“What are you trying to say?’ “I thought you couldn’t sleep because you were too excited.” Barbara’s
hand that was holding the spoon froze, and she looked at Maisie curiously.” What would I be excited
about?”
Maisie smiled knowingly. “I made a bet with Ryleigh last night, and she transferred $100 to me.” Barbara
was still confused. “What did you bet on?” Colton took a drink of his milk. “Mommy and Godmother
betted on you and Godfather to see who would make the first move on kissing. Mommy betted on you
while Godmother betted on Godfather.” The air froze, and it finally struck Barbara, who then started to
blush. “You…”
Maisie was surprised and looked at Colton. “How did you find out?”
Colton took a big bite of his croissant.” Godmother was complaining to us last night.”
It was impossible for Ryleigh to keep her mouth shut!
Barbara was so embarrassed all she wanted was to hide in a hole. She had been seen!
She hadn’t thought about how she was going to face Helios yet-she had lost control last night! “Daddy,
Godfather, good morning!” Colton stood up and waved toward the two men who appeared at the cafe.
Barbara immediately ducked and covered her face with her hands.
Nolan walked to Maisie and put his hand on the back of her seat. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”
“You said you wanted to go to the gym with Helios.” Maisie cleared her throat and got up. “Let’s go sit
somewhere else?”
“Yes!” Daisie and Colton could tell what was going on and hopped toward another table behind Maisie
with their food in hand. Nolan patted Helios’ shoulder. “I’m going to spend time with my wife.” Barbara’s
heart almost stopped. She slowly spoke as she watched the man sitting down across her. “About last
night… I’m sorry.”
Barbara lowered her head and played with her fingers as she found a lame excuse. “I had too much to
drink last night.”
Helios looked at her. “I don’t think you drank last night.” “Yes… Oh, no, I drank… cider.” Barbara looked
into his eyes, then immediately away, her heart almost jumping out of her throat. Helios picked up the
teacup. “They didn’t serve cider last night.” Barbara choked when Helios called on her lie, and she
stuttered for the longest time. Helios took a sip of his tea and looked down. “Is it that stressful?” “No.. Not
really,” she said. However, she wanted to bite her tongue off after that.
A few pairs of eyes were staring at them from the other side. Nolan picked up a bowl of soup. “Do you
think it will work out for them?”
Maisie took over the bowl. “Why not?
People sometimes offer themselves to the people who have saved their lives.”
Daisie turned to look at her. “Mommy, what does offering themselves mean?”
Before Maisie could answer, Colton replied like he was a grown-up, “That means they marry the person
who saves their lives.”
Daisy seemed to understand, but not really. “Is that how it works?”
Maisie cleared her throat and flicked
Colton’s forehead. “Don’t learn from your brother, watching those soap operas.”
Colton rubbed his head. “Did you say that yourself?” _.
Maisie squinted. “Doesn’t mean you kids should learn it.”
The two immediately focused on eating, or they wouldn’t be able to watch any television shows after that.
Helios and Barbara had their breakfast quietly, feeling that it lasted hours. Neither of them spoke, but
after a while, when Barbara was going to say something, Helios spoke too, and their eyes met.
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