Page 78 of The Ties That Bind
Mary was silent for a moment. “Wait…are you serious?”
“I just finished signing all the papers a few minutes ago.”
“I thought the deal fell through.”
“Well, the lawyer called today and agreed to everything I asked for. It’s a done deal!”
“Oh, my God, Brie,” Mary said breathlessly.
“I know!”
“This is the best news I could imagine.”
“Mary, I couldn’t have done this without you, so I wanted you to be the first to know but you can’t tell anyone.”
“Oh, fuck, when word gets around…” Her voice trailed off.
Brie suddenly felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck. “Should I send Sir to pick you up?”
“No, you idiot!” she laughed. “I want to be here when Greg finds out.” She suddenly lowered her voice. “Oh, my God, Brie, his whole world is about to implode. It…it…”
“What?”
“It’s going to be fucking beautiful!”
Secrets
Brie couldn’t wait for Tono to arrive. Unfortunately, she was not allowed to tell him the incredible news about what happened a few hours before. As soon as he walked through the door, however, Tono gave her a suspicious look.
“What’s up?”
Brie blushed, then bit her lip to keep from blurting out the secret. “I’m just so thrilled to spend time with you.”
Tono glanced at Sir questioningly.
“She’s been rather excitable since the baby,” he replied, smiling at Brie.
The Kinbaku Master looked far from convinced but accepted Brie’s hug without question. She hugged him for an extra long time, instantly connecting to his spirit as he drew her in with his calming power.
When Brie broke from his embrace, she stared into his brown eyes.
Deeply concerned about his health, she insisted, “Please sit down.”
“You don’t have to treat me like an invalid.” Tono chuckled. “Iamcapable of standing.”
“How are you recovering, Nosaka?” Sir asked.
Tono looked at Sir thoughtfully for a moment before answering. “Healing from this is a slow process, not unlike what you experienced yourself.”
Sir nodded. “Healing requires great patience.”
Tono smiled in agreement. “Thankfully, I am a patient man.”
Rather than sit on the couch with Brie and Sir, Tono joined Hope on the floor. Shadow instantly jumped into his lap and started purring.
“He’s definitely missed you,” Brie grinned, delighted to see the two together.
Hope scooted over to Tono. She was unusually quiet, looking up at him longingly.
