Page 13 of My Mail Order Valentine

She pulls up a chair and sits down. She eyes me, and her brows go up as if surprised.

"Well, you don't look like you liked your surprise," she grins.

I ignore the comment. "Do you know if there's anyone renting a room? Elena needs somewhere to stay."

"Why can't she stay with you? That's the best way to get to know one another."

"Carly, please. Elena doesn't have anywhere to go."

She squints her eyes at me and looks like she wants to hurt me.

"Hunter Granger, your grandmother would be ashamed of you. This beautiful soul came all the way to Hope Peak to meet you and hopefully build a family and a future with you. And you're trying to get rid of her as if she doesn't matter?"

I see the hurt look on Elena's face when she hears Carly's words. She hunches down as if she wants to hide from the world.

"I didn't ask those busybody octogenarians to meddle in my business, Carly."

"That doesn't really matter, does it, Hunter? She's here, she's amazing, and you should consider yourself lucky that such a woman would even want to give you a second look after the way you've treated her."

Her words fluster me in a way I haven't been since I was a teenager.

"So, you're not going to help me."

She turns to Elena and squeezes her hand.

"What can I get you, honey?"

"A cappuccino, please."

"Great. I'll send you some of our best pastries as well."

She gets up and leaves us. I'm not proud of my behavior, but I'm too stubborn to change it just yet.

"Elena…"

"Just, don't. You've made yourself clear."

Her bangs are covering her eyes, but I can tell tears are ready to fall.

"Fuck. I'm sorry, Elena. It's not your fault."

I go to touch her hand, but she pulls it off the table and hides it underneath.

"Tell me something."

"Perhaps I should just go. Get on the next bus, no matter where it goes."

She starts to get up from her seat, but I pull her back down.

"Tell me why you would be willing to marry a stranger."

She seems surprised by my question.

"I want a family, Hunter. I know I'll make a good wife and mother."

"I'm sure that you will, but wouldn't you have preferred a real connection with someone?"

"It's not that easy, Hunter. The city is different, and when someone recommended the agency, I thought it was something I could try instead of going to bars or doing speed dating."

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