Charles refrained from pointing out that Ryder had other responsibilities now—to him, chiefly—he assumed that was either already clear to Roper or would be soon enough without his input.
“How are the waffles?”
“Exceptional.” The twins spoke together.
Ryder added, “Thank you, Sir.”
He chuckled at them both and gave Ryder a slight nod. “My pancakes are delicious, but they’re disappearing so fast I question whether I’m actually tasting them or just making that part up.”
“Oh, are you starving your guy, Ry? You know you got to keep him well-fed…”
“Oh, decidedly not. Ryder is an excellent cook. Very creative and capable. We just…missed dinner last night.”
Roper’s eyebrow flew up. “Did you?”
“Yep. Early night in. We’re hungry.” Ryder popped a bite of waffle in his mouth.
He caught the look Roper shot him and realized that Roper might have just come to the conclusion that Ryder was being taken advantage of.
Understandable under the circumstances, and he was relieved that he’d been up-front about that issue with Ryder.
“Ryder, perhaps you ought to explain to your brother that you are no longer in my employ?”
“He fired you?” Roper’s eyes narrowed.
Ryder shook his head. “No. No. I quit. It was mutual. We wanted to be together, huh?”
He caught Roper’s gaze deliberately. “I told him he had a choice. He made it. I certainly had no intention of starting something with a man who works for me. But we both wanted…to start something.”
“You got a nest egg, though, right? You are good, because?—”
“Solid as a rock, brother.” There was no hesitation, no tension in Ryder at all.
Charles was touched by the trust Ryder had in him. He knew two things for certain. He and Ryder were going to be good for each other, and Roper would most assuredly kick his ass if he didn’t treat Ryder with the respect he deserved. Ryder had chosen, however, not to share their financial agreement should things not work out between them, so he wouldn’t either.
“You know your own brain, man. You’re happy?”
“Yeah.”
“I can visit and see where you’re living? Can I tell Mom?”
Ryder glanced at him, really quickly.
That was an easy question to answer, even if it made him a bit uneasy. He couldn’t be sure Ryder’s family would find him suitable. “It’s your home too now; invite anyone you like. And I look forward to meeting your mother.”
“So, yes, you can visit, and I’ll tell the family. No bringing them with you, or I will be real put out.”
He kept eating and let the brothers talk. He was learning a great deal by keeping his mouth shut until spoken to.
“I would never.” Roper looked shocked by the idea, but even he could tell it was a playful lie.
“Butthead. I’m serious. I’m not ready for Momma.”
“Fair enough. I wouldn’t be either. Ever.”
The brothers grinned at each other, then started laughing, shoulder to shoulder.
As Charles watched the two of them laughing together, he realized without any resentment whatsoever that he could never be the most important person in Ryder’s life. A very close second was a good possibility, but a bond like that was just different. It was important, and he knew he had to respect that.