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“We only have a couple days together, and I want to make the most of every minute.”
“Me too.”
They moved along the path to where it narrowed into the woods and rode for a while, just talking about the two weeks since they’d seen each other, sharing the everyday things like their jobs, and anything else they thought of. It was wonderful to be able to talk so openly and honestly with her now, unlike the last time they’d ridden this trail together.
As they followed the curve in the path, Genevieve gasped and pulled on Charisma’s reins to stop.
“What is that?”
Sebastian climbed down from Buddy, walked him over to a nearby tree, and tied his reins to one of the branches, then motioned for Genevieve to follow. Once the horses were secured, he took her hand in his and led her to a small clearing under a giant oak tree.
A table for two was set up with a white linen table cloth and napkins, fancy china dinnerware, crystal wine glasses, and a vase of autumn flowers in the center. Hanging from the branches above were a dozen black lanterns, holding lit candles. To the side of the table was a blanket spread out with a few fluffy pillows leaning up against the tree. Everything was just as Sebastian had asked Ida, Rhonda, and Skylar to make it.
“This is ...” Genevieve took a seat when Sebastian pulled it out for her. “I have no words.”
“You like it?”
“Nobody has ever done something so romantic for me. Ever.”
He opened the basket, removed their dinner—grilled salmon and roasted vegetables with salad on the side—and placed it on the dishes. The smile on her face when she inhaled the delicious scent of their meal made it all worthwhile.
“Bon appetit.”
She took a bite of the salmon and let out a satisfied sigh. “Oh my gosh. So good.”
“I had Sky bring it down from Bonefish Grill. I almost ordered us Chilean Sea Bass.”
Genevieve snorted a laugh. “That would have been funny.”
“I didn’t know if you would like that, but you did mention salmon once.”
“I’ve never had it before. Maybe next time.”
He smiled and took a bite of salmon. She was right, it was delicious.
“So, is there any news on Gus’s law suit?”
“Franky’s dad is meeting with Milton’s attorney this week, hoping to either get him to drop the charges or come up with a settlement Milton will agree to.”
Genevieve rolled her eyes. “This Milton guy sounds like a real winner.”
“He’s been nothing but a thorn in our side since he came into Skylar’s life.”
“I hope and pray he drops the charges so Gus can move on,” she replied.
“Me too. He seems to be doing better since he came home this time.”
“I’m glad. I want to get to know your brother for who he really is, not who I thought he was.”
“I want that too. I want you to get to know my whole family.”
“I’d like that.”
They talked and laughed comfortably through dinner. Sebastian had never felt so at ease with a woman in his life. It was the best feeling to be himself and know she was being herself with him as well.
After dinner, he reached into the basket again, revealed some Schultz Chocolate truffles, and handed her one.
She took it happily. “It’s not cherry, is it?”