“So what the tabloids said about your inheritance…” Ray takes a small sip of wine and places his glass on the table. “Was it true?”
My cheeks heat. “Ray—”
“No,” Lucas answers. “All true, unfortunately. But before you doubt my sincerity, I want you to know that I will not marry Ava until my father’s deadline has passed.”
Ray squints. “But…your siblings will lose out as well, won’t they?”
“Yes, but certain sacrifices have to be made. And I choose Ava.”
“I see.” Ray leans back in his seat, his shoulders slightly slumped.
I give him a quick look, hoping it communicates what I’ve told him before. Lucas loves me too much to hurt them through Mia. A man who can walk away from an inheritance worth millions for love is a man worth trusting and keeping.
“That couldn’t have been an easy decision,” Darcy says. “I’m glad Ava found a man who puts her first.”
“Actually, it was an easy decision. When Ava came back and gave me another chance, I knew this was the only way. I don’t regret it.”
Just then, the server brings out the first course— vegetables and thinly sliced lamb cooked in a dark chocolate sauce. I stare at it, somewhat skeptical. To me, chocolate equals dessert. On the other hand, I’m not going to turn it down just because it happens to start the dinner.
It’s surprisingly good, the texture and flavors blending perfectly. Contrary to expectation, it’s not at all sweet. Rather it’s slightly bitter with just a dash of mint at the end.
“This is incredible,” Rays says as he polishes off his portion. “Wow.”
“Wow indeed. Thank you for bringing us here, Lucas,” Darcy says.
“It’s nothing. You don’t understand how much I owe you for all that you’ve done for Ava.” Lucas brushes a hand along my shoulder. “Otherwise I would’ve never met her.”
“She’s always been resilient and bright,” Ray says softly. “We didn’t do that much.”
“With or without us, you would’ve met if it was meant to be. And it looks like it was.” Darcy looks at me and Lucas. “I’m so happy for you both. May you always be together.”
“Thank you,” I say. It is a huge relief to know my foster parents accept Lucas, even though Ray is still a bit hesitant. But I can sense he’s gradually seeing that Lucas isn’t the enemy—and that he’s actually a good guy.
The waiter clears our plates and brings out the second course—a creamy bisque with huge chunks of succulent lobster piled high in the center of the bowl. “I know you’re looking forward to spending some time with Ava,” Lucas says, “and I’m more than happy to give you that time, but in case you don’t know, you’re invited to my brother’s Thanksgiving party.”
“Elliot?” Rays asks.
“Ryder.”
Darcy’s hand goes to her chest, reaching for the silver pendant. “My goodness. Who would’ve thought we’d get to have Thanksgiving with a Hollywood movie star!”
I grin. It’s sort of fun to see Darcy’s stunned reaction. Now I’m beginning to understand why Lucas wants to spoil me. He’s probably anticipating something like this from me. And it’s surprisingly fun to treat the people I love.
Lucas smiles as he pours more white wine for her. “Don’t do that when he’s around. He’s already insufferably arrogant.”
“As bad as the media says?” Ray asks.
“Oh, worse. Although he’s pretty tame now, what with being married and having a child on the way.”
“That’s right. He married his assistant not too long ago.”
“And it was a love match,” Lucas says. “Nobody makes Ryder do anything he doesn’t want to.”
The conversation turns to plans for Christmas and what Darcy and Ray want to see and do while they’re in L.A. Lucas is attentive and charming throughout, and I’m relieved to see Darcy’s beaming smile of approval.
Although we’ve all eaten together like this before, this time it’s different. It’s not the venue, but the dynamics. Lucas is more relaxed, and he’s openly possessive and affectionate with me. My foster parents are also starting to relax around Lucas.
Although each course is only a few bites, I’m starting to get full by the time the sixth one is done. Everything’s perfect—a sublime indulgence in taste and smell—and the wines Lucas chose complement everything.