He struggles getting both of them to bed but manages. He comes downstairs and eagerly fills a glass with brandy. “Jesus Christ. I thought I could handle anything. Those two … they’re something else.”
“A difficult night?”
“I’d look away for one second and they’d be getting into trouble. Sophie danced on a bar.”
I chuckle. “If any of us would have been there, you would have joined them.”
“Yeah, but I was good and responsible. So clearly, I was just annoyed. No wonder you have your boxers up your ass most of the time.” He snorts, drinking the whole glass. “At least there won’t be any bars tomorrow.”
“Sophie will behave in front of her parents,” I assure him. “You did your work for the night. Just enjoy tomorrow. Plenty of beer.”
“And maybe you can tell me what’s going on with you.”
I shrug. “I’m working through it. I’ve gotten to that age where retirement sounds like heaven.”
“Ah. So you’re old now.” Gunner smirks pouring two glasses. He slides one to me. “Funny how being with a twenty-something can make us realize exactly how old we are.”
“It’s not Sophie. I think it’s from the wedding.” I admit. “Makes me wonder if we’re missing out on something by devoting so much to work.”
“Then sounds like we need a trip. Rio? Italy?”
“Paris.” I decide. “Sophie would love Paris and we’ll all have a great time.”
“Soon.”
“Let’s give it a month or two. We’ll need to wind Holden back up after tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is going to be great. I invited Leif, Chase, and Hunter.” Gunner says. I arch an eyebrow and he shrugs. “I figure Leif is Holden’s speed and Chase and Hunter will be good company. It’s time Sophie meets some of our friends.”
“Now that we’re meeting hers?”
“I’m not tempted.” He points at me and narrows his eyes. “Nick already questioned me with Bella, I’m not going to be questioned again.”
“I didn’t say that,” I assure him. “I know you love Sophie and I know you haven’t looked at anyone else. By the way, she likes strip clubs.”
I narrow my eyes, but Gunner makes his exit before I can push on that. Not that it should matter. Sophie should have fun and try different things. Better she goes with Gunner than alone with Valerie. Especially considering the little he’s shared about them while they were drinking.
But I know she’ll be ready for tomorrow. She’ll put Holden and us first. She’ll introduce Valerie all around and we’ll have a great, controlled, happy time. Holden will struggle through if he has to, and I’m sure he’ll wear the gift that Sophie got him.
All will be good and normal and wholesome. Until everyone leaves and Sophie sneaks into Holden’s room to add to his birthday. Which I know she will. She’s predictable in some ways.
I finish my drink, return to bed, and try to get some more sleep.
Tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind of excitement and things to do. We’ll get to be people instead of workers. I’m not sure if I know how to manage that, but I’m definitely going to try.
Sophie’s put a lot of work into this and I’m sure that by the time I get up, the décor will be ready, she’ll be busy in the kitchen, and determined to focus all her energy on controlling Holden’s party so it meets her high expectations.
Which keeps me up until the sun peeks over the horizon. I get the grill ready and start preparing other things on our balcony so Sophie has less to do. She comes upstairs and looks at me in surprise before a smile melts her face.
“Oh, Roman.” She kisses me softly. “You are a treasure.”
“I’m not letting you take all this on by yourself, Bambina. You’re already in host mode.” I rub her head, then give her my sunglasses when she winces. “Go eat and kill that hangover before you get started.”
“You are … excellent.” I earn another kiss and feel my stomach flip. Waiting to marry her is an uphill battle.
SOPHIE
Thanks to last night, I end up half dragging Valerie out of bed as she grumbles. I leave her in the shower and make a carb-heavy breakfast. Gunner points at me. I wince back. “I’m sorry about the bar. I didn’t think I’d fall just from … letting go of the pole.”