Grant coughed to cover laughter. “Ah, sure.”
“But my mashed potatoes were good, right?”
Grant and Jenna looked at each other before answering together, “Yes.”
“I think you mean that.” Piper smiled.
Grant contained a shudder.
Thankfully, the door opened, and Simon saved him from having to comment on her cooking. The teen smiled at them while a black and white dog barked, sniffed Grant’s foot, then shot back into the house like a windup toy.
“That’s Oreo.” Simon took the plate Grant had been holding. “Cool. A pumpkin roll. Mom only made pie this year.”
“Only.” Jenna huffed and nudged him. “You’re so spoiled.”
“That’s right. Your mom runs that tea shop in town.” Grant looked forward to her leftover pie. He hadn’t forgotten those amazing gingerbread cookies.
“Yep. Come on in.”
Grant stepped aside to wait for Piper to precede him, and she gave him an odd look before entering.
“What?”
She shrugged. “Not used to men with manners.”
“Well, get used to it.” He shut the door behind him, wanting to add to that but got distracted by the gorgeous and overwhelming holiday decor. “Holy crap. Merry Christmas.”
A toddler squalled, and Jenna left them to return with a beautiful little girl, her hair dark, her cheeks pink as she patted Jenna’s cheeks. “Yen-na.”
Jenna grinned. “I missed you, Ava. This is Simon’s sister. She’s nearly thirteen months.”
“And a brat,” Simon muttered but smiled at his sister. “My mom says she’s worse than I was during my terrible twos.”
“Yikes.” Piper smiled. “But such a cutie.” She looked at Jenna. “Don’t teach her to be evil, the way you did your younger sisters.”
Simon chuckled but started coughing when Jenna frowned at him. “Huh? What’s that Mom? I’m coming.” He darted away.
Grant half-heard the funny stuff, still goggling over the massive Christmas tree by the fireplace, nestled in a corner and glittering with ornaments, lights, and candy canes.
A pretty, pregant woman with dark brown hair and looking a bit like Simon, approached and took the toddler from Jenna. “We used to do tinsel, but Oreo kept eating it, so now we just pretend it’s there. Hi, Piper, Jenna.” She turned to Grant. “I’m Becca Flashman, Simon’s mom. You must be Cade’s brother.”
“At least she didn’t say little brother,” said the tall guy with broad shoulders who joined them. He stood behind Becca and put his hands on her shoulders. “Hi, Grant. I’ve heard all about you from Simon. I’m Mitch.”
“Nice to meet you.” Grant held out a hand.
Mitch shook it, the grip not too firm, but not too soft either. He had callused hands, rough from doing more than sitting around counting his millions, apparently.
Mitch must have seen the question in Simon’s eyes, because he said, “Go ahead. Ask.”
“Are you a huge douchebag who retired here to lord your wealth over the lowly minions of Hope’s Turn, or is Hank Simpson just a jerk?”
Piper groaned and wiped a hand over her face.
Jenna and Simon just blinked at him, while Mitch’s wife started laughing. And didn’t stop.
“Hank Simpson?” Mitch snorted. “That jackass? He can go kiss my—”
“Great to have you here, Grant” Becca cut in.
