Page 24 of Christmas With A Billionaire

I stared at my plate, remembering LaMont’s words about Marcus planning that second date. About Autumn forgetting she ever wanted me, and I tried not to swear.

“Why haven’t you answered?” Aunt Marie pressed.

Autumn shifted in her chair. “It’s been a whirlwind of activity with the Benefield Project, so I’ve had no time to think about it. Marcus is nice, successful, and does great work in the community. I’ll respond soon enough.”

“He sounds like a great guy,” Aunt Marie said, laying it on thick.

“He’s... nice,” Autumn repeated.

Rose sat her fork down. “Nice is good — if you’re talking about banana pudding.”

The table erupted in laughter. I glanced at Autumn and caught her already looking at me.

“I’m just messing with you, dear,” Rose stood. “Tyson, can you help me get dessert?”

I followed her into the kitchen, where she rounded on me the moment the door swung shut.

“Twenty years,” she said, hands on her hips. “Twenty years I’ve watched you love that girl. And now some lawyer in a fancy suit is gonna swoop in because you’re too scared to speak up?”

“Grandma—”

“Don’t you ‘Grandma’ me. That girl belongs at this table - not as your friend, but as your everything. And you belong with her. So, when are you going to stop this charade?”

I leaned against the counter. “I can’t risk losing her.”

“You’ll lose her anyway if you don’t get your act together.” She pulled a pie from the warmer. “Now take this out there and figure out how to keep that chair next to yours filled with the right person.”

“Can I say something?”

She folded her arms, and I smirked.

“I know you love your restaurant and it’s the heart of this town, but at any time when you are ready to retire – rest. You don’t need to work another day in your life.”

Her face softened and she reached out and cupped my cheek.

“I know that baby. How many times are you going to tell me I’ll be taken care of?”

“As many times as it takes. I don’t want you on your feet forever.”

“And I won’t be. But for now, I love this space and the joy my food brings to people. Trust me, you’ll be the first to know when I’m ready to sit down.”

I nodded. “Okay. I’ll allow it,” I teased.

She smirked and pushed me out of the kitchen.

When I returned, Autumn had moved to the window seat - her favorite spot. The Christmas lights cast patterns across her face as she stared at the snowy street.

“Hey,” I said, sitting beside her. “It’s my turn to ask you, are you okay?”

A small smile quirked the corners of her lips. “I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

She turned to me. “The first time I came to Sunday dinner.”

I smirked. “Sophomore year of high school. You were wearing overalls and had paint in your hair.”

“You remember what I was wearing?”

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