Page 190 of The Elusive Billionaire

I simply smile. If I’ve learned anything about this man, it’s that he will always harness the stars whenever possible.

“How long is everyone going to be here?” he grumbles, checking his watch again. “They’re just hanging around for the free food and booze.”

I laugh. “That’s not true, Patch. They’re here because they love us.”

“Who the hell is Quinn talking to?”

I follow his line of sight and laugh again. “That’s Eddie.”

“Eddie,” he grumbles.

“Remember? He won Cupid cowboy three years running.” I study his face as recognition dawns.

“Shit.”

“Hey, she deserves a little fun.” He nods, but I sense the guilt he’s carrying still. “Did you talk with her?”

“I did.” He leans his head back against the rocking chair that Moose carved his name into. “She said she accepted my apology and will stay on with Omni-Reyes if she can do it from Californiawith more…boundaries, and a fuck ton in bonuses. Apparently, I’m a shitty boss.”

“It was extraordinary circumstances, Grey. If she accepted your apology, then I’m sure she understands that.”

“I suppose.” He leans forward in his chair and growls when his gaze lands on Bethany.

“Leave her alone, Grey.”

“Why the hell would you allow Bethany into our home?”

“Take a good look at her, handsome.” He squints his eyes, then sits back with defeat in his shoulders. “She has dark circles under her eyes like she hasn’t been sleeping.”

He grunts but doesn’t say anything.

“I’m not saying she’s innocent, but I don’t believe she deserves to be punished for the rest of her life either. She’s done everything she can to help correct her mistakes—including agreeing to testify against Riley. I won’t be part of tearing someone down the way I was.”

“Fine, I get that. But is it necessary to celebrate with her too?”

“It’s called forgiveness, Patch. Will she be invited to Christmas? No. But she put herself out there when she came and apologized in person, and now we can move through town without animosity.”

“Hey.” I look up to see Braxton grinning down at us. “Sun’s down.”

“Yup, and yet all these fuckers are still here.” Grey scowls across the back yard.

“Grey, you know I love you.” I grin when I hear Madi behind us. “But if you don’t get your ass out of that chair so I can put up my feet, I’m going to cry for the entire town to hear.”

He stands and helps her into the rocking chair, then smirks as she sighs.

“Think we can get Moose to build us a couple of these?” she asks Braxton.

“I’m sure he’d love to,” he replies. They talk about the maternal glow of pregnancy, but I’m inclined to think Braxton has it too. “Come on, Grey. Let’s refill their drinks.”

My husband presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Need anything else?”

“No, I’m good.” My smile grows as I watch him walk away, bickering with Braxton.

“It’s nice to see you happy,” Madi says. “But I agree with Grey. Bethany was a step too far for me.”

“Be nice,” I grin. “Funny how I’m the nice one in this scenario.”

“You’ve always been nice. Oh…”