“You’ve already achieved so much.” Claire sighed. “I know you don’t want to stage events for the rest of your life. That’s why you applied for the residency. But sometimes, other things come along that are more important. If you don’t want to go to Vancouver, that’s your decision. But make sure you know exactly why you’re turning it down.”
Hannah looked at her sister. “I don’t know what I want anymore. I enjoy working with you.”
“I know you do.”
“And I like creating beautiful events for our clients.”
Claire wrapped her arm around Hannah’s shoulders. “It’s okay. Starting an event staging company was never part of your plans. Just like Brett was never part of your plans.”
“He still isn’t. Brett is my friend.”
“I’m not blind. You were practically stuck like glue to each other at the carol competition. And each time I call the ranch, you tell me about what you’ve been doing together.”
The heat of a blush crept up Hannah’s face. “He’s helped me measure and photograph the paintings, that’s all.”
“Hannah Marie Williams, I do believe you’re a little smitten. Unless you’re only interested in his body, because let’s face it, Brett Forster is one handsome cowboy.”
“I can’t believe you just said that,” Hannah spluttered. “I thought you were happy being single?”
“I am, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a gorgeous male when I see one. So, while you’re wrapping another painting, tell me all you know about Mr. Hot, Sexy and Handsome.”
“Brett has a sister called Mary-Beth. She lives in Bozeman, but might be moving to Vancouver.”
“I take it that’s the reason Vancouver isn’t one of his favorite cities?”
Hannah nodded. “Mary-Beth and Brett are close. Their childhood was as bad as ours.”
“Hmm. What else do you have in common?”
“We both like sitting in front of open fires and eating cheesecake. Brett is quiet, but not shy. He cares about Ida and Pat as if they were his own parents. And he helps other kids who have had a rough start in life.”
Claire smiled. “He sounds like a great person.”
“Oh, no you don’t,” Hannah said quickly. “I’ve seen that look before. Whatever you think you know is wrong. Besides, I’m avoiding him at the moment.”
“Why?”
Hannah picked up another painting. Telling Claire why she was keeping away from Brett would only lead to more questions. And questions needed answers—answers she wasn’t ready to think about. “If you want to make yourself useful, you can wrap this painting in tissue paper.”
“You can’t ignore Brett forever.”
Hannah glanced at her sister. “I’m not ready to share my life with someone. There’s so much I want to do.”
“Just because you like someone, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams. Talk to him. He might surprise you.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“Then at least you’ll know how he feels.”
Maybe Claire was right. Some day, she needed to explain why she was afraid of falling in love. “I’ll talk to him when the time is right.”
“Cheer up. It’s not like you’re in a life-and-death situation. Whatever happens, you’ll still have me.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better. Brett doesn’t like talking about how he feels.”
Claire sighed. “I know someone else who has the same problem. I might have to find Brett’s sister and commiserate with her.”
Unfortunately, Hannah had a feeling that Mary-Beth and Claire would get along too well. “Concentrate on wrapping tissue around these paintings. Christmas is only two days away. If we get this done tonight, I might have time to buy some presents.”
