Page 82 of Coming Home

Mom wasn’t the only Owens who needed to grieve. Evan’s death had haunted them all in different ways, beyond just the missing of a son or brother.

He shook his headNo. Her heart plummeted to her feet. They’d just discussed how important it was to talk.

“I’d like to have our father/daughter lunch dates, but I think we need to include Clayton in this discussion about Evan and how best to approach your Mom to move forward as a family. I need both my children’s strengths and good hearts to help guide us on this.” He squeezed her hand.

“Plus, Clayton has the puppies, and that always softens Mom up,” she joked.

He chuckled. “She does love being a grandma to those fur babies.”

“Imagine how she’d be with human grandbabies.” Nat grabbed her iced tea and sipped.

“Well, since Clayton and Elle don’t want human children…maybe Noah and you will give her some grandbabies soon.”

Nat spat out her iced tea. The cool liquid dribbled down her chin and splatted onto the table. “Excuse me?” She coughed, blotting her face with a paper napkin.

Is he joking?This had to be a weird new form of a Dad Joke. Nat’s pulse sped up as she dabbed at the table.

The corners of his mouth flexed into a knowing grin. “So, Noah and you are together?”

She waved her hands in the air. “What are you talking about, old man? I think you’re having a stroke. Do you smell burnt toast? I smell burnt toast!” she sputtered, flicking her gaze around the empty pizzeria.

“Natalie Joan Owens.” He arched an accusing right brow.

Oh, fuck, I’ve been full-named.

“If we’re honestly going to talk about things, I assumed Noah would be one of those topics. I mean, the two of you aren’t planning to keep your relationship secret forever, are you?” His tone was warm, but a little scolding.

“How do you know? Is this like fatherly intuition?” She motioned to him.

“I drove out to the Little Red Barn to check on you while Clayton and Elle were gone. I saw Noah’s SUV parked there.”

She tossed her hands up. “That means nothing. He just stopped by…”

“Four nights in a row,” he interrupted, holding up four fingers. “Then, this weekend you said you were going to Syracuse to see a friend, and Scott mentioned Noah was speaking at the Rural Business Conference in…” he paused with a gleefulness that was reserved for men not prone to formal bow ties. “…Syracuse.”

Busted.She raised her hands to her heated face.

“Does Mom know? Oh goddess, does Clayton know?” Her questions were muffled behind her hands.

He pulled her hands down. “Nope. Only me. I didn’t say anything.”

“This is the one time I’m grateful for our familynottalking about things.”

“Curses can be blessings, and blessings can be cursed,” he said with a shrug.

“Are you upset?” She fiddled with the gardenia necklace Noah had given her. For a moment, its smoothness felt as soft as Noah’s hand holding hers. He’d promised he’d hold her hand when they told their families and in a way he was.

“Absolutely not. I love Noah. He’s a good man.” He leaned back, his face scrunched in thought. “Over the last few years, I’ve suspected something brewing between the two of you. The way his eyes always seemed to follow you. The way your face would light up when he entered a room.”

“You and your love of detective novels figured this one out before anyone else. I think even before Noah and me.”

Amusement played in his expression. “Yup.”

“I know this is counter to everything we’ve talked about, but I’m not ready to tell Clayton and Mom yet.”

“Mainly Clayton?” It was a question, but they both knew the answer.

“They’ve been best friends since they were in their mom’s wombs. This could change their relationship. I don’t know how Clayton would react to this. He’s never liked anybody I’ve ever dated. I don’t want this to end their friendship.”

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