“Most likely the three of us,” Xavier said as he walked up. “Or maybe Bailey is trying to get some intel on you.”
Caleb slapped Landon on the back. “Oh, you’re in trouble now.”
Landon frowned at him. “How am I in trouble? I wasn’t the one who was romancing twins on a reality show. You’re acting brand-new all of a sudden.”
Caleb let out a mournful sound and placed his palm over his chest. “Ouch. Now why would you bring something like that up? I’m a happily engaged man now.”
Landon shrugged. “You started it.”
“Nah, you did,” Caleb said. “You always act so innocent when you throw the first punch.”
Xavier stepped between them. “Easy, boys. This is a holiday party,” he said, playing the role of big brother, as he always did. “Try to act like you have some sense for Hattie’s sake. Play nice, okay? Between the three of us we managed to knock one item off Hattie’s bucket list.”
“What’s that?” Landon asked, trying to recount the list in his head.
“What do you mean?” Caleb asked, sounding incredulous. “She said it as plain as day. Hattie wants her three grandsons to be settled in our love lives. She’s a romantic at heart.”
“You two are already established with your partners,” Landon told them. “Bailey and I are just feeling our way around each other.”
“That’s not the point,” Xavier said. “She’s invested in the two of you as a couple, and she feels confident that you’ll go the distance. It’s about how Hattie feels. And you did that, little bro.”
Go the distance!This whole situation was so messed up. And he had no one to blame but himself. He was now in so deep that he would be breaking Hattie’s spirit if he fessed up and told her the truth. His brothers would be furious. His dad would feel disappointed. And he would be dragging Bailey down under with him.Andtrashing her bond with Hattie.
Ugh. Despite the fact that the situation was making him squirm, he needed to keep up the pretense. All of a sudden he felt sweat at the back of his neck. He was a little queasy.
“Are you feeling okay?” Xavier asked, peering at him with inquisitive eyes. “There’s a lot going on with Hattie being so ill. We’ll understand if you’re feeling emotional about it.”
“It is a lot,” he admitted. The pressure was getting to him a little bit. Meanwhile Bailey was looking as cool as a cucumber. At that moment she glanced over at him with a concerned look etched on her face.
Suddenly both True and Sophia turned around to glance in his direction. Bailey looked as if she was explaining something to both of them, and then she began walking toward him.
“Is everything okay, Landon? You look a little peaked.”
“It’s just a little warm in here.” He placed his finger around the collar of his dress shirt and loosened it. “I’m fine, though.”
“I’m going to go get you a water, all right?” Bailey asked. Without waiting for him to answer, she headed off in the direction of the kitchen.
“She’s really looking after you,” Caleb said. “I’d take that as a good sign. Totally green-flag behavior.”
Within seconds both True and Sophia were surrounding him, peppering him with questions.
“Landon, are you all right?” Sophia asked. “Are you not feeling well?”
“No, I’m fine,” he insisted. His voice sounded a little shaky. He couldn’t blame them for thinking he wasn’t well.
True took him by the hand. “Come sit down,” she ordered as she led him away toward a nearby couch.
“Ladies, I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine,” he told them. He attempted to stand up, but Sophia placed her palm on his chest and gently pushed him backward.
“Not on our watch,” Sophia barked. “Just chill for a little while. Take deep breaths.” Both women began showing him how to breathe, as if he’d somehow forgotten somethingso basic. They were both mothering him, which shouldn’t come as a surprise since they were both raising children.
Unable to explain what had really freaked him out, he let them fuss over him. Without wasting any time, Bailey returned with a glass of ice water. She sat down beside him and held the glass up to his lips. It was a sweet gesture, and he couldn’t help but realize that it probably looked like the actions of a devoted girlfriend. Score! They were really killing it. Everyone was totally buying into their coupled-up status. He should be a lot happier about that fact, but guilt was still keeping him in a choke hold. Landon didn’t like lying, and he never would, even if it was for a good cause.
Hattie was now back among the throng of guests, appearing more energized than before. He wasn’t at all surprised that she’d rested up and returned to enjoy the festivities. More than anything, Hattie loved to celebrate. The more people, the better, as far as she was concerned. Filling up her home with friends and loved ones was her way of showing love to the folks she cared about. Hosting a holiday party was right up her alley.
He could feel his grandmother’s sharp gaze on him and Bailey. With Jacques’s help she wheeled her way over to the couch. “Look at the two of you, sitting over here like a couple of lovebirds. It does an old woman’s heart good to see love blooming like an Alaskan forget-me-not.”
Landon reached over and gripped Bailey’s hand. “We’re happy you’re happy.”
