“Just surprised,” he said with a shrug. “I would have told you myself if you’d asked. It’s part of my past, though, not my present. There’s way more to me than my bio and the things that went public about my engagement to Heather.”
Now she felt horrible. Maybe she should have just kept her mouth shut. Curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she’d gone down a Google search rabbit hole.
“This was before you came to town, Xavier,” she explained, hoping that this fact made him feel better. “I was curious about the Stone brothers. Can you blame me? You’re going to be running the tavern in all likelihood, aren’t you?”
He held up his hands. “Hattie hasn’t made her plans public, so it’s not something she wants us to discuss.”
“Sorry for snooping,” she said, feeling the need to apologize.
“It’s okay. I get the need to check me out. But now you have to tell me something about your love life so we’re even.”
“That’s fair. But you haven’t really told me anything.” She shrugged. “I just read some articles.”
Xavier quirked his mouth. “Her name is Heather. She’s a model. I loved her, and she said that she loved me.” A vein jumped around on his forehead. “Until my life and career fell apart. Bottom line is, she was running around behind my back with my teammate, a dude I thought was my friend. She never wanted me. Heather craved the limelight and a football player husband.”
“She’s an idiot,” True told him. “There, I said it. I’m sorryyou had to go through that when you were already mourning the loss of your career.”
“Thanks. It wasn’t the best year of my life, I can tell you that.”
“You really loved her. I can tell.” His eyes and his voice said it all.
“I did.”
“My version of Heather was Garrett. My ex. He ghosted me in the middle of our relationship.” She ducked her head. “It’s mortifying to admit, but I thought we were in love until he disappeared on me with no explanation. Nothing. Then he randomly popped up with another woman as if we hadn’t even been dating for a year.”
“He sounds like a narcissist,” Xavier said matter-of-factly. “You’re better off without him.”
She raised her forefinger in the air. “Facts,” she said. “For a while I wondered what I’d done to warrant a disappearing act, but now I know it was definitely him and not me.”
“Because if it had been you—and I do not think for a minute it was—why wouldn’t he act like a normal human and tell you face-to-face? That should show you he has mad issues that have absolutely nothing to do with you.”
“And your ex? Cheating with your friend? That’s a low blow.”
“Right?” he asked. “At least step out on me with someone who’s not sporting the same NFL jersey.”
Just then the buzzer dinged, and Xavier got up and moved over to the stove so he could check on the cupcakes. “They look done,” he said, reaching for the oven mitts.
“Aww, we’re cooking with gas now,” True exclaimed as Xavier pulled the first batch out. All of the twelve cupcakes looked perfect and emitted a heavenly aroma that made her mouth water.
“Just in time,” Xavier said as voices emanated toward the kitchen.
“Let me go head her off at the pass so your surprise isn’t ruined,” True said. “I’ll keep her occupied.”
Xavier winked at her. “Much appreciated. Hattie deserves a sweet surprise. I’m finding out that she has a heart as big as the state of Alaska.”
True couldn’t help but notice the way Xavier glowed as he talked about Hattie. Whether he realized it or not, he had love for Hattie in his heart. Seeing that love radiating from her grandson would be the perfect birthday gift for Hattie.
“This is a grand birthday,” Hattie pronounced from the head of the mahogany dining room table. With presents, flowers, a sushi dinner, and cupcakes for dessert, they had put on quite a shindig for Hattie. She deserved each and every kindness bestowed on her.
“Make a wish!” Landon called out as Hattie blew out her candle.
Everyone clapped as the flame went out. “I have nothing else to wish for,” Hattie said, her eyes misting over. “I have everything in the world a woman could ask for, especially now that my boys are back.”
Xavier put his arms around his grandmother and kissed her on the cheek. Seeing her so happy meant everything to him. It was astounding how much he cared about her—this woman who’d been nothing more than a memory for almost twenty years. Over the past weeks, they had grown close to the point where he couldn’t imagine his life without her in it. Just looking around the room made him happy. True had stayed for the festivities, and she fit in seamlessly withhis family. Hattie adored her while his brothers hung on her every word.
Caleb even pulled out his saxophone and began playing jazzy tunes like a professional musician.
“My talented grandson,” Hattie exclaimed, clapping after he finished his songs.
