“They are,” Hattie said in a hushed tone. “I never dared to dream this big when I was making my bucket list. Knowing that you’re bringing future Stones into our family is awe-inspiring and amazing.” She dabbed at her eyes and sniffedback tears. “A baby is just what this family needs. And even if I’m not here, I’m still going to be that baby’s great-grandmother.”
“That’s right,” Red said as he slapped Xavier on the back. “I never imagined I’d be so excited to be a grandfather, but I am.” A strange look passed over his face. “Uh-oh, what about your mother?”
“We FaceTimed her earlier, right after we told Jaylen,” True explained. “We didn’t want her to feel left out, especially since she’s not here in Moose Falls.”
“She’s overjoyed,” Xavier said. “And planning another visit after the holidays. I swear she might just relocate here if she can swing it.”
Bailey couldn’t help but notice the wistful expression that passed over Red’s face at the mention of his ex-wife. She sensed that there was so much unfinished business there.
Hattie clapped her hands together. “I can’t possibly go to Las Vegas now! There’s way too much to do! I’ve got to order a crib and sketch some ideas about a nursery. I’m going to go online and buy a whole wardrobe full of clothes, perhaps in gender-neutral colors like yellow or green.”
“Whoa, Hattie. Slow down,” Xavier urged, chuckling. “It’s still early days, so we’re trying not to tell too many people, but we wanted all of you to know.” He took True in his arms and placed a kiss on her temple.
“We appreciate that,” Landon said. “This is exciting. I’m going to be an uncle again.”
“Congratulations,” Bailey said, swept up by the joyful celebration. “I’m offering up babysitting services if you ever need it.”
Xavier and True looked at each other and grinned. Xavierreached out and hugged her. “We will definitely take you up on that offer.”
Being in the midst of so much happiness was a gift. The Stones made her feel as if she was one of them. It was amazing how fast the baby news had mollified Hattie. She was sitting quietly with a contented smile on her face, no doubt thinking about a sweet-faced cherub bearing the Stone name.
Landon leaned toward her and said in a low voice, “I bet we couldn’t pay her to go to Vegas now. Once they saidbaby, she was done.” Landon hadn’t stopped smiling.
“Anyone else hungry?” Sophia asked. “Maybe we can order pizza.”
“Let’s have a pizza party,” Hattie shouted. “I’m buying.”
“No, I’m buying,” Jacques said. “I’m so relieved that you won’t be going to Vegas I feel like celebrating.” He began doing a little jig for them, which was very out of character for Hattie’s stoic partner. Laughter spread around the room, with Hattie chuckling the loudest.
Hattie grabbed Bailey’s hand as everyone began filing out of the room. “Wait a moment, Bailey. I’d like a word with you.”
Bailey’s heart began to wildly thump. Had Hattie figured out that she and Landon weren’t a real couple? She respected this woman so much she didn’t know if she could straight-up lie to her face. It just wouldn’t be possible.
“Of course, Hattie,” she said, holding her breath, just waiting to be exposed. Adrenaline was racing through her veins, and she could feel sweat in her underarms.
Hattie’s eyes twinkled. “Joann called me earlier. She told me about your big idea for a hard cider line.”
Bailey gulped. She couldn’t tell one way or the other howHattie felt about her idea. Her mouth felt as dry as sandpaper. All she could do was nod.
“All I could think was… what’s taken you so long?” Hattie asked. “You’ve been with the company for a while now, and you’re so smart and savvy. You have an amazing palette, you’re hard-working, and everyone at Yukon Cider adores you.”
Bailey blinked away moisture from her eyes. “I can’t think of a time when I’ve received a better compliment.”
Hattie patted her hand. “It’s well deserved. Your idea is smashing. I’m giving it two thumbs up. Nothing official yet since it needs to go through the proper channels, but it’s a go!”
She was both stunned and ecstatic at the same time. Bailey couldn’t wait to tell Landon the news. He’d been a huge supporter, full of encouragement and enthusiasm.
“I’m so glad that I put it out there. I really believe in the concept, and I’ve been wanting to take the lead on conceiving a project for quite some time.” She clapped her hands together. “This is so exciting.”
“Words of wisdom from an old lady. Always bet on yourself.”
Bailey knew her smile stretched from one side of her face to the other. Having professional goals was important to her. She loved the field she worked in, but she always wanted to push past any limits she had placed on herself.
“I know it means a lot to Landon that you were here to share such joyous news with us.” Tears misted in Hattie’s eyes, and she blinked them away. “You’ve added so much happiness to Landon’s life. I see such a difference in him lately. You’re good for him.”
“I appreciate you saying so,” Bailey said. She didn’t knowwhy, but she was blinking away tears. Hattie’s good opinion meant the world to her. “Landon has been really good for me as well. I’m so grateful that we found each other.” And she meant it. He had rapidly become one of the most important people in her world. No matter how this ended between them, Bailey would always cherish him.
“Believe it or not, ten months ago True and Xavier met on my grandson’s first day back in Moose Falls.” Her eyes shone with admiration.
