Page 57 of Merciless Protector

“You are in for a treat,” his mom said. “I hope you like seafood. Lobster Bisque is our first course.”

As if on cue, a team of servers came out with elegant little bowls filled with the rich and creamy confection. And another server was filling our wineglasses. I was given sparkling apple cider in place of wine. It all tasted wonderful, and I might have licked my bowl if I had been alone.

It wasn’t long after that our bowls were removed and replaced with another little bowl filled with kale greens, pears, candied walnuts, gorgonzola, and a honey vinaigrette.

“I should have asked if you have any food allergies,” Shawn’s mom said.

I glanced over and said, “No, ma’am. I don’t.”

She held up a hand. “No ma’am here. Call me Kathryn.”

“Kathryn,” I said, and she smiled.

On most occasions, I forced myself to eat salad because Mom always preached about eating balanced meals. But this salad was simply divine. I’d been excited for the small portion, but now I longed for a bigger one.

“This is so good,” Lizzy said.

“It’s mother’s favorites,” Shawn pointed out.

“Wonderful for you to notice,” Kathryn said as his father remained mute. “Do you know the next course?”

“Fillet Mignon,” Shawn answered. She reached over and covered Shawn's hand but spoke to her husband. “Ted, you’re quiet.”

I enjoyed the fact that he hadn’t spoken. “Enjoying the meal, dear.”

The servers came in and, once again, made our bowls disappear. We were given a normal-sized plate with a fillet severed atop a bed of mashed potatoes and asparagus, with a drizzle of sauce around. I wasn’t a fan of the latter, but I would eat everything. Turned out I could be swayed. The asparagus wasn’t the mushy affair I’d eaten before. It was crisp with a buttery richness that pleased my palette.

Even though the portion sizes were on the smaller side, I felt full after that course. I couldn’t imagine being able to eat more until the crème brûlée was brought out. That was a favorite of mine and didn’t disappoint until it was gone.

I was considering how to ask for seconds when Kathryn said, “I know this wasn’t a traditional four-course meal, but I do hope you enjoyed it.”

“Everything was lovely. In fact, I was considering the merits of asking for seconds,” I admitted.

That got a round of laughs except from one. “There is a reason for the portion sizes,” Ted said.

Kathryn admonished him. “Ted. Please.”

Lizzy also glared at her father. “Dad,” she said with a frown on her face.

I didn’t look at Shawn, afraid I’d embarrassed him. But his hand took mine under the table and squeezed. “I wouldn’t mind seconds myself.” He pulled my hand from under the table, and I finally faced him. His expression was soft on mine as he kissed my knuckles. “Isn’t it refreshing to have honesty around here?”

Lizzy shook her head at her brother, but there was amusement in her expression.

“I want to thank you all for coming, but I’m feeling tired,” Kathryn said.

“Wait. You haven’t opened your gifts,” Shawn said.

Lizzy jumped in. “Me first.”

“Of course. What did you buy her? A private island or, say, a planet?” Shawn joked.

“Jealous, Matty?” Lizzy said, reminding me once again his first name was Matt, not Shawn. I hadn’t yet reconciled that in my head.

Shawn rolled his eyes, which I almost didn’t catch as my gaze bounced between the pair. Lizzy picked up an envelope I hadn’t noticed from the table. She handed it to her mother. As Kathryn opened it, Lizzy told us what the gift was.

“We’ve made a donation to one of your favorite charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, in your name. I know it’s near to your heart.”

Shawn leaned over to me. “Mom’s twin died at a young age from a rare disease.” I nodded.

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