Sean’s question wasn’t as straightforward to answer as he might think. “The principles of marketing, accounting, and contract law were well covered, but it was what I learned outside of college that helped me the most.” When he frowned, Becky continued. “I had two part-time jobs while I was at college. Learning how to juggle my studies with my work and making sure Gran and Molly were okay taught me other skills I’ve never forgotten.”
“It must have been difficult.”
“No more difficult than running a successful ranch. I hope Molly didn’t share too many family secrets with you.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Only a few. She said if you get grouchy, I should buy you a plate of blueberry pancakes from Angel Wings Café.”
“I like that idea.”
“I thought you might. What about tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Matthew and I aren’t sending the invitations until later in the night. I could meet you at the café after you finish work. We still have to decide on a menu for the reception.”
“Did Annie say she could do the catering?” If she had, it would make everything so much easier.
“She called me last night. She had a late cancellation. I don’t know what happened with the other event, but I’m grateful she could help us.”
“So am I. Annie has a gift for making the ordinary seem extraordinary.”
Mary walked into the kitchen. “I’ve finished my homework.”
Becky lifted her onto a stool. “Would you like to show us your masterpiece?”
With a proud smile, she placed the picture she’d made on the counter. “It’s Happy Petals.” She pointed to a person standing on the street. “That’s Aunt Molly. She’s taking a photo of the flowers we made.”
Sean leaned forward. “You did a great job. I like the red door.”
“It’s the same as the one at the flower shop.” Mary pointed to the sun she’d drawn. “It’s summer, just like now. What color door does your house have?”
“Blue, like the color of the sky.”
“I like blue, too. Becky’s favorite color is yellow because it makes her happy.”
Sean lifted his eyes to Becky’s. “Is that why you painted the inside of your flower shop yellow?”
“I wanted it to be as pretty as a picture.” She looked down at Mary and smiled. “Mr. Gray and I won’t be too much longer. Do you want to find the story you wrote? You can read it to me soon.”
Mary placed her little hand on Sean’s arm. “Can you listen to it? It’s about rainbows and princesses.”
“Mr. Gray has to go back to his ranch soon,” Becky said. “Maybe he could listen to one of your stories another day?”
“I don’t have to rush back to work. I’d love to listen to Mary’s story.”
Becky wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Mary already thought he was amazing. She hadn’t stopped talking about going to his ranch and seeing his animals. In her mind, he’d turned into a modern-day Noah, giving refuge to all four-legged creatures.
“Please,”Mary pleaded.
Sean added to the dilemma raging inside of Becky. “My niece and nephew are always reading me their stories.”
What was she to do? A man with a strong sense of family and a little girl who craved a kind male figure in her life were waiting for her decision. “If you’re happy to stay a while, that would be lovely.”
“You could have dinner with us,” Mary added. “We made lots of lasagna last night, so we don’t need to cook anything.”
Before Sean replied, he looked at Becky. Something in her expression must have warned him to be careful. “Thank you for asking, but my brother is making dinner for me.”
“Has he made lasagna?”
