Hollywood Heir (Westerly Billionaire #4)(72)

“They’re fine,” Alice said with a laugh. “I have a king’s promise that they will all behave. Don’t worry, Eric, we’ve got your back.”

Sage hugged Alice right then. Eric often thought of himself in terms of what he’d done wrong, but friends like Alice were evidence that somewhere along the way he had done just as much right. Alice returned her hug just as warmly.

“Dinner is about to be served. Please make your way to the grand dining room,” a member of Eric’s staff announced.

When he opened the door to the outside, Bella’s voice carried inside.

Her tone was excitedly amused. “You did not say that.”

“I did,” Delinda said in a more restrained but equally amused voice.

“I wish I had been there to see her face. I don’t think it’ll change her, but good for you for giving it to her.”

“Hopefully, after the sting abates, she will see how much she is missing by acting the way she is. We have to allow our children to choose their own paths.”

Sage exchanged another look with Eric. “Do you think they’re talking about my mother—”

At the same time, Eric asked, “If that’s about your mother, are you okay—”

They both answered, “Yes,” in unison. Then paused. Exchanged another look.

Eric said, “Just wanted to make sure.”

Sage spoke in perfect unison with him again.

They stopped, realized what they’d done, and both started to laugh.

Bella, Delinda, and King Tadeas entered the home smiling. Bella pointed toward Delinda, then framed her hands into a heart.

“We may have to worry about those two for an entirely different reason,” Eric joked. “My grandmother took her wedding band off. I believe things are about to get serious.”

“Queen Delinda?” Sage lowered her voice. “They’re coming this way. I’ve never met royalty. What do I do? Curtsy? Bow? What do I call him?”

“In private you can call him Tadeas, in public Your Majesty. But why the sudden nerves? You weren’t worried when you met Magnus.”

Sage’s hand flew up to her mouth. “I totally forgot Magnus was a prince.”

Eric chuckled, pulled Sage to his side, and kissed her forehead. “And that is why you’re the woman for me.”

Sage flushed with pleasure. With Eric, even when she was wrong, it was somehow right. She laid her head on his chest. After a lifetime of yearning, she had found where she belonged.

The moment was cut short by Delinda saying. “Eric, might I steal Sage away for a moment? We’ll meet you at the table.”

Eric looked from his grandmother to Sage’s upturned face. “That’s entirely up to Sage.”

Second chances are what I do, Sage reminded herself as she stepped out of Eric’s arms. “I’ll be right in.”

Before they departed, Sage was introduced to King Tadeas. He was an older, gentler version of Magnus. Just as Eric had said, in private he preferred to go without his title. He looked somewhat reluctant to head into dinner without his escort.

Delinda waved him away.

Bella offered the king her arm.

Sage shook her head at both. Only Delinda would dismiss a king, and only Bella would think she could manage him as well.

King Tadeas took Bella’s arm, and the two walked off chatting. Eric lingered a moment more, but when Reggie called to him, he reluctantly headed into the dining room as well.

Delinda stepped closer to Sage. The tense moment crackled with uncertainty. Sage wanted to believe the best of the older woman. She told herself to keep her heart open to her. As one moment dragged to two and Delinda said nothing, Sage began to squirm. “Was there something you wanted to say?” She was old, after all. There was a chance she might have forgotten.

Delinda held out her hand.

Sage took it cautiously.

“You are not a weed,” Delinda said. “I’m sorry it took me so long to recognize that.”

“I’m not sure I understand, but thank you.”

Squeezing her hand, Delinda said, “You have no idea how much it means to me to have my family in one home like this. Almost all of them. I wish Nicolette—” Delinda stopped herself. “What I’m trying to say is: thank you. I gave you reason enough to want nothing to do with me or my family. But here you are, and so are they. It says a lot about your character as well as how much you care for my grandson. I see the way Eric is with you, and I wish I could go back—”

“Delinda—”

“Sage, let me say this. Promise me something . . .”

“Delinda—” Please don’t say something to ruin how much I want to hug you right now. You can do this. Be nice.

“Call me Grandmother.”

Sage blinked back tears and nodded again. “Of course.”

Delinda pursed her lips and gave Sage’s hand another squeeze. “And tell me when you see me crossing a line with Eric, because I don’t want to lose him again.”

I just might be able to love this woman as well. “I will. He loves you and doesn’t want to lose you, either. He told me about how close the two of you used to be. I hope you find your way back to that.” Sage released Delinda’s hand with a smile. “And I understand everything you did now. All you were doing was trying to protect him. You’re someone I would be proud to call Grandmother.”