She opened her mouth and closed it again, not sure what she was supposed to say. Both statements were true, but to sayyesin this moment felt like she was agreeing to something else, and she certainly didn’t have any interest in spending time with a stranger.
Especially when there’s a man like Grayson Ward at home,an unhelpful little voice whispered in her mind.
“I’d love to take you out for dinner tomorrow night, if you don’t have plans,” Jeff continued, seemingly unaware of her discomfort. “Maybe you can show me around town.”
“Evangeline stays very busy with Leo,” Grayson growled suddenly.
Evangeline was so startled, it was all she could do not to jump out of her seat. She hadn’t even realized he was listening in. Phoebe had been regaling him with more birdwatching facts the whole time Jeff was talking to her.
“Oh,” Jeff said, straightening up. “I see.”
The faintest little smirk played around the edges of his mouth, like he knew something Grayson didn’t.Evangeline couldn’t imagine what it could be. It was awfully impertinent of the man to judge Grayson in any way.
“Speaking of Leo,” she said. “I think it’s my turn with my favorite guy, so you can eat.”
This time, Grayson didn’t frown or go still when she put her arms out for Leo. Instead, he turned the baby over to her happily.
“Hello, sweet boy,” Evangeline said.
Leo smiled at her and reached for her cheek, his eyes getting wide.
She watched his little face. The expression in his eyes was so tender. He was a very sweet baby. Hopefully, he would grow up to be a kind and thoughtful man.
She felt a sudden pang, knowing she wouldn’t be here for any of that.
“Sorry, sorry,” a cheerful voice boomed from the lobby. “They asked me to stay late after training.”
“Chad,” Trudy said happily. “So glad you could join us. There’s plenty here for you to enjoy.”
“I’ll just wash up first,” the young man said as he entered the room.
He had blond hair to his collar and his cheeks were flushed from the cold outside. It took a second for Evangeline to remember him as one of the men they’d delivered sandwiches to at the firehouse. That whole thing had been kind of a whirlwind for her. He smiled at Trudy on his way past her to the kitchen.
“Chad is in law enforcement training,” Trudy said proudly. “He’s also our handyman around the inn.”
“Busy guy,” David put in.
“It must be nice to have a young man around the place,” Ethel said.
“Oh, he’s such a help,” Trudy told her.
“Like a son to us,” her husband put in with a smile.
Chad was back in a moment, taking the chair next to the end where Trudy sat. He piled his plate and praised the meal while Trudy looked on fondly.
He ate politely butveryquickly. Evangeline wasn’t sure if he was ravenous, or if he just didn’t want to slow down the pace of the meal.
“Amazing,” he declared at last, leaning back from his empty plate and patting his belly.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Trudy told him. “Would everyone like some coffee and dessert? We have regular and decaf coffee, and I’ve got a nice homemade apple pie.”
“A la mode?” Mr. Sullivan asked.
“No ice cream, I’m afraid,” she replied.
“I’ll run into town for ice cream,” Chad offered, hopping up from his seat.
“No need, son,” Mr. Sullivan said. “We’re fine.”
