Their mom was loving and kind, but being a brainy doctor was at the core of her identity. Growing up, “fun” meant something educational unless it were a game she would be assured of winning. Most assumed they inherited their competitive streak from their dad, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as their mom. “Tell me she doesn’t want us to play a game of Operation.”
Flynn laughed. “I don’t think so, but I might beat her now.”
Garrett stood. He would pack later.
Downstairs, he learned Margot had planned the activity. She was making Callie and Brandt a quilt. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow had made their parts when they’d been in town for the Fourth of July. Now it was the Andrews’ turn. And it went over as well as it would have if they’d been kids.
Flynn played the dutiful, oldest son. Garrett did his best while trying to keep from laughing the entire time. And Keaton complained and somehow injured his index finger.
Their mom took pictures. “We’re making memories.”
“She needs grandkids,” Keaton muttered.
“I heard that.” But Mom didn’t appear deterred. “It looks like Callie has a head start on giving us grands. Unless Garrett has something to tell us about how cozy he’s gotten with a certain baker in town.”
Ugh.Just kill him now. He pressed too hard on the sewing machine’s pedal and lifted his foot. “Let’s focus on quilting so I don’t make a mistake.”
“She’s a smart one,” his dad chimed in. “Bakes like a dream. And is pretty, too.”
Taryn was all those things. “We’re giving long-distance dating a try. Her life is in Silver Falls, and mine is in L.A.”
“You two made a cute couple,” his mom said. “But that might be rough with your job.”
Garrett agreed. He still didn’t know if this would work. That bothered him more than he wanted to admit, because he couldn’t see how this would work out. “Emphasis on try.”
Which meant another goodbye might be in their future.
No, he didn’t want to think about that. “We’re taking on a new client. It could be huge for the firm with lots of publicity. So we’ll see what happens with Taryn.”
“I hope it works out,” his dad said.
Garrett, too, because he had no idea what he would do if it didn’t.
Chapter Twenty
Taryn threw herselfinto work at the bakery, not taking days off and working more than one shift most days. She straightened the counter by the cash register. Who cared if she’d done it earlier this morning? And would likely do it again before the evening rush? But the busier she kept herself, the less she missed Garrett.
Okay, not really, but she kept hoping it worked.
He’d only been gone for a week, but each day dragged. He was busy himself, so they barely had time to talk except to say goodnight. Twice had been via text. But this was still new. They would get the hang of it soon.
The door pinged.
Anna entered, carrying two cups from Raine’s place.
Taryn grinned. “Are you taking a break from making pups look beautiful?”
“You know it.” Anna handed a cup to her. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, but what’s this for?”
“Raine sent it over. She knows how difficult long-distance relationships are.”
No kidding, and Taryn’s was at the beginning. “That was sweet of her.”
Anna raised her cup. “To more time with your hottie lawyer.”
“Cheers.” Taryn sipped. That hit the spot. She lowered her cup. “Mocha is a favorite.”
