“What do you suggest?”

“Their thin-crust pizza is the best I’ve had anywhere.”

“That sounds good to me. You want to split one and maybe a salad, too?”

“Perfect.”

They settled on pepperoni and green peppers for toppings and placed the order when the waitress returned.

“What did you do today?” he asked.

“I had a very lazy day. Simone was content to play with her new doll, and I was able to relax and read until Lucy and Colton came to pick her up.”

“She got the doll she wanted?”

“She got a doll she’s happy with, even if it wasn’t the ridiculously expensive one she wanted. How about you? What did you do?”

“I lucked into a place to live thanks to my cousin Ella, who’s moving in with her fiancé, Gavin. I’m glad to get that taken care of. I can’t live with my mother indefinitely.”

“I’m sure she enjoys having you around.”

“She enjoys it a little too much. I have a honey-do list that could choke a horse.”

Emma laughed at the face he made. “Awww, that’s sweet.”

“What would be sweet is if my brother Noah, the contractor, who lives down the street from her, would install the new bookcase in her office and stock up her firewood. But, no, he’s too busy. Good old Grayson will take care of it because he always does.” He paused and then looked at her, immediately regretting the rant. “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound bitter. Of course, I’m happy to help my mom with anything she needs.”

“You just wish the others would pitch in.”

“Something like that.”

Emma’s phone rang, and she excused herself to check her phone. “That’s odd. I thought I couldn’t get calls here.”

“We’re right on the line on this side of town to pick up cell towers in St. Johnsbury.”

“It’s from a New York number, but I don’t know who it is. Hello?”

Grayson watched as her face lit up with joy that only added to her stunning beauty.

“Hi, honey. Wait, say that again?” Emma laughed, and the warm, rich sound washed over him. “Auntie Lu is very sneaky.” This was said with a smile that lit up her pretty blue eyes. “Yes, you can keep it, but there will be rules. She told you I’d say that, didn’t she?” Emma laughed again. “Are you guys having fun?”

Grayson could hear Simone’s excited chatter but couldn’t make out what she was saying.

“I’m fine,” Emma said. “Yes, I miss you terribly. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight, and be good for Lucy and Colton. Love you, too.”

“Big news from the mountain?” Grayson asked when she ended the call.

“Huge news. Lucy and Colton got her a cell phone so she and Lucy can FaceTime every night.”

“That’s awesome.”