“Great,” Calvin said softly. “I’m d you remember. See you tonight.”

    After hanging up, Shaun looked straight at Halsey. “So you’ve got ns with Calvin tonight?”

    She nodded. “Yeah. I ran into him on campus today. Honestly, I wouldn’t even be at Anteoch University if he hadn’t helped me, so I want to take him out to dinner to say thank you.”

    Shaun knew Halsey bdidn’t /bthink of Calvin as more than friends, but it was obvious that the guy fancied herb. /b

    In btheir /bworld, heiresses born into powerful families like Halsey were always at the center of marriage alliances andpetition.

    Still, Shaun didn’t stop her. Halsey was a person, not some toy. She had her own life, her own space, and her own friends. Even if some of those friends happened to be guys, and even if it rubbed him the wrong way, he would suck it up because he knew love meant being patient and understanding.

    After all, he wanted forever with her.

    “Then, would you mind if there was one more person tonight?” he asked suddenly.

    Halsey blinked. “One more? Who?”

    “I don’t have any ns tonight. Take me along.”

    “You wanna have dinner with Calvin?”

    Shaun nodded. “Can’t I?”

    Sheughed. “Of course, you can. I’m just surprised. You’re not exactly the type who likes being in the middle of things.”

    “That’s your friend,” Shaun said. “Shouldn’t you introduce us? Besides, if Calvin’s been good to you, then he’s been good to me, too. I should thank him myself. Tonight, I’ll go with you.”

    Halsey nodded. “Sure. Do you still have work? If not, we can head out now.”

    He pulled her close. “Nope. Let’s goi./i”

    Half an hourter, their sleek car rolled up to Sanguine Bistro, Shaun held Halsey’s hand as they stepped inside.

    The ce was buzzing with people, busy and lively. Shaun let go of her hand only to slide his arm protectively around her waist, guiding her through the crowd. “Careful.”

    Halsey smiled at how protective he was. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of myself and the baby. I won’t let anyone bump into us.”

    “I’m here. I’ll take care of both you and the baby Shaun said softly, his smile full of warmth.

    Halsey’s heart swelled. She could already see it–Shaun would be a good husband, and one day, an amazing father.

    They reached the private room Calvin had reserved and stepped inside. He wasn’t there yet.

    “He’s on his way. Let’s wait for him before we order,” Halsey said.

    Shaun poured her a ss of water. “Okay.”

    Just then, Shaun’s phone rang.

    He had been away from thepany all afternoon. Seeing it was Martin calling, he knew it had to be something urgent that needed him to deal with personally.

    “I’ll step out and take this,” he told her.

    “Go ahead,” she said, understanding.

    Shaun got up and walked out with his phone in hand.

    A momentter, the door opened again this time, it was Calvin.

    Halsey smiled. “Hey, you made it.”

    “Sorry,” he said with a gentle voice. “Traffic was crazy. I ended up a few minuteste.”