“Nice.” Mitch stopped them in the entertainment room. “So, Simon tells me you’re in the process of wooing Jenna’s aunt.”
“I might be.”
“Good luck. Piper’s great. She sold me this house, and she’s a terrific influence on Jenna. She also puts up with Jared, which can’t be easy.” Mitch grinned to show he was teasing. “That guy has done some outstanding contract work for me and Becca the past two years. Ali too, I should say. I met your brother through Jared, and he fixed up a few things in the house. Guy is a master with woodworking.”
“That would be Cade.”
“He mentioned you a few times. A proud older brother.”
“Also a royal pain.”
“Ha. Big brothers are like that.” Mitch paused and in a lower voice added, “Simon told me you’re back in town to put a ring on a certain someone. Good luck. I know it wasn’t easy for me with Becca. But you know, the kids are good at helping.”
“Jenna’s pretty sneaky.” Grant meant that in a nice way. “A lot like Jared, to tell you the truth.”
Mitch chuckled. “Well, if I can be of any help, let me know. I really like Piper and Cade, and he can’t say enough about you when he gets talking.”
“Really?” Grant hadn’t figured his brother would mention him at all. Oh, he knew Cade was proud of him, but his brother tended to keep his life to himself, not a bragging kind of guy about anything.
“Really.”
“Huh. Well, there is one thing. Jenna mentioned she brought some overnight clothes, planning to spend the weekend here. Is that okay?”
“The weekend, huh?” Mitch’s smile grew wider. “Well, of course. Jenna spends as much time here as Simon spends at her house. She’s already part of the family. Enjoy your weekend.”
“Thanks, man. I have plans. I just need to convince Piper to go along. That’s the hard part.”
Mitch slapped him on the back. “Do I know how that goes. Heck, makes me remember how tough it was to convince Becca I was the guy for her. But you know, we made it.” His smile grew. “And now I have Simon and Ava in my life, and I’m an uncle to boot. Things work out.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not a big believer in fate. I’m all about plans and strategies. And lists.” Grant frowned. “I need to make a few calls.”
“You can use my office.” Mitch lead him to a richly appointed office with a bunch of football regalia in glass cases. He studied Grant and chuckled.
“Why are you laughing at me?”
Mitch shook his head. “I hope your efforts are easier than mine were. Come join us in the kitchen when you’re done.” He paused at the door. “Ah, did Piper make the pumpkin roll?”
“No, I did. It’s safe to eat.”
“Whew. Thanks.” He left.
Grant made a few calls. Now, to convince Piper to go away with him. And to take things easy and not rush to tell her how he felt. But it was growing tougher by the day.
Chapter 16
Piper had no idea how he’d managed it, but Saturday morning, one short plane ride and limo later, she and Grant sat in his condo in Bellevue.
Nervous and not sure why, she looked around at his place, impressed.
“See? No cardboard boxes or folding chairs for furniture.” He laughed at her. “Your expression is crushing my ego.”
“Seriously?”
“Well, no. I know what I’m worth. My ego makes sense. I’m an amazing guy, so really, I’m just surprised you couldn’t tell I have taste.”
“Look, the Grant I remember was a cute but scruffy little boy, missing a few teeth, and always stealing into my bedroom to read my Wonder Woman comics.”
“Ah, the good old days.”
