Page 20 of Finally Moore

“Mrs. Valentine.” I extend a hand in greeting. I don’t know the normal protocol in these situations but this seemed appropriate.

“Ginny, please,” she corrects. “Relax. Have a seat,” she directs me to one of the tables as if she owns the place. “I feel we have some important matters to discuss.”

Taking a deep breath, I try to keep my cool as I follow her instructions. It’s hardly been twenty-four-hours and it seems like I’ve already fucked up my fake engagement.

“Let me preface this by making one thing clear. I love my daughter.”

“Okay.” I tug at the collar of my shirt.

“That being said, she’s a workaholic. Always has been and, unfortunately, always will be. Not that she’d ever admit it. But the Lord knows that girl never once listened to my warnings. You see, when you’re involved with a man like Kasey, a man with a demanding schedule, you need to be flexible to his needs. You’d think she’d know that, growing up with me as a mother, that she’d watch me and learn how to be a good wife. But Rhea… sorry,Scarletthas always had a mind of her own. Which eventually doomed her and Kasey’s relationship.”

“Scarlett has done an amazing job with the inn,” I’m quick to defend. “Her commitment to improving her guests’ overall experience while maintaining your father’s legacy, well, it’s one of the things I admire most about your daughter.”

Ginnywaves me off. “Yes, that’s good and all, but it’s not realistic. A woman needs security, to be taken care of.Children.Which is why I need you to step up.”

“Excuse me?” I lean back in my chair with my arms crossed over my chest.

“As I understand it, you’re a workaholic too. At least that’s the impression I get from my daughter, since all she can seem to tell me about you is that you work here and recently expanded your restaurant.”

“Yes, but again, it’s something we have in common.”

Told you, Tilly’s voice whispers in my mind.

“Although I don’t get it, I can appreciate the fact thatScarlettand I have conflicting ideals when it comes to her future.” Ginny looks down at her watch. “I’ll get to the point. For all our differences, I know at the end of the day we want the same thing. A family.” She glances over her large sunglasses at me. “Do you want children?”

There’s that word again.

“Um…” I search around for something to drink, to relieve my dry throat, but come up empty. “Yes, I do… I mean, eventually.”

Why is it so hot in here?

“Good.” Ginny clasps her hands together. “Then it seems we have an understanding.”

“We do?”

“Yes.” She smiles and stands. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment to get to. But I’ll see you tonight.”

“You will? I mean, yes. Tonight, when I come home.”

“No.” She chuckles. “For dinner.” Then she straightens my collar. “I expect you to be cleaned-up and well-dressed by five sharp.”

“I have—”

“Staff,” she interrupts me, huffs, then rolls her eyes. “Scott, we discussed this. If you’re going to get married, start a family, one of you needs to compromise when it comes to your schedules. Unfortunately, that will never be my daughter. At least not until she has a child of her own. While I don’t know you well yet, from what I can see, you have the resources to ease your workload. Scarlett doesn’t. So it’s up to you to make this work.” Her phone beeps. “Shoot, I have to go. I forgot what a number the winters here do on my hair. Hopefully the local salon is equipped enough to do a simple blowout,” she grumbles to herself before focusing back on me. “But Iwillsee you tonight.”

Before I can object, Scarlett’s mother saunters out the door. Leaving me—I chance a look behind me—and apparently my staff a little dumbfounded in her wake.

Chapter eight

Scarlett

“Oh,Mr.Kelleyinroom eight likes—”

“His hot cocoa delivered at seven.” Hannah sighs through the phone.

Initially, the inn was more of a bed and breakfast, but it only took me a few months to realize that feature was one of many reasons this place was hemorrhaging money. Most of the food was being put out and tossed daily. Tral Lake has so many wonderful places to eat, and we cannot compete with Moore Books and Coffee.

So I changed things up a bit, and instead of trying to serve food, I highlight our local specialties. That being said, we still keep supplies on hand to serve hot chocolate during the winter months. Mr. Kelley is a regular, who has a standing reservation with us each December while he visits his family for the holidays, and our hot cocoa is one of his favorite indulgences.

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