Holy crap. They’d both just used the word ‘family’ in regard to each other.
Tessa leaned close and whispered, “We should back away slowly.”
“Yeah,” I said, still thinking about the notes, both now tucked neatly out of sight. “But I really want to know what’s in those envelopes.”
Nana’s mild gaze flicked to me with unmistakable warning. “Curiosity is not always a virtue, Anna.”
“Neither is secrecy,” I muttered.
The door opened with a jingle.
“We’re not open yet,” Tessa said, turning toward the entrance. “Oh. Aiden, hi.”
I smiled. “I didn’t know you were heading over the pass. Figured you’d have to go into your office.” Darn it. We could’ve driven over together.
One of his dark eyebrows rose. “I went for a run, and you were gone. The note was nice, though.”
Oops. When I awoke, he was already gone, and I had to get moving. “You could’ve called.”
His blue eyes warmed. “I did. Your phone is off.”
Double oops. I sighed. “It’s in my car. I’ll turn it on when I go outside.”
“In your car?” he asked, his voice deepening.
“Yes,” I said rather snippily. “I’m perfectly safe in Silverville.” Sometimes I liked his overprotectiveness. Sometimes I didn’t.
He hummed slightly, his eyes promising a discussion later. “Hi, Tessa.” His attention turned to my grandmothers. “Ladies.”
They both smiled.
Dread dropped into my stomach. Hopefully they wouldn’t hit him with the same wedding talk. I couldn’t take it. “So, Aiden. Why are you here?”
“Mrs. O’Shea? I need to interview you about the dynamite.” He moved closer to me.
“Of course,” Nana said, gesturing toward me. “My attorney is here, so why don’t you join me? The coffee is fresh and no doubt delicious.” She looked up at Tessa. “Could we have a couple of muffins, sweetheart?”
Nonna leaned toward Nana. “See? He’s talking about dynamite and not your antique boxes.”
Aiden’s smile looked forced. “I’d appreciate it if Three Hens didn’t interfere with my investigation, Mrs. Albertini.”
Eesh. Tessa and I both took a step away from Aiden.
Nonna’s chin lifted. “We’d appreciate it if your investigation didn’t hinder ours.”
Holy crap. Tessa reached down and took my hand. I couldn’t breathe.
Nonna hefted herself out of the booth. “I need to get to work and will talk to you all later.” She walked over and kissed both Tessa and me on the cheek before moving toward Aiden. “If you need any assistance with your part of the case, let me know.” She levered up and kissed Aiden on his whiskered jaw before turning and moving toward the door.
“Mrs. Albertini?” Aiden asked calmly.
She turned and looked over her shoulder. “Call me Nonna, Aiden. We’re going to be family as soon as you get it together and propose to my granddaughter.”
Tessa gasped quietly next to me. My mouth went dry.
Aiden’s expression didn’t change. Not a bit. “Nonna? I adore you, but if you put yourself in danger or mess with my investigation, I’ll take you into custody.”
“Wow,” Tessa breathed.
