Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

A mes watched the hustle and bustle of opening night of Nathan’s new restaurant, Cholla.

It was a gala evening at God knew how many dollars a plate, but it was limited to fifty covers, as Nathan called them. That way the wait staff, who were all squeaky and new, and the line cooks, who were just as green, could keep up.

Nathan’s two sous and his front of the house manager were on the ball, and had trained these kids, including Sophie, within an inch of their lives.

He felt less than comfortable in a jacket and tie, but Wranglers and boots were allowed in this fine-dining establishment, and if it wasn’t for the ring box burning a hole in his pocket, Ames would have relaxed by now.

Nathan had been in the kitchen all night, cranking out Nanette’s enchiladas, Granny’s lasagna, and the dessert special of a trio of Mimi’s cookies. It was the prettiest food he’d ever seen, and everyone was over the moon.

Soon, though, the chef was due to step out and say hello to his guests.

Ames could wait. He had the little two-top toward the back to himself, so Nathan could get to him last.

Applause struck up as Nathan and all the kids came out, leaving the two sous and the dishwashers in the back. Look at Sophie’s grin.

She had blossomed in the last year, becoming a high school graduate a year early, and was leaving for New York for culinary school in the summer.

New York.

Shit.

“I’d like to welcome y’all and introduce my brigade. I can tell you, I’ve never worked with better. These are some brilliant folks.” Nathan showed off the kids, who were blushing and beaming.

The applause got louder, and the kids all turned to clap for Nathan.

Ames felt the same way. That was his damn man.

“I hope y’all enjoy your food, and please, be careful going home.” Nathan waved, eyes obviously searching for him, lighting up when they found him. “Ames! You made it. Did you enjoy?”

“God, yes.” He’d ordered one of everything, which had made his waiter, Jaime, call him Gordon Ramsey. “It was amazing, honey.”

“Thank you, love! Did you see I put enchiladas on there just for you?” Nathan leaned down for a kiss.

“I did.” There was another little spattering of applause as they kissed, and he figured it was now or never. “It must be love.”

“It so is.” Nathan grinned at him. “It’ll be a late night, but I’ll bring Sophie home.”

He’d already talked to Angela, Nathan’s front-of-house manager. She and Nathan’s chef de cuisine, Markus, were going to handle the breakdown of the restaurant, and Sophie had her car.

Nathan wasn’t staying late.

“Mmm. Nope. We have a thing. You’ll come home with me.”

“‘A thing’?” Nathan’s confusion was perfect and so, so sweet.

“Well, I sure hope so.” He wasn’t wanting to upstage Nathan’s big night, but everyone they cared about in the world save the dogs and the cats was here, so he pushed out of his seat to one knee, pulling out the ring box.

Nathan gasped, and that scarred hand went to his mouth, and those amazing sherry-colored eyes filled with tears. “Oh, my God.”

“Is that good?” Panic spurted through him. Please be good.

Nathan nodded his head. “Only if you’re asking me to marry you.”

“I am. Will you marry me, Nathan? I want the whole world to know how damn proud I am to be with you.”

Nathan nodded, pulling him up to standing. “I will. Yes. Absolutely.”

The whole restaurant exploded in cheers.

Ames took the kiss he wanted to take, not worrying a bit if someone got offended. They wouldn’t be at Kase and Ryder’s ranch if they were gonna be bothered.

He had everything he’d ever wanted—a lover, a home, his job, and a great relationship with a kid he’d almost missed altogether.

Ames figured that was about as good as it got for a cowboy.

Well, that and the occasional hamburger.