Page 73 of Can't Help Falling in Love
“He’s pretty great.” And it was okay to enjoy that without overthinking things.
“Were you thinking about a big wedding? I’m sure, with his family, there’ll be quite the guest list.”
The happiness inside of her deflated like a popped balloon. “We’re just focusing on now.” Truth.
“Weddings don’t plan themselves,” her mother said, setting the mug down on the wide arm of the chair.
A breeze washed over them, sending a chill through her. “No. But there’s lots going on right now. Bitsy asked me to interview a couple ofpart-timers for the store. I’m cutting my hours down there to be more available at Side Tap.” The fact that she could do that and it was actually better financially was something to really celebrate.
“You should at least pick a date,” her mother said somewhat sharply.
“Date for what?” Will asked, joining them on the porch.
Lexi met his gaze, her stomach dancing nervously. “The wedding.”
His brows lifted. “Ahh. Yes. We’ll figure all that out. For now, how about I take you two out to breakfast?”
Will might have missed the way her mother’s shoulders stiffened, her invisible shields powering up, but Lexi saw it immediately. She sent a look, subtly shook her head. Will stepped closer to her, his scent and warmth both unnerving and welcome. It was strange, and somehow wonderful, to have him in her space.
He leaned in, kissed her temple, put one arm around her shoulder.
When Lexi looked at her mom, she saw Gwen watching them. Will gave her arm a quick, reassuring squeeze.
She saw the excuses spinning around in Gwen’s expression.
“How about, if you’re up for it, we do something a little different?” Will said, watching her mother closely.
Gwen’s hands closed around her cup tightly. “Different?”
“Yeah. Instead of some noisy diner, I’d love for you to see my gardens. My sisters and Lexi told me about you starting your own again. My house isn’t far from here. My sister-in-law’s family owns Bean There, the coffee and baked goods chain. Her family drops off fresh treats every Sunday morning to all of us. It’s really awesome but always way too much for just me. We could have breakfast there, you could maybe give me some ideas for an area in my backyard where I was thinking of adding some flowers?”
Like he could sense the intensity of her heartbeat, Will tightened his hold on Lexi, both of them watching her mother.
“Your sister is a gardener. Doesn’t she give you advice?” Gwen’s fingers flexed on the cup.
“Maddie loves gardening but doesn’t have a ton of time for it. She’s pretty busy. I’d really love your thoughts on it.”
As well as she knew her mother, Lexi had absolutely no idea what she’d say. But hope swelled like a wave inside of her.
“I need a ride home anyway and I know Lexi has to check in with Side Tap today so we can make it quick. We have to eat regardless, right?”
Gwen stood up and Lexi feared she’d just walk away, ignore the invite and request. She looked at Lexi, her gaze flashing with an uncertainty that made her look younger.
“I don’t want to be gone long.”
Lexi had to bite the inside of her cheek so she didn’t cry. She forced a nod, watched Gwen walk inside.
Before Will could speak, she set her mug down on the railing and curled herself into him, around him, her arms at his waist, holding him close, burying her face against the softness of his T-shirt, the solidness of his chest. She heard his cup set down next to hers as his arms wrapped her up, his chin resting on her head.
“Hey,” he whispered, bending his knees so he could speak into her ear. “You okay?”
Tears burned the backs of her eyelids. Lexi held him tighter, her fingers twisting in his shirt. “Magic. You’re magic, Will Grand.”
Her mom sat shotgun beside her, twisting her hands as the radio played what the station labeled its “Halloween Playlist.” So far, they’d played some Meat Loaf, Michael Jackson, and the theme song fromGhostbusters. Will had folded himself into the back of her car without complaint. Lexi turned down his driveway. Gwen’s breathing hitched, her knuckles going white.
Lexi reached over, set her hand on her mom’s. “After breakfast, when we drive home, maybe you could make a list of stuff we need? I’ll go to the store.”
Gwen’s hands relaxed under Lexi’s. “Sure. Could you stop at Michael’s for me?”
