Page 45 of Made for You

I smile at the memory. We did think we were so grown up when we’d get our hot chocolate. For years we really believed it was coffee until Mrs. Keaton set us straight at the inn when we tried to pour ourselves actual coffee, insisting we drank it all thetime here.

That could be us now, but only if he realizes it and wants it too.

My smile must falter because Esther remarks, “Oh dear, trouble in paradise still? We all thought for sure you two would still be heads over heels for each other.”

“I guess it’s not that easy when you’ve been separated for ten years and grew up in those years. Life took us down different paths.” I smile sadly.

“Oh hush, you’re here now. Your paths are already crossed. Just give it some time. You know your Grandfather was a lot like Liam. He couldn’t get out of his own way when it came to me.” She rubs her wedding ring that she hasn’t stopped wearing.

“Oh gosh no. That man was a fool for you Margaret. An absolute fool. Right down to almost punching my Franklin for carrying your umbrella to the car for you. Can you imagine?”

“Really? Granddad did that?” He was so gentle with Gran, I can’t see him ever even thinking about hurting a soul.

“He was a hothead when he was young. He had a jealousy streak darker than my emerald. I used to tell him that all the time. That the green eyed monster would be his downfall one day. And that’s how I ended up with this necklace.” She holds out the gorgeous emerald pendant.

“I can’t see you letting him get away with a jealous streak, Gran. You’re as independent as I am. How did you not get aggravated by it?” I lean in, eager to hear her advice without telling her I need the advice.

“Why, am I hearing that our dear Liam Keaton might have a jealous streak in him after all?” Esther leans in, ready for the gossip.

“He might. There’s a guest at the inn, Alexander, he’s a businessman from New York. Totally stuck up and self centered. Talked for an hour this morning about all theimportantpeople he rubbed elbows with this weekend. As if I even care. I wanted to blurt out right then and there who my stepfather was, but I thought that would just encourage him to want to keep my company. Anyway, Liam doesn’t particularly enjoy the attention he’s giving me, but Liam doesn’t actually want to give me any of his attention unless it’s to put on a show in front of Alexander.” I roll my eyes again and see the twinkle in my Gran’s.

Both women start laughing, “That was your granddad through and through, love. He just strung me along until one day I let him think that Franklin was interested and he tried to kiss meon the street!Poor Franklin was just a few feet away. I slapped him, and told him right then and there I was not his playtoy and he either wanted me or he didn’t but he needed to make a choice.”

“Oh, I’ve never seen Franklin so embarrassed in all my life. He didn’t know whether to stay or run away.” Esther laughs.

“Well what happened?” I push Gran to finish.

“He came to his senses, is what. He took that umbrella from Franklin and told him he could go home because his services wouldn’t be needed again. Then he pulled me in his arms and kissed me right here in front of everyone walking down the street.” She stares off with a dreamy look in her eyes.

I wish Granddad was still here to be with her. It’s not fair that he’s gone.

“So you’re telling me there’s hope?” I ask them.

“Always hope, my girl.” Esther takes my hands in hers, and Gran adds her hands on top.

“Can I ask you two something about small town life?” This question has been rattling around in my brain since I heard about the inn and Mr. Keaton.

They both nod.

“If someone were to have a home that was about to be foreclosed on, wouldn’t the current owner get notified? Or just the holder with the loan?”

“Well, I’d like to think Jerry would tell the current owner as well, but the person with the loan against the home might not have gone to Jerry. Especially if that someone was embarrassed about needing the funds in the first place.”

“Okay, I definitely didn’t think about the loan being out of town.” I chew my bottom lip in thought.

“Honey, is Liam in trouble?” Both Gran and Esther look at me concerned for him.

“Umm.” I scrunch my nose. I shouldn’t be telling them something I was eavesdropping on in the first place. “Well. I shouldn’t say anything because technically it was just something I overheard. Please don’t say anything to anyone.”

“Of course not, but you let them know we’re here to help if we need to. I know how Liam feels about asking for help, stubborn as the day is long, that boy.”

I agree with Esther.

Liam is the most stubborn man I’ve ever met, and the most prideful. He doesn’t want anyone to see his flaws.

“They will be okay. Emma is really happy with the bookings for the inn. We’ve set up special Valentine’s Day extras, anda lot of people are booking them. I think we might do other packages throughout the year as well.”

I know I came back for the bakery, but I’m loving being at the inn with Emma, helping her come up with ideas and special packages for the guests. I love that my cooking is something special to her, that she wants to showcase it to entice guests to book something extra special for their partner or family.

---