Mary-Beth sighed. “I wish my brother was as supportive.”
“Are you still thinking about going to Vancouver with your boyfriend?”
“I am, but Brett doesn’t want me to leave.”
“Has he told you that?”
“Not in those exact words, but every time I mention it he changes the subject.”
Hannah smiled. “He loves you. Just give him time to get used to the idea.”
“Like you are?”
Her smile disappeared. “I haven’t decided what I’m doing.”
Mary-Beth’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? How many residency positions are available at the university each year?”
“Eight.”
“And how many artists apply?”
Hannah frowned. “About three hundred.”
“It’s a no-brainer. You have to go to Vancouver.”
Brett stopped in front of them and cleared his throat. “You’re supposed to be enjoying Christmas, Mary-Beth, not encouraging Hannah to leave.”
“I’m a great multitasker,” Mary-Beth said sweetly. “I wish you were more like Claire. She’s practically pushing Hannah out the door.”
Hannah’s mouth dropped open. “I didn’t say that. Claire will support whatever decision I make.”
“Exactly.” Mary-Beth sent her brother an exaggerated glare. “You should talk to Claire while she’s here. Her generous nature might rub off on you.”
Brett scowled at his sister. “Some days I wonder why I love you so much.”
“It’s because you’re so alike,” Pat said as he stood beside Brett. “You always have been. Mrs. Bennett told me that lunch is ten minutes away.”
Brett left his glass on a table. “I promised I’d carve the turkey. I’ll see everyone at the dinner table.”
“And I’ll make sure all the children are here,” Mary-Beth said. “I saw Laura and Lavender disappear upstairs.”
After Mary-Beth had left, Pat held out his arm to Hannah. “You should sit beside Brett at the dining table. He’s going to need your support.”
Hannah smiled. “He must be used to Mary-Beth by now.”
“He is, but with the two of you planning a move to Vancouver, he’s feeling a little overwhelmed.”
“Are you sure? He doesn’t look overwhelmed.”
“He’s good at hiding his feelings.”
Pat’s words stayed with Hannah throughout lunch. She watched Brett as he helped the younger children. He made sure Thomas and Dave’s moms were enjoying themselves and made Claire feel welcome.
By the end of lunch, she still couldn’t tell if he was feeling overwhelmed, but she did know one thing. He was a good man. Maybe too good to leave while she worked at a university in Canada.
