Page 8 of Her Billionaire's Baby Secret

Chapter 3

The next day, Kane walked into Hadley’s, and a hostess led him to a table where Chase was waiting for him in the back corner of the restaurant. He’d gone out that morning and rented a car for himself. He didn’t want to rely on others to get him around. Chase had offered to give him rides, but Kane knew he was a busy guy with a thriving career as a musician, a wife, and a baby on the way. Anyway, he was a billionaire. Money was no object for him. It was strange to think about. He wasn’t raised that way.

Once he came of age and stepped up into his position in the company, he started living more of a well-to-do life. He loved to travel and had stayed at some of the best resorts across the world.

“Hey there, Chase,” he said as he took a seat across from him.

Chase looked up from his menu. “Oh, hey.”

“Does Owen have anything new on the menu?” He couldn’t believe their good friend Owen Hadley was able to balance running the farm fresh restaurant with his demanding film career.

“There’s a meatloaf that looks pretty good.”

Kane glanced over the selection. “I think I’m just going to stick with the roasted chicken. I had it before, and it was fantastic.” He shut the menu and set it next to his plate.

A server showed up and took their orders. Chase decided on the meatloaf. “I’ll let you know how it tastes.” He sipped on the soda the server had brought him while he’d been waiting on Kane.

“Sounds good.”

The waitress took their menus and left.

“Have you heard about the plans to build a shopping mall in Maple Creek?”

“What?” Kane frowned. “Maple Creek is perfect just as it is. Why would anyone want to do anything to change it?”

“If they bring in this mall, it’ll change the entire dynamic of this town.”

“I don’t like it,” Kane said.

“Neither do I. They’re trying to come in and commercialize this place.”

“And the small-town charm will go out the window,” Kane said.

“I know. It makes me sick to my stomach.”

Their server came back with the sweet tea Kane had ordered and a loaf of fresh baked bread.

“This bread is the best,” Chase said, reaching for the knife to cut off a slice. “It’s the real reason I come here.”

“Owen sure does know how to run a successful restaurant.”

“It’s a good thing Alexis decided to marry him when he almost put her bakery out of business.” Chase took a bite of his bread.

“Well, she’s thriving now.” Kane reached for the knife and cut off his own piece.

“It’s always nice to see our friends having a happy ending. I just wish things could have worked out better for you,” Chase said.

Kane shrugged. “It is what it is. I’ll be all right.” He had all the money he could ever want, but it truly hadn’t bought happiness for him. “Sometimes I wonder what’s wrong with me.” He took a bite of his bread. It was still warm and melted in his mouth.

“What do you mean?” Chase asked.

He chewed and swallowed. “I gave Orchid everything. My heart, my wealth, my home. I can’t understand why it wasn’t enough for her.”

“That wasn’t you. She was the one with the issues.”

“Everyone contributes to their marriage failing,” Kane said.

“That doesn’t mean you deserved to be cheated on,” Chase pointed out.

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