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He laughed. “I was taking a tray of brownies out of the oven. I’d never ignore you, Sage.”
“Good to know. I’ve decided to spoil my brother a little bit more with some bear claws.”
“So, you said he’s back for good?”
“Yes. He’s retired from boxing. Which I’m thrilled about. I hated every minute of it.”
“And he’s okay with the decision?”
“Yes. He seems to have no regrets.” She moved to the case. “Of course, it’s only been a few weeks.” She peered in at the pastries. “So, a couple of bear claws for Sawyer. And a lemon Danish for Jade. I guess a lemon poppyseed muffin, too.”
“Is Jade here to stay?”
“For a while. She’s staying with me. And they’re best buddies. So, I don’t really see her leaving anytime soon.”
“Are they…a couple?”
Sage shook her head. “No. Just friends since middle school.” He looked skeptical, and she added. “I know it’s weird. But…”
He pointed at her. “How’d you like to make a little wager?”
“What kind of wager?”
“That a month from now, it will become quite obvious to everyone exactly what is going on between the two of them.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Is this your weird spidy sense kicking in?”
“Maybe. Or maybe I’m just a romantic at heart.”
She smiled. “That’s probably it.” She took a moment. “So, if they’re still just friends at the end of this month, I win…what?”
“If you win, I will cook you dinner at my house with all five kids present. There’s no getting away from them.”
“And if you win?”
“Then you cook me dinner at your place.”
“With all five kids?”
“No. I wouldn’t do that to you. Olivia can babysit.”
“This is just a bet, not a…”
“Date?” He grinned. “No. I wouldn’t do that to you either. I think the fact I have five kids to raise for the next several years is a bit overwhelming for you. Which is completely understandable. Just a friendly dinner to settle a bet.”
“Um…Okay. It’s a bet.”
“Cool. Either way, I win.”
“How so?”
“Because I get to have dinner with you.”
She blushed, then said. “You make it very hard to not overlook the five kids thing.”
“They’re here to stay, I’m afraid.”
It was time to change the subject. “Are you settling into the new house?”
