Maybe there was normally a different protocol? Drinks and cocktails first? I wasn’t sure. But she was clinging to Ben’s hand hard enough her knuckles were white. All I wanted to do was wrap her in a hug and tell her it would all be fine.

That part would have to come later.

The dining room was gorgeous. Something out of a decorating magazine. Hell, if Addison was let loose in this house she would have a fucking field day.

White walls with old style molding in rectangles which gave texture without being intrusive. A couple of beautiful landscape oil paintings, and a set of large French doors which led out onto a slate patio overlooking a lush garden.

The table itself was beautiful too, set with food and drinks. I couldn’t tell immediately what the meal was, but it smelled amazing.

“Where is everyone?” Esme asked. “Where’s Arnold?”

Eleanor waved a hand. “After Alicia finished cooking and everything was laid out, I sent everyone home. Since it’s just us, I didn’t think a lot of ceremony was needed.”

“That’s kind of you,” Luke said, pulling out Esme’s chair. But I was watching her face, and she went pale after her mother said it.

There were landmines here we weren’t fucking aware of. We were going to do our best, but tonight, Esme was going to be in my bed. My instinct to protect her was out of control, and the only thing keeping me from walking around the table and having her sit in my lap was the thought of having her near me later.

“Please help yourselves,” Eleanor said. “Would you like some wine?”

“Wine sounds great,” Rylan said. “Would you like me to pour? I can.”

She looked surprised. “That would be lovely. It’s behind you.”

Rylan was up on his feet, and I smothered a smile. He uncorked the wine with ease, and Eleanor watched, stunned, as he poured her a perfect glass. He smiled at her and moved around the table. “I was a waiter through school. At Troisgros. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how to pour wine.”

“My, I haven’t been there in a while. It’s a lovely place.”

“Yes, it is.”

Which was a fucking understatement. Troisgros was one of the finest restaurants in Slate City. The kind of place with a months-long reservation list and people who traveled simply to eat there.

Rylan had waited tables because the money was good, and he wanted to do as much as he could to minimize his debt. But right now? All he was thinking about was making it easier for Esme.

Kade reached forward and pulled the top off the first dish, unleashing a wave of delicious aroma. “It smells incredible, Eleanor,” I said. “Thank you.”