Dylan nodded. “It was the one thing we could always agree on. He was always fixing up junkers and mending the farm equipment. I loved to help him. He taught me everything I know about cars.”
Bonnie could just imagine a small Dylan with his hands in the engine helping his father. The dark eyes bright with excitement and the nimble fingers learning the parts. It made her smile.
“Is that how you met Carter Williamson?” Bonnie asked. “I am a little curious how you became friends with the man who owns W Motors.”
Dylan chuckled. “We billionaires have to stick together,” he replied. “It's a tough world out there for us.”
“Oh, I'm sure,” Bonnie agreed as the waiter returned and filled their glasses. “Those gold plated jets don't buy themselves.”
Dylan chuckled.
“I bought one of the first versions of his electric cars, and he wanted my feedback,” Dylan explained. He smiled at the memory. “We talked cars for a good two hours without realizing it. Our secretaries were not pleased.”
“Dinner, sir.” The waiter placed two bowls in front of each of them before bowing away.
“Oh, this smells so good.” Bonnie started to drool.
The bowl before her wasn't fancy. It looked rather simple, but it smelled absolutely heavenly. Bonnie knew what it was from their dinner on the overlook. Jambalaya.
“This is my grandfather's secret recipe,” Dylan told her. “I asked him to make it for us tonight. You won't find better in the entire city.”
Bonnie grinned and dug in. Spicy and savory flavors filled her mouth. The simple ingredients blended to perfection in her mouth. Rice, shrimp, sausage, celery, peppers, and seasonings all were cooked to perfection. She could see why Dylan loved this meal. She felt honored that he'd shared it with her.
“My brother would love this,” she said, barely pausing long enough to get the words out before taking another bite.
“Yeah?” Dylan looked up.
“He loves spicy,” she replied with a smile. She looked around. “Actually, I think he'd love this place.”
“I can't wait to meet him,” Dylan replied.
Bonnie swallowed hard. That meant future. She looked up and found herself wanting her brother to meet Dylan. She wanted to have Christmas here with the two of them and PawPaw. She could see a whole future where the two men of her life were friends.
She wanted it.
“Once the trial's over, I want you to meet him.” It felt good to say the words. “I wish you could meet him now. He's not a car guy, but I think you two would get along.”
“What do you plan on doing after the trial?” Dylan asked. She noticed how he paused, as if afraid of her answer.
She looked down at her plate. It was empty.
"I'm not really sure," she said slowly. She looked up and into his eyes. They were dark in the twilight, but the candlelight made them sparkle. Her heart sped up, and she knew her answer just by looking at him. "I want to stay with you."
She loved the slow smile that filled his handsome face. She loved the way his dark eyes lightened with joy.
“I'd like that very much.” He reached out and took her hand. His touch was gentle, yet it gave her strength.
The waiter cleared his throat once they'd had their quiet moment.
“Dessert, sir. Ma'am.” He had two beautiful plates that looked more like art than dessert. He carefully set them down, handed Dylan a lighter, and then disappeared back into the darkness of the garden.
“Dessert is my favorite,” Dylan announced. “Beignets and bananas foster.”
Dylan flicked the lighter to life and lit the bananas on fire. Bonnie shrieked with surprise and delight as the flames reached into the night. The flames receded, leaving the most amazing aroma.
She carefully put some of the flambeed bananas on a plate and added one of the square doughnuts to the side. It was heaven on a plate. Sugar, sweet, and delicious.
“Your grandfather said that I'm the first girl you've brought home,” she said after a moment.