Page 33 of Bewitched

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Monday, April 10

Standing on her tiptoes, she peered through the peephole and let out a loud sigh. Let the inquisition begin.

“Open the door, honey. I know you’re trying to come up with a plan to avoid us, but it won’t work,” Faye called out.

Stepping back, she opened it and plastered a debutante smile on her face that would fool exactly no one, her mother most of all. “Hi, Mama. Hi, Grammy. What are you all doing here?”

Pressing a kiss to her daughter’s cheek as she passed, Faye clucked in disapproval. “You know why I’m here. Your grandmother came to watch the show. We brought over a casserole, so you won’t have to cook tonight. Three hundred fifty degrees for forty-five minutes.”

Paige let the smile drop and rubbed her cheeks. “I know how to reheat a casserole.”

“I know you know, but I like to remind you, just in case.”

“Which can be tacked on to any sentence your mother utters,” Grammy added helpfully. Patting her granddaughter’s arm, she gave her a sympathetic smile. “Honey, this only has to happen once, so make us some tea and let’s get it over with.”

Mama and Grammy walked into the kitchen, and Paige followed as slowly as she could. This was going to be as much fun as a dentist’s appointment.

Faye looked around the kitchen as she took off her coat. “Where is your fine young man this morning?”

“He’s not mine, and he’s out on a run.” After filling the teakettle, she set it on to boil. “Thank you for a lovely supper last night, Mama. Everything was delicious.”

“That’s not going to make her go easy on you,” Grammy said quietly.

Faye turned to her mother and frowned. “Mama, you’re not helping me at all. I’m only doing what you taught me to do: watch out for my family and make sure my girls are as happy as they can be.” Fluffing her hair, she fiddled with her scarf. “My goodness, why doesn’t my family understand that?”

Paige looked across the room and rolled her eyes. “Mama, I know you love me and would throw your body between me and a speeding car…but sometimes your interest and advice are a bit much.”

“I know, but if I’m willing to die for you, then I certainly get to offer whatever notes I feel would be helpful.”

Ignoring the last sentence, she pulled the cups out of the cupboard. “I have some praline cookies. How does that sound?”

“Perfect,” Grammy responded. “I want to be the first to say that Blake is a dreamboat. So handsome and virile. Also charming. He spent thirty minutes discussing Texas history with me last night. It speaks well of him that he’s willing to chat up an old lady.”

“I agree,” Faye added. “Your daddy is ready to welcome him into the family. They spoke for over an hour, and he had nothing but wonderful things to say.”

Paige made quick work of getting the tea ready and brought everything over to the table. Slumping into a chair, she pushed her feet out and stared at her pedicure. “I agree with everything you all have said. He’s been great about the news. The only thing he’s seemed miffed about was that I hadn’t told him when I found out. Other than that, he’s taken becoming a father in stride.” Leaning forward, she cupped her face in her hands. “Actually, it has me a little worried.”

Faye poured tea for everyone and then offered up the cookie plate. “Why?”

“No one takes life-changing news that well. It’s as though he’s stuffing all his real reactions deep down inside, and when they escape, it’s going to be a bloody mess. I don’t know if I trust a man who seems so unfazed by becoming a father after a one-night stand. It’s not natural.”

Grammy took a careful sip of her tea and then gently dabbed her mouth. “I agree, dear. Why do you think he’s so unaffected?”

“That’s the thing I haven’t figured out.” She took a cookie and ate it quickly. “Truth be told, I have no idea what’s normal for him. We had one night in Jordan and he’s been here since Saturday. So…after knowing him for four days, I haven’t a clue, which makes sense.”

“What would you like to happen next?” Faye asked.

“I have no idea. It’s gone as well as I could’ve hoped for, and I don’t want anything else. Let’s face it: he lives in San Diego and his job takes him all over the world. It’s not like he’s a man who lives across town and we can start dating. I think he’s staying the week and then heading to Lubbock to visit with his folks. After that, who knows?”

“Do you like him?” Grammy inquired.

“Sure, he’s all the things you said. But he’s not my future.”

Faye patted her daughter’s hand and lifted an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that?”

“Mama, having a baby without being married isn’t a big deal anymore. I don’t have to jump through hoops to make something happen just because he’s the daddy.”

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