The steaks arrive, and it interrupts the guys' conversation.
They seem to realize for the first time that they weren’t fighting anymore.
Josiah sits up straighter, almost confused.
Anton clears his throat roughly and picks up his knife and fork.
They have gone deathly quiet again, and the tension has returned.
“Are you two serious?” I giggle.
“What?” they both ask, looking at me at the same time.
“Are you done arguing and then talking about babies? Can we maybe talk about a truce between the two of you for the future?”
“I don’t…” Josiah huffs, but it’s clear he doesn’t really know what to say.
Kayla leans forward with a smug expression on her face, and for some reason, I get the idea that she knew this was going to be how it went all along. “Guys, I think there is something that you two never factored in until now. You have more in common than you think. Maybe you are both just men trying to do the best for the people they care about. And let’s accept one very important fact: you both care deeply about Izabel.”
Anton nods, not saying anything as he looks at me, and his eyes warm at the sight of me.
Josiah groans loudly. “Yes, we both care about her, but it doesn’t change the history.”
“It can, though,” Anton says cautiously. “People let go of past issues for any number of reasons. Why not let go of issues for the sake of someone you care about?”
I reach out under the table and press my hand against his thigh. He threads his fingers through mine.
Josiah sighs heavily.
“Fine. I can’t really argue with that. Then…we both agree to a truce?” he asks, looking at Anton with annoyance etched into his eyes.
“A truce.” Anton holds his hand across the table, offering it to Josiah, who takes it and shakes to seal the agreement.
My heart is beating a million miles an hour as relief floods me.
I can’t believe this actually happened.
The rest of dinner is still just as awkward as before. It’s clear the men aren’t thrilled about having to be around each other, but the pathetic back and forth of insults has stopped.
After the check is settled and we are standing outside on the sidewalk, getting ready to say goodbye, Josiah gruffly issues an invitation.
“There is a family dinner in Chicago this weekend, it would be great if you could bring Izabel.”
Anton cocks his head to the side. “I can bring Izabel to the family dinner,” he replies cautiously.
“And perhaps you should meet them, too. Considering everything,” Josiah gestures roughly over the two of us. “We’ll have a room ready for you in the guest wing of the house.”
“Appreciated.”
The men keep their words civil and clipped, and now Kayla isn’t the only one who is finding it amusing. I am, too.
We wave goodbye to them as they drive past us on their way down the street.
“That was…interesting,” Anton says, starting his car.
“I think it went very well,” I say. “You got invited to family dinner.”
“No, you did. He only invited me so that he can keep his eye on me. A test of sorts,” Anton says.
