True felt her cheeks flushing. The last thing she wanted was for Hattie to know True had the hots for her grandson. She hoped to be taken seriously as a businesswoman, and she didn’t want Hattie’s opinion of her to change.
“Spies?” Xavier asked in a raised voice. “What is this? Spy games?”
Hattie rolled her eyes. “You’re being silly, Xavier. You should be happy that someone is trying to help you after your disastrous engagement to that awful woman.”
Ouch!Hattie wasn’t pulling any punches. And judging by the expression on Xavier’s face, he was far from thrilled with her comment. This was classic Hattie. She could be as blunt as a sword.
“Well, tell me how you really feel,” Xavier drawled. He reached for a finger sandwich and popped it in his mouth. True sensed he did so in order to stop himself from responding to his grandmother. Better to fill one’s mouth with food rather than pop off to the grande dame of Moose Falls.
Hattie reached for her purse and leaned on the table forsupport as she stood. “Great meeting, True. I’ll call you shortly.” She leaned down and kissed Xavier on his temple. “Don’t be too mad at Granny. I only want the best for you.”
Seconds later Jacques appeared, looping his arm through Hattie’s and escorting her out of the tea shop. True could see that Hattie was leaning heavily on Jacques. Time was definitely not on her side.
“She sure knows how to make an exit,” Xavier said, shaking his head. He picked up his teacup and took a tentative sip. “It’s not half bad,” he concluded. He then proceeded to add heaps of sugar and milk before bringing the cup once again to his lips. “Aah,” he said. “Much better. So, is Hattie always like this?”
“She’s a trip, if that’s what you’re asking,” True said. “But she’s got more heart and loyalty than anyone I’ve ever known. I hope she didn’t hurt you with her comment about your ex, and I know it might sound messed up, but she’s coming from a place of love.”
“I’m not hurt. To tell you the truth, she’s growing on me, sharp tongue and all. It’s hard to fathom that we’ve only been reconnected for a few weeks now, ’cause it kind of feels like forever.”
She let out a tightly held breath. “That’s nice to hear. Hattie wants to be close to you, Caleb, and Landon. That’s what this whole inheritance is about. Bringing you back home so she can spend her final days with you.” A random tear slid down her face. Xavier reached out and wiped it away with his thumb.
“Hey, don’t cry. It’s going to be all right. Everything’s good.”
She sniffed back the tide of tears. “I’m not crying,” she protested. “There’s just something in my eye.”
Xavier didn’t say anything, but his gaze was intense as he stared at her.
“What?” she asked after a few moments of silence.
“I want to take you out, True. I know we’re both busy, but let’s make time for each other. You make Moose Falls way more interesting.”
“Are you asking me on a date?” True asked, mirroring Xavier’s words from the other day.
“Yes, I am, and no offense, but this time without Jaylen.”
She felt a grin tugging at her lips. “I think he’ll be okay with that considering he’s trying to play matchmaker just as hard as Hattie. Not sure which one of them is worse.”
They both looked at each other and said “Hattie” at the same time. Both of them knew she had the potential to be far worse than True’s little brother. She was going to cut Hattie some slack because she wanted to see things in her world settled due to her illness.
“So when can we go out?” Xavier asked, leaning across the table. “I need some True time.” He reached out and laced his fingers through hers. She couldn’t remember ever holding hands with a man like this. It was warm and comforting. Reassuring.
“We’re having an event at Northern Exposure on Friday night. There’s going to be live music and dancing, as well as the unveiling of Yukon Cider’s newest flavors. Are you up for it? I think you’d have a good time.”
“Say less,” he said, holding up his hand. “Since you’re bringing out the new line, it’s a business obligation for me to be there,” he said with a wink.
“I won’t be working for the whole night, so we can hang out once I’m off the clock.” Suddenly she felt so awkward. He had asked for a date, but was hanging out the same thing? Man, she was out of practice.Just relax and play it cool, she reminded herself.
“Sounds good to me,” Xavier said.
She reached for a blueberry scone and took a bite. The flavors burst on her tongue, causing her to let out a moan of appreciation.
“And bring your brothers along,” she suggested. “The three of you are celebrities here in Moose Falls, in case you didn’t realize it. You’ll be good for business.”
Xavier scoffed. “Okay, but they are not horning in on our date. I’m not sharing you.”
Whoosh.Sometimes he said things that made her weak in the knees. She was falling for this man like a ton of bricks. And even though she had a few reservations, he was showing her that he was a good man. She couldn’t judge him by his past or her own train wreck of a relationship with Garrett. So far he hadn’t given her a single reason not to trust him. But there wasn’t a safety net anywhere in sight!
Lean in, a little voice whispered.Choose happiness. Don’t let fear win.
