“Didn’t know you were bringing company,” Chase says casually, his lips spreading in a wide, appreciative grin.
My jaw tightens just a fraction.
“That’s my wife.”
The words come out without hesitation.
Without doubt.
Like they’ve been sitting there waiting to be said.
Chase’s brows lift slightly.
Then he nods.
“Ah,” he says, something like understanding flickering in his expression. “I see.”
Fuck yeah, you do.
Or at least enough.
“Well,” he goes on, shifting gears easy as breathing, “in that case, I hope you’ll both join us this evening. We’re having a little barbecue. Quarter’s been good—we’re celebrating with staff, friends, a few associates.”
He gestures out toward the far end of the property where I can see smoke already curling up from a set of big grills.
“You’re all welcome to stay in one of our guest cabins,” he adds. “I believe we have an empty one.
I glance back at the truck.
At her.
Then at Alex, who’s already halfway buried in logistics with Baron’s team.
We’ve got time.
And more than that—I’m not in a rush to put her back on the road just yet.
“Appreciate it,” I say. “We’ll take you up on that.”
Chase grins, clapping me once on the shoulder.
“Good. I’ll have someone show your guy where to park after the unload. You follow this path here and you’ll get to the guest cabins. I always keep number four open, that’ll be yours.”
“Thank you kindly.”
He heads off, already calling out orders to someone across the yard.
I turn back to the truck, walking around to her side and opening the door.
“You hear that?” I ask.
She looks up at me, lips curving just a little.
“Barbecue?” she says. “Guest cabin? I mean, I guess I’ve had worse invitations.”
I huff a quiet laugh.
“Yeah. Well. We’re not staying in the truck or some cheap motel tonight.”
