“Don’t sweat it.” Accepting Grant’s hand, Colt pulled him into a side hug, slapping his shoulder. “I think we’re all guilty of misreading things every now and then. Which is why I’ve become a big proponent of ‘say what you mean and mean what you say.’”
Briefly wondering if Colt had alluded to something personal with his pronouncement, Grant nodded in complete agreement.
He had a whole slew of things he needed to say.
To one person in particular.
None of which would take place over the phone.
* * *
As Eliza stuffed small personalized packets of coffee into white ceramic mugs, she tried not to think about Ben. But Cassie’s cottage held so many memories of her son. All the evenings they’d spent playing board games and putting together elaborate puzzles with Edith. Or helping with chores around the house after her husband passed away.
Then there were all the new memories with Cassie, like decorating the tree and opening gifts in front of the cozy, crackling fire on Christmas morning.
The cottage felt like home.
But what good was a home without Ben?
He’d only been gone a few days. Yet her heart ached as though she hadn’t seen him in months.
“Thanks for helping with the wedding favors.” Cassie tied a gold ribbon to the handle of the mug before setting it on the table and grabbing another one. “I’m glad Maggie recounted. Otherwise, we’d be short fifty of them.”
“Anytime,” Eliza murmured, barely listening. Gazing at the delicate mug in her hand, Eliza took in the beautifully stenciled lettering.Love Always Hopes.She believed the words to be true. But they proved to be stubbornly elusive in the present moment.
“Is it helping to take your mind off Ben being gone?”
“A little,” Eliza croaked, tears welling in her eyes.
“Funny, but I don’t believe you,” Cassie teased, rising from the couch. “Why don’t I make us some coffee?”
“That would be nice, thanks.” Eliza sniffled.
Halfway to the kitchen, Cassie paused, startled by a knock at the door.
Eliza’s heart skipped into her throat. He’d come back!
Grant had come back for her!
Raising both eyebrows, Cassie shot her a look confirming she’d had the same thought.
As Cassie ambled toward the foyer, Eliza quickly dried her eyes and smoothed back a few flyaways from her forehead.
Casting a hopeful grin over her shoulder, Cassie threw open the front door. But her greeting died on her lips as all the color drained from her face.
“Mom?”
“M-may I come in?” Donna Hayward shifted her feet, tucking a strand of glossy, dark hair behind her ear.
Dazed, Cassie stepped to the side, letting Donna enter before closing the door.
The two women stood near the threshold, unsure how to greet one another, deciding on a stiff nod, rather than the typical hug one might expect between a mother and daughter.
From her perch on the couch, Eliza marveled at how physically alike they were, with the same ripples of mahogany curls and striking green eyes. Although, Cassie appeared more girl-next-door, with her understated makeup and sweet demeanor. While Donna could be Cassie’s older, more vivacious sister, with her heavy black eyeliner and low-cut blouse.
Eliza tensed as Donna’s gaze drifted in her direction.
“Mom, this is my dear friend Eliza. Eliza, this is my mother, Donna.” Cassie led the way into the living room, taking a seat beside Eliza on the couch.
