Chapter 22

“I didn’t know what you liked, so I had Emily bring us a little of everything.”

“Who’s Emily?”

“Emily O’Neal. She’s the owner of the Wild Rose.”

“I’ve always wanted to eat there.” He knew it was named after the woman who was a Confederate spy and who was buried at Wilmington.

Ransom smiled into his eyes. “I’ll take you there one day if you like.”

“Oh…er…” Flustered, Parrish uncovered a plate of fluffy eggs surrounded by crisp bacon. “This looks wonderful. Thank you.” He realized Ransom was regarding him thoughtfully, and he remembered what he was wearing. “I borrowed one of your shirts. I hope you don’t mind?”

“It never looked better.”

They ate in silence for a while, and then Parrish looked across the table at him. “I’ve made my decision, Ransom.”

“And?” There was tension in his jaw, and Parrish leaned forward and caressed it with his fingertips.