“Two thumbs up,” True said, holding her thumbs in the air.
“Why don’t I show you to your table?” Bonnie suggested. “So the two of you can settle into a romantic dinner.”Landon looked around the tavern. Thankfully it wasn’t too packed tonight.
“I’m going to send over some champagne on the house along with our new signature appetizers. Any allergies?” True asked.
“I’m all good,” Bailey said. “No allergies.”
“None here. Thanks, True,” Landon said.
Bonnie motioned them toward her and began to lead them into the main dining room. The tavern had an intimate vibe with low lighting and a roaring fireplace that made the room cozy. Bonnie seated them at a table that was far away from the others. He had the feeling she was trying to set a romantic mood for them, and he appreciated it, even though this wasn’t about romance, but for all intents and purposes, he was going to lean in to the pretense.
He held out Bailey’s chair for her, and she sat down before he gently pushed it in to the table. When he sat down across from her, he thought he spotted a nervous expression on her face.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “I know this is a little nerve-racking. Maybe I should have picked another spot.”
She met his eyes. “I’m fine. I think I’m just realizing how little we know about each other. We’re going to have to make this look organic, as if we’re just building a connection.”
“Well, if nothing else, maybe that can change a little bit this evening. I like long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners.” Landon couldn’t keep a straight face as he recited the cliché line.
Bailey grinned in response, and suddenly the tension eased up a bit. “I kind of figured you did.”
“Before I forget, Hattie is hosting a holiday party at herhome, and she’s requesting your presence. It’s sort of like an open house. She wants to make the most of this Christmas.”
He couldn’t bear to say the words out loud. Her last Christmas, barring a miracle.
“She always did love Christmas. I remember one year she held a gingerbread house–making contest at her home. All the kids had a blast.”
“That was probably after we left,” Landon said. There were so many memories he hadn’t even been a part of. So many years had been lost when he could have been growing a relationship with Hattie. And his dad. To this day it still frustrated him. His parents’ divorce had splintered their family into shards. None of the adults had been able to get their acts together.
“I’m not a big fan of Christmas, just so you know. You’ll never catch me wearing reindeer antlers or playing nonstop Christmas tunes in my car,” Bailey told him. She shrugged. “Don’t worry, though. I’ll put my best face on and smile my way through the festivities.”
Landon couldn’t believe what he was hearing. How could a person not like Christmas? It was like not enjoying puppies or the first snowfall of the season. He was tempted to ask her more about it.
Just then Bonnie came over with a magnum of champagne and two flutes. She did the honors by popping the cork and pouring the bubbly into their glasses.
“Your appetizers will be right out, courtesy of True,” Bonnie said, a smile stretching across her face. “I’ll be back in a bit to take your orders.”
“Bonnie seems pleased to see us together,” Landon said. “No pressure,” he added, wincing.
“I think it’s sweet,” Bailey said. “I guess they’re invested. They really care about you. I hope this isn’t going to be upsetting to hear, but when Hattie threw that party for us kids, I remember her seeming really sad. So I asked my mother and she told me that she was sad because her grandsons had left Moose Falls. I think she thought that by hosting the gathering, her spirits would be lifted, but I guess it didn’t quite work that way.”
Landon didn’t respond immediately. It took him a moment to absorb what Bailey had told him. When he’d relocated to Arizona, his heart had been broken. And now he had confirmation that Hattie had felt the same way. That knowledge made him feel breathless. Decisions had been made that had hurt so many people. And for what? he asked himself. People could divorce and not blow up their kids’ lives.
“I’m sorry if that was TMI,” Bailey said. She was clearly fretting about what she’d told him.
“No worries. It’s actually helping to fill in a few blanks. I don’t remember a whole lot about Moose Falls, but I do remember feeling an immense amount of love shown to us from my grandmother. What you said fits into that recollection.”
The server arrived and placed their appetizer down on the table. “Lobster risotto.”
Their conversation took off as they both polished off the appetizer and ordered their entrées—teriyaki-infused salmon for Bailey and black cod for Landon.
“Have you ever been bird-watching?” Bailey asked, leaning toward him from across the table.
He was a little startled by the question. No one had everasked him before if he was a bird-watcher. Most people didn’t have any interest in that particular hobby.
Landon shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Well, since you’re asking, I’m a huge bird-watcher. I haven’t been doing it for that long, but I’m discovering some amazing species here in Alaska.” He had no idea how she’d sussed him out, but there was no point denying it.
Bailey let out a tiny squeal. “Oh my goodness. I am too. And I have been a bird enthusiast since I was a kid.”
