Page 28 of A Match Made in Montana

Fortunately, nobody wanted anything else to eat or drink and they could leave. Relieved, Annie got up quickly, chewing on her lip. Aiden was right—something Craig had seen on his phone had upset him.

A few minutes later, they were back home. As Mitch closed the door behind them. “I’m off to bed. Thanks for a lovely meal, Aiden.”

“You were glaring at poor Craig all night.” Vivian chuckled. “I’m amazed you were able to taste anything.”

Mitch frowned. “He stares at Annie.”

“Of course he does.” Vivian laughed, hugging their brother. “She’s gorgeous.”

Rolling her eyes, Annie opened the front door again. “Good night, everyone. I’m going for a walk.”

“I thought we should talk,” Mitch said.

“There is nothing to talk about.” Quickly, she closed the door behind her and ran down the steps. Her brother meant well, she knew that, but she wasn’t ready for any questions tonight.

*

“Thank you fortonight.” Aunt Janice smiled as they entered her house. “Something has upset you, though. Want to talk about it?”

“It’s nothing really…”

She shook her head. “I know you. What happened?”

“Can we talk tomorrow, please? I need to clear my head. I’m going for a walk.”

“Of course, dear. I’ve really enjoyed having dinner with Annie, Vivian, and Aiden. I love spending time with them. And Annie really is so nice. Red really is her color, don’t you think?”

“She looked beautiful,” he muttered.

“I must really talk to Annie about Marcus. I’d love to see her settled with a good husband. She deserves all the happiness.”

Gnashing his teeth, Craig opened the door. “See you later.” His aunt’s mouth was opened halfway, but he seriously didn’t want to talk about Annie dating other men.

It was cold outside. Putting his hands in the pockets of his jacket, he began walking down the road.

His head was reeling. He was trying to process the message he’d just received but he was struggling. Maybe he should’ve told his aunt but he hadn’t wanted to upset her as well. First, he had to try and make sense of what he’d read.

“Craig?” a soft voice spoke from somewhere close.

Without consciously planning it, his feet had brought him to Annie’s house. She was on the sidewalk, illuminated by the streetlight.

“Annie.”

She moved closer, chewing her bottom lip. “You followed me yesterday and today.”

“I have.”

“Why?”

He reached out and touched her face. “You really need to ask me that?”

“I was trying to think about your proposal. Having you close by, has made it difficult.”

“Good. Have you finished thinking?”

“You were upset tonight when you left the hotel. Are you okay?” This time, she touched his arm.

Sighing, he pulled her closer. He needed her warmth right now. “What am I going to do about you?” he murmured into her hair.

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