Her eyes meet mine again, and her faith in me gets me a little choked up. Even though the whole thing about me and Brenden being together is fake, it sounds like she means this part. And she’s right. I’d never hurt them.

That’s why I’ve never let my feelings for Brenden slip. Because he deserves more than a grumpy closeted guy with hermit tendencies.

“Isn’t that sweet,” Elise says, reaching out across the table to pat my forearm. “I do appreciate knowing there’s someone here taking care of these two.”

Brenden’s back goes ramrod straight.

“I’m happy to be here for anything they need,” I tell her as I squeeze Brenden’s thigh lightly. “But there’s nothing for you to worry about. Brenden is more than capable of taking care of May and himself. I don’t know anyone else who can handle as much as he does. He built a life here for the two of them, all on his own. Gave her a home and everything she needs while working his way up in his career to get where he is now. He and May have an incredibly close relationship, and everyone in town loves both of them.”

Brenden exhales loudly, like he was holding his breath. Then, very slowly, his palm slides along the back of my hand until he laces his fingers with mine.

“Well, we did help him out significantly with purchasing the inn,” Grant says, “but I’m sure you’re right about everything else.”

Brenden tenses again. “I hope you know how much I appreciate the two of you offering me a loan.”

“Yes, we know, hon,” Elise tells him.

“But it’s still his good sense for business and hospitality that’s keeping the place so successful,” I remind everyone. Maybe I shouldn’t be causing waves here, but I want to make sure May’s grandparents know how smart and capable Brenden is. I want to make sure he knows it too.

“The inn’s always been a lovely place,” Elise says. “We’re excited to see what it’s like now that it’s yours.”

“It’s, uh...” Brenden starts. “Things are going great. It can be stressful, because something constantly comes up that I have to figure out and adapt to. But I love the work, and the guests are always happy.”

Elise idly taps one manicured nail against her mug. “I’m sure they are. I hope we can still have some meals there, even if it’s not where we’re staying.”

“Yes, absolutely!”

I can tell by Brenden’s face that he’s relieved she wants to eat at the inn. Because he certainly has no business cooking for them.

“And we’ll have to eat at your place too,” Grant adds, turning toward me.

Brenden hastily shakes his head. “No, you don’t have to do that. It’s not your kind of restaurant.”