“No one is telling you that you should,” Jason said quietly. “Isabelle thinks that the two of you are perfect together. When we left after decorating cookies, she said as much. She’s insisting that everything will work out.”
Marcus brought his head around to meet Jason’s eyes and huffed out a laugh. “Were we at the same cookie decorating activity? That woman barely said anything to me while you were there. She kept up a conversation with Isabelle?—”
“But how many times did we catch her stealing looks at you?”
Marcus snapped his mouth shut. He’d been distracted and hadn’t noticed anything like that.
Mathew’s chuckle was the only thing to break him out of his stupor. “See? You’ve got a shot. You just need to find a way to reach her. What does she love most? You mentioned she loves her job. What else matters?”
Marcus thought for a moment. “Nora. That’s it. She doesn’t have anyone else.”
Jason and Mathew looked at him and shook their heads while rolling their eyes.
“What?” he demanded.
Mathew turned to his brother and smirked. “You’re right. He’s not exactly the smartest guy.”
“Hey!” Marcus snapped.
The two brothers ignored him as Jason spoke. “I get the feeling everyone cares for Nora. So, use that. It will be natural since you care for her too. Show Wynter that you’re worth the risk because you fit into her life seamlessly.”
“Checkmate!”
Marcus groaned good-naturedly. “That’s three times in a row.”
Nora winked at him. “Oh, don’t sound so put out. You and I both know you’re letting this old woman win. You had several opportunities.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Marcus said. “You’re an incredible chess player.”
She rolled her eyes, then glanced up and grinned. “Are you going somewhere?”
Marcus turned and found Wynter staring at him with a look he couldn’t read. When she realized he’d caught her staring, she smiled. It was one of the most genuine smiles she’d willingly given him since he’d started helping out at the house, and he flashed her a smile of his own.
“Wynter?”
She startled and turned to her grandmother. She’d been in the middle of zipping up her coat. Clearly, she planned on going somewhere. Marcus fought the urge to get to his feet and close the distance between them. He needed to convince her that they could be good together, but he needed her to be open to the idea first.
Wynter cleared her throat. “I wanted to head to town for a Christmas tree. We used to get the fresh ones every year, and I thought it was a good time to put one up. It’ll stay alive until Christmas and?—”
Marcus practically jumped to his feet. “I’ll come with you.”
She blinked at him several times. Then slowly, she nodded and smiled. “Sure. That would be nice.”
Marcus gave Nora an apologetic smile. “I’m counting on a rematch. I’ll beat you eventually.”
Nora laughed. “I’m sure you will.”
He slid into his coat and walked Wynter to his truck. They were on the road for a few minutes when he couldn’t hold back. And he wasn’t sure if he was going to regret it.
“Why haven’t you settled down?”
Wynter turned wide eyes toward him. Her lips parted and the rate of her breathing escalated. “I beg your pardon?”
He chuckled and gripped the back of his neck for a moment. “It’s a simple enough question. You’re a beautiful woman. You’re intelligent. And you have a lot to offer. So why haven’t you found someone and settled down? I’m sure Nora would love to see you find love.”
Her cheeks flushed a deep color that almost matched the maroon peacoat she wore. He only caught a glimpse of her reaction before she turned to the window. “I’m busy.”
Marcus snorted. “People who want to find love and start a family will make time for it. So, I’m going to ask you again. Like I said. Simple.”
