Page 78 of Can't Help Falling in Love
“Boys,” Mr. Reynolds said, wearing a slightly amused expression. They’d always be boys to Ethan’s dad.
“Oh, this is a happy surprise.” Gwen leaned closer to Will. “Alexandria wanted to show me where she’s working but this man said he couldn’t let us inside without permission.” She was bundled in a long, thick black coat, a red scarf bunching at the neck.
It was nice to see her out again, the cold adding color to her cheeks.
Lexi sighed, looking cozy and chic in a shorter, dark-gray, puffer-style coat. “Mom. It’s fine.” She sent Ethan a glance and Will stepped closer to her, without even meaning to, when he saw the flash of embarrassment. “I should have called you, told you I was swinging by. I actually wanted to ask about a key to get a look at the place. I didn’t know this was your dad.”
“Will, this is your fiancée? There was no picture with theannouncement. I didn’t know.” Mr. Reynolds clapped Will on the back, smiling at the others.
Ethan smiled while his dad took it all in. He and Ethan’s mom had divorced while Ethan was in high school. The few times Will had hung out with them, watching a game at Mr. Reynolds’s house or at the bar for a beer, he’d enjoyed himself very much.
“Congratulations. Ma’am,” Mr. Reynolds said to Gwen. “I apologize for not knowing who you all were. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And you.”
It was as if Gwen just realized Mr. Reynolds was someone other than the annoying contractor who wouldn’t let them in. Will slipped his hand in Lexi’s, amused by the furrowed arch of her brows, the gentle squeeze of her hand.
“Let’s make some introductions. Mr. Reynolds, this is my fiancée, Alexandria Danby, and her mother, Gwen Danby. This is Gregory Reynolds, Ethan’s dad. Ethan’s my good friend, Gwen.”
“And my boss,” Lexi murmured to her mother, like a reminder that she might be evaluated by any and all interactions.
Hands were shaken, hellos exchanged. The rain picked up and Ethan jutted his chin toward the door. “Let’s get out of this rain.”
“There’s something that gets said a lot in Washington,” Mr. Reynolds said.
Gwen laughed, light and airy. Lexi’s brows rose again. Will squeezed her hand.Interesting.
When they entered the building, the others started forward, heading for the large square bar that broke up the otherwise open space. Will tugged Lexi to a stop and pulled her close.
“I promise I wasn’t following you,” he said, bending his head for a kiss.
She returned it with a pleased sigh that Will loved the sound of. “So you say,” she teased, then gestured toward her mom with a tilt of her head. “It was her idea to come with me.”
“That’s excellent.” He ran a hand down her slightly damp hair. “I’m really happy for both of you. Family matters.”
She squeezed his hand. “It does. Even when they drive you nuts.”
She tilted her head to the side, gave him a wry look. “What do you think of my mom’s reaction to Ethan’s dad?”
The others were chatting behind the bar, Gwen listening with rapt attention to Gregory as he explained how they’d chosen the wood and the stain.
“I wondered if I was the only one who noticed. Interesting. That’s my only comment on that. But I am glad you got her out of the house.” He figured he might as well go with his gut. It had served him well so far. “I came with Ethan to get my mind off you.”
She ducked her head, traced a pattern on his jacket. “That didn’t work out so well, did it?”
“I’d have to disagree,” he said, lifting her chin with his finger.
Her gaze steadied his heartbeat and made his lungs feel tight at the same time. “Lucky for both of us, then.”
“You two just going to stand over there making out or are you going to join us?” Ethan called.
Gwen laughed again and Gregory told his son to watch his manners. Something Will had never heard him say before.
Lexi backed away but kept her fingers linked with his as she started toward the others. On the right side, floor-to-ceiling windows would let in the light. Even now, with the sometimes oppressive gloom of the Pacific Northwest, it was a beautiful view of mountains and clouds.
To the left, the windows were more standard but still added to the open feeling of the room. The venue didn’t have the raised levels of the original Side Tap, but it definitely had the appeal. High ceilings with gorgeous, thick wood beams added more character. Their shoes tapped against the long wooden floor planks. The contrasting stains of wood were comfortable, classic, and uniquely Side Tap. The bar was wide and perfectly square but for an opening where the staff could come and go.
“It looks great in here, E,” Will said. Industrial-style wrought-iron lighting hung from the beams.
“That’s what happens when you hire a good contractor,” Mr. Reynolds teased, nudging his son.
