Hope’s eyes widened. She did a double take between the two. His mother looked about his age. “Your mother?”
“Yes. See why I didn’t introduce you two sooner?” Gage laughed and pulled Hope to his side.
His mother swatted Gage’s forearm. “Where are your manners?”
“Are you dining here?” Hope asked Mrs. Gibson.
“No, actually, I own the diner with my sister, Kelly.” Hope’s eyes widened with that information. It explained why Gage said she was busy working and hadn’t had a chance to meet. She was a business owner and truly successful. Gage hadn’t been lying about it and that calmed Hope’s fears and insecurities for a moment even though she was a bit intimidated by such a powerhouse of a woman.
Hope nodded, putting it all together. “Oh, well, that’s amazing.”
“Please take a seat over here. I’ll bring you a menu.” She kissed her son’s cheek and walked away with a little extra pep in her step.
“Thank you,” Hope uttered to the fleeting woman.
“Come, baby.” Gage took her hand and led her to a seat.
“This is a nice place.” Her voice had a curious lilt in it that she couldn’t hide and that drew Gage’s attention instantly.
His brows raised and his eyes bore into hers with equal parts curiosity and humor. He grabbed her hand and pressed. “Go on, get it out. You’re curious.”
“Okay, I had no idea she was your mom. She looks so young.”
“Well, she’s about almost fifty. She had me at eighteen.”
“Wow, she’s glowing. I thought…”
“I know what your pretty little head thought, but I haven’t been on a date in a long time.” The confession surprised and elated Hope. With her youth and inexperience she was a world behind Gage, and she had doubts about her place in his heart.
“I’m silly.” Hope played with a strand of her hair, ducking her head down.
“No, you’re not. I’d murder any man who’s arms you jumped in to,” he snarled.
“Ha. Well, that’s never going to happen. Unless we break up and I start dating someone else.”
Gritting his teeth, Gage said, “We’re not going to break up. End of story.”
“I was just making a point,” Hope stated, reaching out and brushing her hand over his. He snatched in and interlaced their fingers.
Gage’s temper hadn’t calmed down. His jealousy only kicked in as he thought about her leaving him for someone else. It hadn’t occurred to him that she’d ever want anyone else. “I’m gonna make a point of fucking you on this table for everyone to see that you’re mine.”
“Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.”
“Don’t test me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Please. You’d kill someone before you’d let anyone see me naked like that.”
“Damn right. I sure as hell don’t want them hearing you in the throes of passion.”
“Hey, none of that talk in the restaurant. I can’t have you murdering my customers.” Grace handed Hope a menu with a charming smile. “So when is the wedding?”
“Mom.”
“What? You told me how you felt. I thought that’s why you brought her here.”
This time Hope’s eyes widened larger than ever before and her mouth parted.
“Oh, you haven’t asked her yet.”