Page 154 of Renegade Rift

“What is this?” I look up at Ford to see if he has any idea what this is about, but he shrugs, letting me know this is one surprise he’s not in on.

Thankfully, Sophia fills in the blanks. “See that man over there—tall, gray hair, in the suit that’s way too fancy for this event?”

I follow her gaze to the center table. “Adam? I spoke with him earlier. He shared with me his son has Hashimoto’s, and how he’s really struggled with his relationship with food since his diagnosis. He told me he wished they had something like this in Vegas where he lives.”

“Good, I’m glad you guys talked, because he’s here as a potential investor.”

“Really? I figured he was one of your friends.”

“He’s that too,” she continues. “And you made quite the impression on him. Which is why he wants to fund Against the Grain in five major cities, including Vegas.”

“Holy fuck,” I say, and Ford gasps beside me.

“You broke, Juliet, and made her cuss.”

My elbow finds his ribs, and he grunts out a laugh.

“That’s—I am so happy for you, Sophia. But what does that have to do with this?” I hold up the envelope between us.

“Because that is my offer to bring you on as a partner in the expansion.”

I try to overcome my shock and find words. “I—oh my—this is—Sophia, I can’t accept this.”

“Yes, she can,” Ford answers for me.

I roll my eyes, but I’m glad he’s with me for this moment. This is the kind of decision I wouldn’t want to make without him. He’s my person.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, love. This is a dream of yours, and we both know you want to say yes.”

I do.

I really freaking do.

But this is a huge decision.

“You sound like Sydney and me.” Soph laughs playfully. “I’ll let you guys talk this over. Just let me know by next week and we’ll get everything signed.”

She heads back over to the table where Mercer is sitting, pointedly avoiding all glances from Dax.

“Are you ever going to tell me what happened there?” I ask Ford.

“If I knew I would, but Mercer has been tight-lipped about it.” He tugs me toward the hall that leads to the admin offices. “Don’t think I can’t see what you’re doing. We’re not changing the subject.”

“I thought we were going back to your stealing me away.”

“Oh, we are,” Ford muses, running his thumb against mine. “But you deserve that partnership.”

I let out a heavy sigh. “It’s a big commitment.”

He lifts my hand and twirls me like a ballerina until my back is pressed to the wall outside my new office. “So is being the wife of a baseball player, but I still have dreams someday you’ll say yes.”

I roll my eyes again, but the weight of it is diminished by my smile.

While this man respects my need to heal and grow together before we get tothatpoint, he's made it very clear he intends to be my one and only penguin for the rest of my life.

And helovesto remind me every chance he gets.

“I’ll probably have to travel a lot.”

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