And, if they’d been alone, she’d have fessed up right then and there even before Grady had the chance. Because it was obvious Cora had bought in to the gossip about her and Grady and that she was thrilled. But her parents were hovering, and there wasn’t one single person in Déjà Brew who wasn’t watching the exchange with interest.

“Oh yes,” Cora said with a sniff as she blinked back the moisture in her eyes. “You’ll do nicely.” She beamed at Suzanne, then shook her head wistfully. “I’d always hoped he’d find someone after Bethany but—” Cora stopped abruptly, as if she’d said too much, then pulled Suzanne in for another hug. “Never mind,” she said, her voice muffled, “you’re perfect, I can see why he’s sweet on you.”

Bethany?

Suzanne frowned into the other woman’s neck. Who the hell was Bethany? An ex? Wife? Or maybe long-term girlfriend? It made sense that there would be someone—frankly, Suzanne had found it difficult to believe there wasn’t. And a bad relationship breakup would certainly explain his determination to not get involved with a woman. But how long ago? There were no pictures around the cabin of her—or his parents, for that matter—and no evidence that a woman had ever lived there at all. Those little touches like pretty hand towels and candles, nice china, or a cupboard with vases.

Grady’s cabin was so masculine, she could practically smell the testosterone.

But…there’d been a Bethany?

Burl laughed. “Cora, let the poor girl breathe.” He gently pried his wife away from Suzanne, who felt weirdly bereft despite the clash of her inner thoughts. It had been nice to be welcomed with such unfettered delight by someone who was, in essence, a complete stranger.

Burl introduced Cora to her parents. She gave them a hug, too, much to her mother’s surprise, but Cora went right on and did it anyway. “Sorry,” she said with a rueful smile. “I’m a hugger from way back, aren’t I, Burl?”

Suzanne felt a swell of emotion in her chest just thinking about how much Cora must have hugged Grady when he’d arrived at their house, a grieving teenager. Had he let her? Was that why they were so close today?

Burl gave another indulgent laugh. “You sure are.” And he slid his arm around her waist, giving her a squeeze as they smiled at each other like they were newlyweds.