I nodded."Yeah, Eve's been great.She loves hosting the events, and she's very social, so dealing with the shops usually isn't a big deal."
We focused on our menus.I ordered the peppermint French toast, and he ordered the large meal with pancakes, eggs, and sausage.
After we placed our order, he said, "Buying toys works up an appetite."
I folded my hands on the table."Thank you for contributing."
His eyes narrowed on me."I was happy to help, and it was fun."
He had been like a kid in the toy store, reminiscing over certain toys from his childhood and commenting on whether he would have liked the newer ones.In the doll aisle, he'd mentioned that Aspen hadn't been that interested in dolls and princesses.
Ford cleared his throat."How's Aspen doing at the inn?"
"Is this her big brother talking?"I asked, amused at his question.
"I haven't been around in a long time.Aspen grew up while I was gone.I just want to know that she's okay.I promise it's not some big brother protector stuff."
"I mean, there's nothing wrong with that.I think I would have liked to have a big brother to protect me."I played with the straw in my soda."Aspen is very driven and independent.She started out working as a personal assistant for Wilde Ski Resort, and I expect she's still doing that on the side."
He raised a brow."She works two jobs?"
"Yeah, you don't know?"
"She's very private.Since I've been home, I've noticed that my brothers are a little overbearing when it comes to her.I think she's keeping things hidden from them."
"I can see wanting to do that if your brothers were in your business," I mused.
"I told her I wouldn't report back to my brothers about what she was doing?—"
I leaned my elbows on the table."Are you saying your brothers keep close tabs on her dating life?"
"I told Cooper I wouldn't have anything to do with it.Her life is her own.But I can't help but worry if she's doing okay."
"As far as I can tell, she's fine.She's a hard worker, kind, and doesn't bring her personal life into work.So I definitely can't comment on that, not that I'd want to."I respected my employees, and Aspen was a good one.
Ford nodded."That's good."
"She probably wouldn't want to know that you asked about her."I had a feeling she'd be upset if she was private when it came to her siblings.
"I don't know who my brothers and sister are now."
I tipped my head to the side, considering him."Maybe you should find out.Spend some time with them."
"That's not a bad idea."
Was Ford so closed off that he didn't know how to connect with his siblings?That explained why he had trouble communicating with me when he left.When we dated in school, we saw each other all the time.It wasn't hard to stay in touch.But when he enlisted, he had to make an effort, and he didn't.I'd always thought it was because he didn't want to.But maybe he didn't know how.
"I think Aspen would appreciate the attention.As much as she wants to maintain her privacy, she seems to love her family.I can't imagine what it would be like to have so many brothers."
"Yeah, she had a hard time growing up with us, and I suppose it didn't get easier when we brought Cooper in.She didn't have any girls to play with.But she gravitated toward what we liked.I was so much older than her; I wasn't one of her playmates.She was an annoyance.Not someone I connected with."
"I’ve always had a good relationship with Eve.We're close in age and have a lot of the same interests."Then I smiled at the memory of us playing hotel on rainy days."We made up elaborate pretend games.My favorite was hotel.I'd set up the ottoman as a desk, and check everyone in.She'd be the rich guest needing the best room."I smiled at the memory."I had a built-in playmate.I'm sure that made it easier on our parents."
"You didn't fight at all?”
"As teens, we argued about borrowing each other's clothes, and friends.I didn't want her hanging around my friends.I wanted something for myself.But we got over that and are close now."I couldn't imagine going into business with anyone else.
"I guess we didn't talk much about Eve when we were together," Ford said, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
