Page 68 of Lucky in Love
“It’s good to hear from you, honey. I saw the weather and was worried when I couldn’t get a hold of you.”
“Sorry about that,” Brody said. “The power went out, and my phone died. I was snowed in at a friend’s place and just got home.”
“Afriend?” Her tone said she’d picked up immediately that whoever he meant was more than a friend.
“Fine.” He sighed. “A woman I’m seeing. I think. I guess.”
“Huh?”
“Well, I asked her out, and then we were trapped together for three days. It was a very long, very intense first date.”
“That’s an excellent test of how a relationship will work—spending all that time cooped up together. How’d it go?”
“It was amazing,” he said. “At least, I thought so. I really like her, but I don’t have a good read on what she thinks of me.”
“What about Chloe?”
“What about her? Turns out love fades fast when duplicitous treachery is involved.”
“Good for you.” She chuckled. “This is great, Brody. I’ve never heard you talk about a woman this way. Not just what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it. Is it serious?”
“Serious enough that I’m thinking of moving here.”
“Oh my gosh. I’m coming to meet her. What’s her name?”
“Alex. And you don’t have to come here, Mom,” he said. “In fact, I’d rather you not until I figure out my plan.”
“Well, Thanksgiving is next week. Maybe I could meet her then. Are you coming home?”
He wanted to spend the holiday with Alex. They’d only known each other for five weeks, but after their confinement together, he felt like their relationship was pretty far along. Would she want to go to Hartford with him? Or would she invite him to stay here with her?
“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll let you know once I decide.”
They talked for a minute longer, agreeing to call again soon. He cleaned up and went to get Alex.
Maybe it was old-fashioned, but he walked up the trail to her cabin and knocked. It had only been a few hours, but he already missed her.
“You didn’t have to trek all the way up here,” she said. “I was just about to come meet you.”
“Momma raised a gentleman.” Brody pulled her into his arms. “Also, I thought you might need help getting over that branch.” He nodded to the mini-tree blocking her trail.
“My hero,” she sang, leaning into his kiss.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured against her lips. He noticed she’d put on more makeup than he’d seen her wear, but didn’t mention it. He hoped that wasn’t for his sake. He liked the all-natural look. Either way, she was gorgeous.
On the drive to Nick and Faith’s, he brought up Thanksgiving. “You have any plans for T-day? I talked to my mom today, and she says you’re welcome to come with me to Hartford.”
“Oh. Pops and I usually go to the Reeds or the Walkers for dinner, and then my friends get together for a game night later.” She paused. “But, um, I’m sure it’d be fine if you joined us.”
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” he said. “Plus, I can’t leave my mom hanging.”
“No one would mind if she came too. The more the merrier, right?”
He didn’t like the idea of crashing someone’s party and racked his brain for another option. “What if you and I made dinner for my mom and Pops? Here in GVF. At your place.”
“Us? Host Thanksgiving dinner?” Her eyes widened. “Doyouknow how to cook?”
“I’ve never really tried.” He shrugged one shoulder. “But how hard could it be?”
