“He deserves it. He’s one of the rare people I can say has never let me down. I told him his job would be waiting whenever he wants to come back, but…”
“But you don’t think he will,” I finished for him.
“Family ties are strong. Once he’s back home helping Knox run Just the Tipsy, I doubt he’ll want to leave again.” Duke’s fingers traced the length of my spine. “Especially not after his dad’s heart attack. That kind of thing changes your priorities.”
I nodded, knowing Duke was speaking from experience. He’d stepped up for his own family when his mother died, becoming more of a parent than a brother to Fitzy.
“But I wish I could do more for him. I’m giving him a bonus to help with moving expenses, but it feels inadequate.”
“That’s generous of you.” I propped myself up on my elbow to look at him. “But maybe there is something else we could do.”
“I’m listening.”
An idea had been forming since I’d read his text earlier. “What about a farewell concert? A fundraiser for Red.”
Interest sparked in Duke’s eyes. “What kind of fundraiser?”
“We could ask Iason, Levi, Ferris, Tiago, and Sal to perform at Hurly-burly,” I explained, warming to the idea as I spoke. “All of Red’s regulars could come out to support him, say goodbye before he leaves for Wintervale. We could donate the proceeds to help with his move or his dad’s medical bills or whatever else his family needs.”
His expression brightened. “That could work. The guys would do it in a heartbeat.”
“And I bet Sir, Mister, and Chance would take part, too. They all adore Red. Plus, Calixto, Kinsey, and the other Faux Princes. We could do a whole thing.”
“Chance, huh?”
I grinned. “I’d enjoy watching you see him perform.”
Duke chuckled, the sound warming me from the inside out. “You’re brilliant, you know that?”
“I have my moments.”
He guided me up for a kiss, soft and appreciative. “I’ll talk to Iason about it tomorrow.”
“And I can reach out to Chance and his family.Fitzy can contact Calixto since I’m sure the Faux Princes would want to help, too.”
Duke nodded, his expression lighter now, the worry lines around his eyes less pronounced. He tugged me back down. I went willingly, curling against him. It was what he needed most, the solid reminder that his family was safe, that I was fine, that some things remained constant even when others changed.
“Thank you for knowing what I need without me having to say it,” he murmured against my hair.
“That’s what husbands are for.” I continued brainstorming. “What if we set up an online tip jar for regulars who can’t make it to the fundraiser but still want to contribute? We could keep it open all month since Red’s regulars will keep coming in and asking about him.”
“That’s brilliant. We could put cards on the tables with links.”
“Red would hate being the center of attention like that, but he’d appreciate the support.”
“He would,” Duke agreed, his voice softening. His large hand cradled the back of my head as he drew me up into a kiss. When we parted, his eyes were bright with emotion.
“What was that for?” I asked, a little breathless.
“For knowing exactly what to do.” His thumb stroked my cheek. “For always making everything better.”
It was too tempting to tease him. “Look at you, getting all soft over Red.”
Duke scoffed. “I’m not soft.”
“Oh, please. You adopted that kid the moment he walked into Hurly-burly looking for a job. You’re worse than a mother hen with him.”
“I am not,” Duke protested, but his lips twitched with the beginning of a smile.
