Page 46 of Good Girls Don't Kiss and Tell (Rock Canyon, Idaho 7)

The Henderson’s were not.

They argued loudly, called bullshit on half the things that came out of each other’s mouths, and spoke so bluntly, it almost made her cringe. She loved every minute of it.

Buck cleared his throat after calling Grant a jackass for burping at the table. “We’re probably frightening Gracie with all our bad manners.”

Gracie’s smile was genuine. “Not at all. This is actually one of the more entertaining nights I’ve had in a long time.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it. I must say, it’s awfully nice to have another woman for dinner,” Connie said, scowling at her boys. “Being around so much testosterone has a tendency to make me cranky.”

“I’m sure they aren’t all bad,” Gracie offered.

Eric shook his head. “Thanks a lot, babe.”

The endearment startled her, and she glanced his way, their gazes locking.

“By the way, do you know how Pip is doing?” Connie asked.

Gracie’s heart squeezed at the mention of Pip. “She’s doing okay. She’s living with her great-grandmother.”

“That’s good to hear. I always think it’s better when children can stay with relatives instead of strangers.”

Gracie knew Connie hadn’t meant anything by it, but it stung just the same.

To her surprise, Eric came to her defense. “I think that Pip was pretty happy with Gracie.”

Connie’s gaze shot toward Gracie and she could tell the older woman was embarrassed. “Of course, she was. I didn’t mean anything by that.”

“I know, it’s fine. I completely agree.”

It was quiet for a few moments, and then Connie shifted the topic a bit. “I always wanted a girl. Someone to dress up in pretty clothes and read fairy tales to. But it wasn’t meant to be. I guess I’ll just have to settle for being the best mother-in-law I can be, and hopefully she’ll give me a granddaughter to play with.”

Connie was looking at Gracie like she might fit the bill. Gracie gulped.

Eric stood abruptly, drawing attention away from Gracie. “Anybody want dessert?”

Buck shook his head. “Not me, I’m full. Besides I’m so tired, I’m ready to hit the hay. What do you say, Mama?”

Connie nodded, yawning to emphasize her sleepiness. “I’m ready.”

Grant stood with them. “Guess that’s my cue to get my ass back to the bar.”

Gracie knew that they were checking out because they thought that Gracie and Eric wanted to be alone. She did want to talk to him on their own, but nothing else.

Buck gave Gracie a rib-cracking hug, and Connie patted her cheek as she went by. “You’re a good girl, Gracie Lou.”

Grant gave her a smacking kiss before she could move away. “It was good to see you, Gracie. Maybe you’ll come to the next family dinner.”

She watched them hug and slap Eric on the back, so warm with each other. She said good-bye to them and turned to start picking up the plates. She heard the door close softly and the sound of Eric’s heavy boots coming back into the room.

“I’m guessing you didn’t stop by to eat lasagna and have my mother hint about you popping out grandbabies for her.”

Gracie laughed as she scrubbed the plates, glancing at him over her shoulder. “No, although, I will admit that your mother’s approval made me feel good. I’m not always a favorite with parents.”

“What’s not to like? You’re pretty, sweet, funny…you own your own business. You can be a bit of a ball buster, but I think that’s just a side effect of being short.”

She sprayed him in the side with the dish hose and got herself wet in the process, but it was worth it. He jumped back with a yelp. “Whoa, it was a compliment.”

“Uh-huh.”

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