Grant crossed the room in quick, purposeful strides and threw open the door.
Shock, disappointment, and confusion rippled through him in rapid succession. “Colt? What are you doing here?”
“Why, yes. I’d love to come in. Thanks.” Grinning, Colt breezed past him as though Grant had anticipated his arrival.
“I’ll repeat…” Grant said slowly, swinging the door shut. “What are you doing here?”
The loud slam drew Ben’s attention, and as soon as he caught sight of Colt, he slipped off the barstool and ran in from the balcony. “Hi! Is Mom here, too?”
“Sorry, kiddo. Just me today. But I brought you something.” Colt held out a small pink box emblazoned with The Calendar Café’s logo—the one Grant had designed.
Ben’s eyes brightened as he flipped open the lid, revealing a mini tiramisu cheesecake. Glancing at his dad, he asked, “Can I?”
“Sure.” Grant smiled. “But eat it out on the balcony while Colt and I talk, okay?”
Racing into the kitchen for a fork, Ben hummed happily to himself as he skipped outside with his treat.
“He seems to be doing well.” Colt’s gaze followed Ben a moment before flickering back to Grant.
“He is. All things considered.” Grant crossed his arms, not really in the mood for chitchat. “How did you find me?”
Colt snorted. “You make me sound like a hit man. I asked your dad. He didn’t seem to think it was a matter of national security, Mr. President.”
Grant cracked a smile and lowered his arms. “Sorry. I suppose I’ve been wound pretty tight the last few days. It’s tough being a single parent.”
“That’s why I’m here.” Crossing into the living room, Colt plopped onto the leather bucket chair, kicking one foot onto his knee.
“You want to co-parent with me?” Grant teased, sinking onto the couch. He shifted a few times, the slick leather squeaking as he tried to get comfortable. No easy feat given the bout of nervous energy triggered by Colt’s visit.
Colt pulled a face. “No, thanks. Much as I love Ben.” Uncrossing his legs, he leaned forward, an uncharacteristically earnest expression straining his features. “I’m here because I think you made a mistake leaving Poppy Creek. And Eliza,” he added with a meaningful glance.
Grant stared, blinking a few times to see if Colt would evaporate into thin air. The whole situation was too surreal.
“Look, this isn’t exactly easy for me to say.” Colt sprang from the armchair and strode toward the gas fireplace, leaning against the mantel. “You and I haven’t always gotten along, so you may not care what I have to say. But there’s something you should know…” Colt paused, hesitation sparking in his turquoise-blue eyes before adding, “About your mom.”
“What about my mom?” Grant tensed, a muscle in his jaw twitching.
“Well…” Colt ran a hand through his dark blond hair, struggling with what to say next. “Jeez. Eliza will kill me for telling you, but if it were me, I’d want to know.”
“Know what?” Grant gritted his teeth, ready to shake the words right out of Colt’s mouth.
“Okay, here it goes….” Colt exhaled, turning to face him. “Your mom blackmailed Eliza into keeping quiet about Ben. I don’t know how or why, but that’s the truth. I overheard her talking to Luke and Cassie about it the day of the carnival.”
“What?” Dazed, Grant shook his head. “That can’t be true. Why wouldn’t Eliza tell me?”
“Because she’s trying to protect you, man.” Colt sounded exasperated, as though annoyed he had to spell it out for him. “She knew you’d be crushed, so she didn’t tell you. Sacrificing her own chance at happiness to protect your relationship with your mom. Arguably, a pretty dumb decision, but there you have it. The woman’s crazy about you. I mean, even allthisdidn’t tempt her.” Colt grinned, humorously flexing his biceps.
Grant threw his head back, laughing until he had to fight for breath.
“Jeez. It wasn’tthatfunny,” Colt drawled with mock offense.
Grant swiped a stray tear of laughter from the corner of his eye. “Thank you. Seriously. Thanks.”
“Does that mean my magical powers of persuasion worked?”
Glancing at Ben gobbling up his mini cheesecake on the balcony, Grant smiled. “Believe it or not, I think I’d already made my decision before you arrived.”
Colt arched one eyebrow as Grant stood and held out his hand. “But I’m really grateful you stopped by. Honestly. And… I think I might have misjudged you.”
