Page 66 of Merritt and Her Childhood Crush
He didn’t show up at Gran’s house bright and early like he usually does. He could be working at another location. I have no idea if he’s the kind of contractor who has multiple projects going at once. It feels like a strange thing not to know. We leap-frogged right over several important topics last night—this being one.
Another being … Isabelle.
For so many years, I’ve been telling myself and anyone who asked that I didn’t want to have kids. Childless by choice. But it’s not lost on me that I didn’t come to this decision until after seeing Cassidy pregnant.
With Isabelle.
Hunter and I might have cleared up some of the past hurts, but that doesn’t mean it’sallclear. Or that there’s some easy path forward. If I really want something with Hunter, that means accepting Isabelle. His daughter with my middle name.
Harriett slides into the booth across from me with two plates. Each holds what looks like the most perfect double chocolate muffin I’ve ever seen. I half expected another piece of Gran’s pie, but this is fantastic.
“You look like your morning needed a little sweetening up.”
“Do I?”
“Yes.”
“And how aboutyourmorning?”
“I’m just here for the gossip,” she says, winking as she takes a big bite.
I have to appreciate the honesty. I also appreciate the muffin, which is good enough to make me moan. “This is amazing. Did you bake these?”
“I wish.” She dabs at her mouth with a napkin. “I order them from a bakery in Savannah. Best I’ve ever had.”
“So?” she says.
“It’s delicious,” I say, taking another bite.
Laughing, she shakes her head. “No, child. I don’t mean the muffin. I mean, what’s got you looking all mopey after your date with Hunter last night? I’d have thought you’d be all smiles.”
I probably would be—if our date hadn’t ended the way it did. Even when his parents crashed our dinner, I still enjoyed every minute.
Before answering, I take another sip of coffee, weighing how much to share with a virtual stranger … who happens to already know almost everything. She probably even knows Cassidy’s in the hospital.
“We had a great date,” I say, watching her smile grow brighter. “But he had to leave early because Cassidy went into labor. I’m still waiting to hear from him.”
Harriett sits back, clucking her tongue. “He didn’t call to tell you?”
I shake my head. “Not even a text.”
“That boy. Cassidy’s fine. They stopped labor, but she’ll be in the hospital for a bit now. Hunter’s got Isabelle for a while.”
I blow out a breath. “Do I have to start using TikTok to know what’s going on?”
Harriett laughs. “I don’t have time for those things. I get my gossip the old-fashioned way—on the phone. Virginia Hopkins ran into Hunter at Gator’s last night and got the scoop.”
“I wish I had the scoop,” I mutter, dragging my finger across my plate to get the last few crumbs.
“Want me to add you to the list for fresh gossip?” Her dark eyes twinkle.
“That’s okay. But thanks.”
“How about a little bit of advice, then?”
Advice doesn’t sound half-bad at this point. I’m not going to ask for it, but I won’t turn it away either. “Sure.”
“Hunter Williams is as loyal as they come. A little serious sometimes, but I think that’s a good thing. He doesn’t play around.”
