Blossom Street Brides (Blossom Street #10)(57)

“I’ve been busy.” While that was true, there’d been another reason: Bethanne didn’t have anything to say to her ex-husband.

“You left me no choice but to use subterfuge,” he said with a contrite look. “I wouldn’t have asked for Annie’s help if you hadn’t forced my hand. I can’t let you do this, Bethanne. At least hear me out.”

“Is this about me moving to California?”

“It’s more than that,” he said, his eyes pleading with her. “I realize you’re married to Max now and the decision on whether to move is entirely between you and Max.”

“Thank you.” She hoped to cut him off from any further discussion on the subject.

“But—”

She could have predicted there would be an objection in there somewhere. “Listen, Grant,” she said, and held up her hand. “You can stop right now. This is a decision I’m making with my husband. I didn’t seek your advice, nor do I want it.” Although the words were harsh, she spoke in a matter-of-fact way to let him know this wasn’t an emotional response but a practical one.

He blinked as though her words had cut him to the quick. After a moment, he nodded. “I can accept that.”

“Good.”

He raised his index finger. “Can I say one thing?”

She sighed and hesitated.

“This has to do with Annie.”

Exhaling deeply, Bethanne nodded. She could predict what he was about to tell her but decided to let him have his say.

“If you do choose to move to California and take the business with you, Annie has already decided to look for work elsewhere.”

It was just as Bethanne suspected. “She told you this herself?”

“Yes. We talk nearly every day.”

“No doubt.” This was a consequence Bethanne had already considered. “That, of course, is Annie’s decision, and it might be for the best all around.” Especially if her daughter’s current attitude persisted.

“I imagine you’ve discussed this possibility with Andrew. What did he have to say?” Grant asked, paying attention to his meal once again. He took another bite of the soup and tore off the edge of the bread bowl and munched on that.

“Don’t you talk to him, too?” she asked, doing her best not to sound flippant.

“Not as often as I do Annie.”

That was because Andrew was onto his father’s ways and didn’t trust Grant with the same unwavering loyalty as his sister.

“Andrew supports whatever decision I make.”

“As do I,” Grant assured her.

It was difficult to hold back a laugh. Grant would use whatever means available to him to keep her in Seattle for his own purposes. Bethanne didn’t doubt that for a second.

He lowered his head and stirred the soup. “I’d miss you.”

Bethanne didn’t respond.

“I’ll admit it troubles me that you would opt to move to another state and not remain close enough to enjoy our first grandchild.”

“I’ll visit often.” And she would, as often as time allowed. Bethanne had no intention of abandoning her children and grandchildren.

Grant let go of the spoon. “So your mind is already made up. You’re moving?”

“As I told Annie earlier, I have yet to make a decision.”

He nodded and pushed his meal aside as if he’d lost his appetite. “I appreciate your candor. I wish you and Max the very best.” He checked his watch. “I’ve got a showing this evening,” he said as he scooted back his chair and stood.

“I understand the real-estate market is picking up again,” she said conversationally.

“It is. I’ve had a good couple months.”

“Congratulations.”

Grant hesitated and dragged his fingertips across the tabletop. “It means nothing without you, Bethanne.” With that, he turned and walked out of The French Cafe.

Bethanne finished her soup, paid the tab, and then left. She’d deal with Annie for this setup later.

Once she was home, Bethanne changed into comfortable attire and sat on her bed, waiting for Max’s phone call. He’d be flying from California Friday afternoon to spend the weekend with her. Although it had been only a week since she’d last seen him, it felt much longer. These separations were difficult on them both.

The call came right when he’d promised. “Hi, sweetheart,” he greeted. “How was your day?”

“Busy. Yours?”

“Busy. I heard from Rooster.”

“From New Zealand?”

“Yeah, apparently he’s pretty miserable.”

Bethanne smiled and leaned against the thick decorative pillows piled along the backboard of her bed. “I thought he was looking forward to this trip, taking a few days’ vacation and exploring the country.”

Max chuckled softly. “That was before he met Lauren.”

“Oh, poor Rooster.”

Max snickered. “You’d think they’d been torn apart by circumstances beyond his control.”

“Hey, hey,” Bethanne chided. “If I remember correctly, Rooster traveled with you when you insisted on following me halfway across the country. Don’t be so hard on him. He’s falling in love, and I, for one, am glad to see it.”