“My brother used to tease your aunt because he liked her. But instead of pulling her ponytail, he’d tease her by shoving mudpies in her face. He ‘pied Piper.’” Grant laughed. “Used to get her so mad.”
“Yeah, I’m not loving the memories,” Piper growled.
Grant changed the subject. “So Simon, are you staying for dinner?”
“No, sorry. I have to get back before it gets too icy up the mountain. I’ll text you when I get home,” he said to Jenna and kissed her on the cheek with a blush. “My mom was pretty insistent I not be late. Oh, and you guys are invited to come over Friday for leftover day. We’ll play games and hang out. Bring your swimsuits too.” He grinned. “We have an indoor pool and hot tub.”
“Nice.” Grant rotated his shoulder. “A soak in a hot tub would be awesome.”
Piper turned to him. “Are you going to spend any time with Cade while you’re here?”
He swore to himself for having forgotten about his brother but pasted a smile on his face. “Oh, right. I’m going to head over in the morning to share breakfast with the family. And hopefully keep the peace.” He sighed, saw Jenna subtly lower her hand, silently telling him to keep his sadness to a minimum while Simon nodded and gave him a thumbs up behind Piper’s back. “But I’m sure it’ll be fine. They’ll try to get along for the holidays.”
“Right. And feel free to invite them here too if you think that might help.”
“Aw, Piper. You’re so nice.” He smiled.
She smiled back.
Silence ensued until Simon cleared his throat. “Right. Well, remember, Friday at my place. Two o’clock. Let me know for sure tomorrow if you guys are coming.”
“I mean, I’m going,” Jenna said. “But I won’t speak for the old people.”
“Real nice, niece.” Piper mock-glared.
Jenna grinned. “I’ll walk you out, Simon.”
“Bye.” Grant waved.
Simon smiled and left.
“He’s such a nice boy.”
“With the hots for your niece. Aren’t you even a little worried?”
“Nope. We’ve had the talk about babies and boys. Jenna’s got a good head on her shoulders. Melinda, the middle girl, now that one I fear for. But anyway, go get cleaned up and come back to help me. We’re going to chop and prep for tomorrow.” She paused. “You will be eating with us won’t you? I mean, you totally don’t have to. You never get to see your brother and sister-in-law. And you’ve barely seen Alex. But—”
He crossed to her, looked around and, not seeing Jenna, kissed her. “I’d rather spend my time with you.” He stepped back just as Jenna entered and took her seat at the table with her books. “And now, I’m going to clean up and come back to chop and stir and do whatever else you want, commandant.” He popped a salute at Piper.
“That’s more like it.” She harrumphed, which made Jenna laugh.
Grant left with a smile and returned ready to work. But being around Piper and Jenna made him think of all he’d be leaving behind in January, and made him that much more serious about winning Piper’s heart.
Chapter 13
Thanksgiving
The next morning, Grant walked into his brother’s house and gave his sister-in-law a big hug and a bouquet of flowers he’d managed to snag late last night, when he’d grabbed a bouquet for Piper as well while out on his run. The flowers had cost a bundle, but the joy on Ellie’s face was worth it.
“Well, well. Look, Cade, a stranger has come to join us.”
“Happy Thanksgiving, you peons,” Grant said and chuckled while dodging his brother’s weak blows.
“Way to avoid us, loser.”
“Yeah, loser,” Alex repeated.
Grant raised a brow and grinned while Ellie chastised his brother.
