“Your mother came by the store and asked if we’d like to come over for dinner.”

“My mother? That’s confusing. I didn’t know.”

“I got that.”

“Why did you say yes?”

An interesting question, he thought, not sure how to answer.

“It’s been just the three of us. We agreed joining a family would be a fun change.”

She didn’t look convinced, but then shrugged as if accepting the explanation.

“It’s always nice to have more people around the table,” she said. “Thank you for coming.”

He smiled. “Anytime.”

Her lips twitched. “I can’t imagine what you thought when my mother walked in and invited you to Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Yes, you can.”

She sighed. “Yes, I can. You thought it was me doing the asking.”

“It wasn’t.”

“No.”

“Awkward,” he said in a high-pitched, sing-song voice.

She laughed. “Yes, but I’m okay with it if you are.”

“I am, and we really are looking forward to dinner.”

Their eyes locked, and he felt a flicker of attraction low in his gut.

“Want to talk about your dog?” he asked, more to distract himself than to learn about Belle.

Reggie smiled. “We already have. She’s a rescue.”

He nodded at the coatrack by the kitchen door. “I meant her wardrobe. I’ve seen her around town. She has quite the fashion collection. Where do you buy clothes for a dog her size?” He frowned. “Or any dog?”

“There are plenty of pet boutiques, including one across from your store in The Wreath. Dog clothes are a thing.”

“I thought they sold dog food. I hope you’re kidding me about the clothes.”

“I’m not. But Belle’s size makes her difficult to fit, so I make most of her clothes. She complains when I put them on, but I know she appreciates me keeping her warm.”

“She complains? How?”

“It’s mostly on the inside, but I’m good at reading her mind.”

“You’re good at assuming what she’s thinking,” he corrected her. “In truth, you have no idea.”

She grinned. “You’re wrong. I work with inventors, helping them get their products ready for market. Right now I’m dealing with an automatic vacuum that terrifies her. When she looks at it, I know exactly what she’s thinking.”

“She’s a big girl. Why doesn’t she just destroy it?”

“We’ve had that exact conversation, and Belle has no idea how powerful she is. I’m trying to self-actualize her, but it’s slow going.”

He smiled at her. “I would imagine.”

Reggie looked at him. “You know I’m helping Dena with the charity project, right?”

“She mentioned you would be in charge.”

“I’ll try to be a benevolent dictator.”

“Probably a good plan. Eight-year-olds are often ready for an uprising.”