Page 21 of A Bright Winter Season

Vivian shook her head, smiling. “But it’s cute, and you can afford it. You should get it. And don’t worry about the fact that we’re shopping for the pub! I often buy little things for myself while I’m here. It makes sense to buy things while you’re in the store.”

“Oh, okay.” Alexis grinned, picking up the tree eagerly. “Grayson will like it. Well, he’ll like that I like it.” She laughed. “He’s always sweet about the girly décor I bring home.”

“He’s a good guy.”

“Speaking of good guys, when is Jacob starting his work replacing the air vents?”

“Saturday. He had too many other contracts to finish first.”

“He must be pretty busy. I don’t see him much anymore, that’s for sure. Have you heard anything about his girlfriend?”

Vivian shot her daughter a look. “You’re not still worried about Hazel feeling badly, are you?”

“Oh no, it’s not that. Actually, I saw them interacting in the pub already and she seemed totally chill. I’m just wondering.”

Vivian wrinkled her nose at her daughter. She had a feeling that Alexis was thinking more things about the situation than she was letting on. “Well, I don’t know anything about his girlfriend. They only came to the pub together once and I haven’t seen them together since then. But it sounds like she lives in another town, so maybe he’s usually down there.”

“Huh.” Alexis’s eyes were on the floor as they continued to walk down the general store aisle. “You haven’t seen them together since then, huh?”

Vivian stopped walking and turned to her daughter. “No, I haven’t. Why are you asking?”

Alexis shrugged, smiling. “Oh, I’m just wondering.”

“Hmm, are you sure you’re just wondering?” She arched a brow. “Maybe your motherly instincts are kicking in already, making you want to be a matchmaker so that everyone can be in a happy relationship like you are.”

“Oh. I… I don’t think it’s that. I’ve just always liked matchmaking people.”

Vivian placed a hand on Alexis’s shoulder. “What is it, sweetheart?” A troubled look had come over her daughter’s face.

Alexis pressed her lips together, hesitating. “Grayson and I do have a happy relationship. I’m so happy with him, but I’m afraid of how adding a baby to the mix is going to affect things.”

“Oh, honey.” Vivian wrapped her arms around her daughter. “I’m sure it will all work out beautifully. And you have Graysonby your side to support you. You two are going to figure this out together. What is he saying about the news?”

Alexis made a face. “Well, nothing. Not yet.”

Vivian’s jaw dropped. “Alexis. You haven’t told him yet?”

Alexis shook her head. “No, not yet.” Her voice was quiet, and she let out a long sigh.

Vivian felt shocked. “But, sweetheart, it’s been days since you found out. What are you waiting for?”

“Not that many days,” Alexis protested in a small voice. “And I will. I just—things are going to change so much for us. Right now, I’m still trying to process everything myself.”

Vivian nodded. “I understand, sweetheart, but you have nothing to worry about. Change isn’t a bad thing when it’s bringing so much good with it. Just remember?—”

Vivian paused in her encouragement as she noticed someone walking along the center aisle of the general store. It was Terrence Rawlins, and she felt herself stiffen involuntarily when she saw him. She turned around and started walking the other way.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Alexis asked, glancing over her shoulder as she followed her mother. “Do you know that guy?”

Vivian paused in front of a display of toothpaste, even though toothpaste was decidedly not on her list of items that were needed at the pub. “That’s the health inspector. Terrence Rawlins.” She nodded her head in his direction. “I would prefer not to speak with him.”

Alexis turned to study Terrence, who had stopped to rummage through a bin of discounted Christmas wrapping paper. “He’s not a bad-looking man,” she said slyly. “Very distinguished. It would be better if he’d smile some, but he’s got a pleasant face. Maybe youshouldtalk to him, Mom.”

Vivian tutted in protest. “Now I know that your matchmaking instincts are being heightened by your pregnancy.Cut it out, silly.” She glanced at Terrence again, making sure he hadn’t seen them.

Alexis laughed. “Mom, I’ve never seen you like this before. Just act normal—so what if he sees you? He’s just the health inspector, and it’s not as though you’re doing something wrong. You’re fixing the pub just like he told you that you needed to.”

At that moment, Terrence left the bin of wrapping paper and started walking down the aisle Alexis and Vivian were in. Vivian stiffened and turned back to look at the toothpaste display.

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