Page 29 of Moonlit Colorado

I heard the skepticism in her tone, and I understood it. “It’s more than that. It’s the right thing to do.”

“I like that answer.” Dixie pointed at the kitchen table. “Sit with me a while.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I exchanged a smile with Ashford. I felt like I’d just been invited to dine with the godfather. Wouldn’t have been surprised if Dixie said she’d help me, but that I’d be called upon to do a favor for her later.

And of course, I would do it. I wasn’t stupid.

Dixie gave me an insider view of the Silver Ridge business landscape until Maisie came racing into the kitchen with Stella. “Mr. Dane! You’re here! Will you color with me? Emma printed some pictures of New York, and now I’m making my own skyline.”

“Duty calls,” I said to Dixie. “Your advice is invaluable, truly. Can we continue this conversation later?”

“No need to flatter me.Much. I wouldn’t dream of standing in the way of a girl and her art.”

I thanked her again, and Dixie waved me away.

Maisie and I sat on the floor of the living room to color. Stella came to check things out, probably because she could smell the treat I’d brought for her. She scarfed down the biscuit and then settled on her cushion nearby to nap.

Ashford’s younger brother Callum showed up shortly after and joined our coloring party for a few minutes. “I heard you were bringing food tonight,” Callum said. “So I brought drinks.” He held up a paper bag with the neck of a liquor bottle inside. “Interested?”

“Absolutely. I’m in.”

“I’ll pour in the kitchen.”

“Perfect. I’ll be there in a few. Gotta finish coloring the Empire State Building.”

Callum laughed. “Serious work you’re doing there. You’ll need a drink when you’re finished for sure.” He got up and headed into the kitchen.

It was so easy to be around Ashford’s family. Unlike visits with my family, when it was like walking through a minefield where everyone was wearing bespoke clothing. I could relax here. Let down my guard. It felt really fucking good.

But I kept glancing at the door, wondering when Grace would arrive.

“What do you think?” I asked Maisie, pointing at the skyscraper I’d been filling in.

“Hmm.” She touched her chin. “Needs more purple.” She reached over to help me out, because clearly I needed to keep working on my architectural design style. But Ashford’s daughter knew what she liked, and that was a valuable skill.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re running the world someday, little miss,” I said to her.

She nodded sagely. “I know.”

The door to the apartment opened. “Maisie, I brought some new crafts for you.” Grace appeared holding a paper grocery bag in her arms, and stopped in her tracks when she saw me.

My smile was involuntary. I got up and took the bag from her hands. “We meet again.”

“I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“It’s like you’re not happy to see me.”

Grace looked over at Maisie, who was still busy coloring on the floor. “Seems I can’t get away from you,” Grace muttered.

“And why would you want to get away from the handsome Mr. Knightly?” Dixie asked, walking toward us from the kitchen. The lady had impressive hearing.

Grace’s cheeks pinked. “You’d think Dane would stay away fromme. Since I scalded him with hot coffee the first time we met.”

“She loves bringing that up. Like she’s warning me it might happen again. It’s a good thing I have thick skin.”

Dixie patted my shoulder. “Hot beverages aside, you’d hardly need protection from Grace. Everybody in Silver Ridge knows she’s a doll. Sweetest, most selfless woman in town.” Dixie winked. “Aside from yours truly.”

I laughed, and I saw Grace holding back a smile.

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