even a goodbye.” Vera sniffed as if she was hurt, but it was all for show.
I rolled out my knives, pulled on plastic gloves, and got my prep station ready for another day on the food boat.
“You were the first person he wanted to tell about us,” I said. “I’d say you rank pretty high in his life.”
Vera chuckled. “I suppose that counts for something.” She cast me a glare. “Even if it did take you twofartoo long to tell me you were involved.”
I winced. “But we only became official last night.”
“Hmm. Town gossip says otherwise.”
“What?”
