Page 40 of Nate Hayes

“Well, darling,” Grandma said, patting my hand, “you fit better than I expected. We’re sticking around for dinner tonight. You’ll come?”

I glanced at Nate, who nodded. “Only if I can bring dessert,” I said.

“Done,” she said.

As they wandered off, Maggie walked slowly past Axel. “Try breathing next time.”

“I’ll work on that,” he muttered.

And just like that, the day got a whole lot more interesting.

22

Willa

Dinner was at Max and Tessa’s B&B, where the family was staying. The place was nothing short of controlled chaos—with more casseroles than I could count, one loud, opinionated Grandma, and a table full of stories that made my cheeks hurt from laughing. The entire gang was there, including Mable, who told some hilarious stories, but Tessa and Max were gone for the night. They were smart.

I sat beside Nate, who sat beside Axel, who sat way too close to Maggie to be accidental. They seemed more like brother and sister than two people who wanted each other.

The table was covered in mismatched dishes—fried chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, fresh biscuits, and something Grandma kept calling “mystery surprise” that no one had the courage to try first.

Grandma plopped down at the head of the table and pointed her fork at Nate. “You brought a girl to dinner. Arealgirl. Not one of those wannabe models you used to date who talked about kale like it was religion.”

Nate groaned. “Grandma…”

“What?” she said, eyes wide with innocence. “She deserves to know you used to be shallow.”

“I like vegetables,” I offered, trying not to laugh.

“Vegetables are fine,” Mable said. “As long as they come with butter and regret.”

The entire table burst out laughing.

Maggie reached for the pitcher of sweet tea. “You’ve got a goat, you make soap, you don’t wear high heels in dirt… I gotta say, I’m impressed, Willa.”

Axel cleared his throat, and Maggie glanced at him. “What?” she asked.

“Nothing,” he muttered, suddenly fascinated by the contents of his plate.

I leaned closer to Nate and whispered, “Do you think he likes her?”

Nate smirked. “I think he’s terrified of her, which is almost the same thing. Truthfully they are more like brother and sister, most of the time.”

Aunt Jen brought out my peach cobbler, which was beautiful I forgot what stress tasted like. I had just taken a bite when Grandma started in again.

“So, Willa, you planning to marry my grandson or just keep him soft and smiling until he forgets how to shoot?”

I choked on the peach and reached for my water, laughing. “I didn’t know there was a test.”

“Oh, there is,” Grandma said. “But so far, you’re passing. Just don’t let him win arguments. He gets cocky.”

Nate groaned. “She’s literally never let me win anything.”

“Good. You’ll live longer, Mable said.”

The rest of the night passed in a blur of stories and laughter. They made me feel like I belonged, like I wasn’t just someone Nate was seeing—but someonetheywanted around, too.

After dessert, we stepped out onto the porch. The sun had dipped low, painting the sky in golds and pinks.

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