Page 131 of Fierce-Gabe

“Nothing,” he said.

She didn’t believe it. “Tell me.”

“Not here,” he said. “It’s not a big deal, but it’s not the place either. You know how nosy they are.”

She didn’t want to let it drop but knew she’d have to unless she made a scene.

For now, he could have his way, but it wasn’t going to last long.

“How was the party?”Grant’s sister-in-law, Jolene, asked later that night.

It was past ten and everyone was gone and he and his wife were relaxing on the back deck.

They were used to her calling after the party to see if there was any news to report.

Boy, did they ever have news. Not all great either, he was fearing.

“It was wonderful as always. Ryder and Marissa are expecting again. Marissa is due a few weeks after Raina.”

“That’s fabulous,” Jolene said. “It’s wonderful when it all comes together like this.”

“Unless Grant opens up his big mouth,” Diane said. “And puts his size thirteen shoe in it and ruins things.”

He looked at his wife. He’d been expecting her to air his dirty laundry out.

“I didn’t mean it,” he said. “I was so excited over Ryder’s news and another grandchild. Then I was talking to Gabe and Elise and it just slipped. By now everyone knows we play a part in the setups. I forgot.”

“Oh man, Grant,” Jolene said. “What did you do?”

“You know how Elise was in the dark about this setup, right?” his wife said. “Gabe told us long before it was announced and that he had this covered. Stacy was keeping us informed.”

“Yes,” Jolene said. “You told me that. But that was months ago. I’m with Grant. Everyone should know by now you had a hand in it.”

“I think everyone does know,” Grant argued.

“Everyone but Elise,” Diane said.

“Please,” Jolene said. “She has to know and is just in denial.”

“Thank you,” Grant said. “I believe that too.”

His wife playfully slapped his arm. At least it was better than when she pinched it earlier pulling him away after he’d slipped. That spot was still stinging.

“It doesn’t matter what we or anyone else believes. Elise didn’t think it and I saw her confusion right away,” Diane said.

They had. He’d even pulled Gabe away to apologize. Gabe said it wasn’t a big deal, but he knew it would be for the young man. He’d seen the looks Elise was giving everyone, the smile that fell from her face, even her eyes had changed.

There was a storm building up and Gabe might be minus his rain gear.

“Well,” Jolene said. “You’ll have to work to fix whatever damage you did. You know how this goes. The good with the bad. But you said they were getting along so well and looked to be in love. It will work out.”

“Listen to you being all supportive,” his older brother, Gavin, said. They always talked on speaker. He figured his brother was in the room but just being quiet. “You weren’t feeling so positive not that long ago.”

“What’s going on with you?” Diane asked.

“Not much,” Jolene said. “That’s the problem. Or if there is something going on, no one is cluing me in.”

“I told my wife that is the new norm,” Gavin said. “She seems to think that anyone outside of her immediate family or blood is going to tell her or ask her for advice. It’s not happening.”

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