"That's why I invited her to come over for dessert."
Sofia's eyes brightened. "I can't wait to see her."
When Sofia was done with her potato, Mom asked, "Why don't you make sure Grandpa is behaving and not sneaking any cookies?"
Sofia hopped off the step stool and ran into the living room. She loved spending time with both of my parents.
Mom placed the potatoes into the mixer. "Are you and Eve seeing each other now? You went to the holiday party together, and now this."
I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep anything from her. "Something like that. The town council liked seeing us together at the party. It made them think I've moved on from Marla, and my grief won't be a liability to the fire department."
"Well, that's just ridiculous."
"You know how it is. Appointments to positions like this are political. I have to do what they want to get the promotion."
Mom lowered the mixer so that the wands were in the bowl. "I know this is important to you, and the schedule will be better for Sofia."
Mom didn't say that she'd be relieved that I wasn't running into burning buildings anymore. But I knew she would be. This was the best scenario for everyone in my life, and if I had to pretend to be with Eve for a few weeks, then it would be worth it.
I just hoped that Sofia didn't get too attached to her.
Mom turned on the mixer, occasionally pausing it to stir the contents. When it was done, she lifted the mixer top and pulled out the bowl. "So this thing with Eve isn't real? It's just to convince everyone that you'll be a good fire chief?"
"That's right." I sat on a stool at the island to watch her work.
"I'm not a fan of it, but if it gets you the job."
Tension crept into my neck. That kiss the other night felt very real. Not that I'd ever tell my mother that.
"It sounds like no one will be judging you if you date someone new."
I rolled my shoulders back. "It's just my boss and the town council, but yeah."
"That excuse shouldn't be holding you back anymore." She grabbed the cranberries and placed them on the stove.
"I haven't even thought about that. I'm busy with Sofia and work."
Mom gave me a look. "I have a feeling that's about to change."
Before I could ask what she meant about that, Tucker arrived, and we talked about other things while Mom prepped the rest of the meal.
We sat at the dining room table, going around at Sofia's insistence to say what we were thankful for. Health and family were always mine.
There was nothing more important. I was happy to be surrounded by people who loved me.
I was helping Mom cut the pie when Tucker came into the kitchen, slapping my back. "What's this I hear about a woman stopping by for dessert?"
In any other context, I would assume he was insinuating something dirty. But we were in my mother's kitchen. "Frank thinks the town council wants to see me with someone."
Tucker shook his head. "That's ridiculous."
"Right? But whatever it takes. You know how these things are."
He huffed out a breath. "Sure. But doesn't make it any less stupid."
Mom plated the pies. "We'll just wait for Eve."
"She's on her way," I said, checking my phone for messages from her.
