“And then there was the part where she threatened me if I didn’t let you be happy.”
My smile grows. I love her so much it hurts. “I want to be there when the lawyer tells her the news.”
“Well, good, because I sent Eli to pick her up after he kicked everyone else out. They should be here any minute.”
My chest tightens as I think about what to say to her.Hey, I know we’ve only been on one mediocre date, but how about moving to a small town and starting a life together?Yeah. It doesn’t exactly come across as a good idea. But it’s all I have.
I stand abruptly and begin pacing the room while I wait for her.
Ten minutes later, the front door bursts open.
“If you think you can manipulate me into hanging around here, I absolutely will not until you promise me you’ll let Nash be happy,” Magnolia rages at Grandpa as she walks in.
I’m standing by the window, hidden by the lemon tree in a pot.
Magnolia stops in front of Grandpa and points a finger at him. “You weren’t going to repeat history. Remember? And I saw how happy Nash was ranching. So I hope you’ve given it some thought.”
“I have,” Grandpa says. “And I’ve realized that you’re right.”
Magnolia rears back in surprise. “I’m right?”
“Yes. Of course you’re right. Why do you think I want you to marry my grandson?”
“We’ve only gone on one date. Wedding bells aren’t exactly ringing yet. Especially since he’s already getting cold feet.”
“Well, you’d better hurry along. I’m not going to live forever, and I want to be your maid of honor.”
Magnolia snorts. “Fine. But you’re wearing polka dots.”
“Do you love Nash?”
She plants her hands on her hips. “I came here to yell at you and bully you into being nice to Nash. Not to talk about my feelings.”
I hold my breath, knowing she’s going to kill me for not letting her know I’m in the room yet.
Grandpa raises his eyebrows and holds his hands up. “It’s a simple question. I’m not asking you to build a rocket. I just want to know if you love my grandson.”
Magnolia sighs loudly. “Yes, I love him. And it scares me how strongly I feel about him. I haven’t known him very long.”
Grandpa nods. “When you know, you know. You’re in good company. I knew right away with my wife. My son knew right away with Natalie. And he didn’t let anything stop him. I have a feeling you and Nash are the same way.”
“Just because I love Nash doesn’t mean he feels the same,” she says quietly, and it hurts my heart to hear the hesitation in her voice.
“He does,” I say as I step away from the lemon tree.
Magnolia whips around to face me, all color draining from her face. “How long have you been there?”
Grandpa stands up and shuffles toward the door. “I’llbe waiting for you two in the study…with our mutual friend.”
He disappears around the corner to wait with the lawyer, and I approach Magnolia.
“Why do you think I don’t love you?”
“I—well—you—I—” She snaps her mouth closed and looks at me with wide eyes.
“You love me. Do you think I’m incapable of returning that love?” I ask as I stop right in front of her. There can’t be more than six inches between us.
“Of course you’re capable of loving. But I don’t know if you loveme. You haven’t said anything. If anything, it’s been the opposite. You’ve been working overtime, trying to keep some distance between us. I know you’re at least attracted to me—but that’s surface level stuff. You tried to break up with me on our first date, I might remind you!”
