Page 26 of Falling for the Maverick

Michelle found her grandmother in the kitchen. Angela was watching a movie on the television resting on a stand where she could easily see it as she prepared meals, occasionally for the entire Corey clan.

“How many times have you seen that movie, Gram?”

Angela’s head popped up. “Enough to know most of the dialogue. Now that you’re here, I’ll turn it off.”

“You don’t have to. Pretty Woman happens to be my favorite Julia Roberts movie.”

Angela smiled. “That’s because it’s a Cinderella story. In the end she finally gets her prince.” Reaching for the remote, she turned off the television.

Michelle sat at the table, watching her grandmother peel the skins of boiled potatoes that would be turned into a salad. “Do you want help?”

“No. I just need you to keep me company. Your grandfather finally got off that confounded recliner long enough to go into town and pick up some flour for me. I want to make some pies from the fruits I canned last year.”

“Gramps didn’t have to go. I could’ve done that for you.”

“Otis needs to move more than walking from the family room to the kitchen to eat and then to the bedroom to sleep. I keep warning him that sitting for hours in front of that television is not good for him, but he tunes me out as if he’s hard of hearing. I suppose he’s waiting for the doctor to tell him what I’ve been preaching, then he’ll do it.” Angela shook her head. “I don’t know why the good Lord made men to be so stubborn, while women don’t have to be warned twice about something that’s not good for them,” she mumbled.

“I’ll probably feel the same after I’m married to the same man for more than fifty years.”

“It won’t take you fifty years, grandbaby. You’ll discover that once you have your first disagreement.” Angela paused. “By the way, what’s going on with you and that gorgeous cowboy with the green eyes?”

“His eyes are hazel, Gram.” Lucas’s eyes were a combination of brown, green and gold.

“They’re still beautiful. And you didn’t answer my question.”

“We’re friends.”

Angela set down the knife and wiped her hands on a towel. “You’re more than friends, Michelle. Anyone with eyes could see what went on between the two of you at Shane and Ellis’s wedding. I even overheard someone saying you two needed to get a room.”

“We’re friends,” Michelle repeated, “who happen to like each other.”

“Is the liking going both ways?” When Michelle nodded, Angela continued, “So, what are you doing to do about it?”

Michelle lowered her eyes. “It’s complicated.”

Angela glared at her granddaughter. “It is because you’re making it complicated?”

“No, Gram.”

“Then talk to me,” Angela urged, her tone softening. “And you know whatever you tell me will stay between us.”

Michelle knew she could trust her grandmother not to reveal anything. Angela Corey had always been her secret keeper.

She waited until Gram took a seat beside her at the table, then told Angela what she’d only ever told Aaron: why she’d broken up with Keith Matthews. She told her about Aaron’s reaction when he wanted to confront the man and how she’d pleaded with him not to go to Missoula.

“Your brother has always been a hothead,” Angela remarked, resting a comforting hand over Michelle’s. “But I don’t blame you for not telling your father or your other brothers. There would have been hell to pay for that piece of garbage for humiliating you like that.”

“That’s why I made Aaron swear not to say anything.”

“Now what does this have to do you with you and Tiffany’s brother?”

“Aaron doesn’t want me to see Lucas because he’s heard rumors that Lucas won’t commit to any woman he’s ever been involved with.”

Angela frowned. “That shouldn’t be Aaron’s concern.”

“I agree, Gram, but somehow word has gotten back to Lucas that it’s too soon after my brothers’ weddings for us to become involved with each other.”

“Aaron needs to mind his own damn business.”