you.” She folded her napkin and set it alongside her plate. “This dinner has been a delight, but we should go before we outwear our welcome. It was kind and brave of you to open your home, Robin. Thank you so much for your hospitality. I hope soon to extend the same to you.”
Everyone started to rise and say the same things. Robin was a little sad to see them go, but at the same time, thrilled the evening had gone so well.
And that he would get to be alone with Theo now.
He and Theo walked their guests to the door, said more goodbyes, then, in a matter of seconds, were alone again.
She smiled up at him. “That was a great dinner party.”
“It was. I am so glad you made me do it.”
She laughed. “I didn’t make you have that party.”
“Well, you strongly encouraged me. How about that?”
With a smirk, she nodded. “All right. I’ll accept that much.”
He pulled her into his arms. “I ate enough for three people.”
She leaned her head on his chest. “I’d say I’m so full I won’t need breakfast tomorrow, but I know that would be a lie.”
“I wish I felt like going for a walk in the garden.”
“Me, too. All I really want to do is kick these shoes off, get out of this dress, and fall into bed.”
He chuckled. “Your room or mine?”
She swatted him playfully.
He grinned. “I wouldn’t mind getting out of this suit.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about the boundaries moving again.”
“I meant to, but then I fell asleep while you were doing my hair, and I just forgot. You want to go for another drive with me tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. I really hope we get even farther.”
“Me, too.” He held out his arm. “Come on, I’ll walk you to your room. And I know after a meal like that, we should take the stairs, but how about we take the lazy option and go by elevator instead?”
“My feet vote yes on that.” She took his arm.
He’d never been happier. Sure, it would have been nice to know what Amelia had found that might be influencing his prison, but he’d call her tomorrow and try again. It didn’t matter in the moment, however.
Because the moment was perfect. He’d had company in his house, and it had been wonderful. He’d had conversations with people who weren’t paid to talk to him. And now, after a successful evening, he had the woman he was crazy about on his arm.
Life couldn’t be better.
Theo hissed and leaned heavily on him.
He stopped. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I’m fine. I just think these shoes aren’t really the right size after all. Maybe I’ll take them off here. We’re almost to the elevator, right?”
He scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. “Almost.”
“Robin!” His name was clearly spoken in protest, but her smile went all the way up to her eyes.
He ignored the protest and focused on the smile. “Your mother’s tart was a huge success.”
She wrapped one arm around his shoulders. “It was. That was nice. Are you really going to give Amelia cuttings from the plants?”
“Sure, why not?”
“Just wondering. Will you tell the woman at the bakery about them, too?”
“I suppose. Is there a reason not to?”
“No.” She laughed. “I think it would be kind of amazing if nightberries became commonplace in Shadowvale. They should be enjoyed by everyone. Not just people with money or a title.”
She went silent as they reached the elevator.
He pushed the button. “What’s on your mind?”
“Just thinking about Amelia wanting to start a mine of starstones. How would that even work? They’re not a mined stone. They come from elestia tree sap.”
“I don’t know. I should explain that to her. But don’t worry about it. She won’t ask again about your mother’s necklace.”
The elevator doors opened, and he carried her on. She gave him a look. “You could put me down, you know.”
“I know.” He bent a little to push the button for the second floor.
She snorted, then shook her head. “What if I did give her the starstone? Would I be…compensated?”
The seriousness of her tone told him how much her father’s debt must be weighing on her. Especially if she was even considering such a thing. “When Vesta and I came here to build this house, we gave Amelia some uncut stones. Opals, amethyst, tourmaline, iolite, sapphire. All kinds. She created the Dragonfly mine with that rough. Because of our contribution, I get twenty-five percent of the mine’s profit.”
Theo’s eyes