“You look… incredible,” Grant breathed.
“Thank you.” She did her best to sound breezy despite the butterflies having a hoedown in her stomach.
“Ben was just telling me all about his guys’ night in with his grandpa tonight.”
“Which, knowing Dad, probably consists of watching back-to-back John Wayne movies,” Eliza said with a laugh.
“That doesn’t sound so bad. If it were my dad, it’d be war documentaries.”
“What are you guys gonna do?” Ben gazed up at Grant, his head tilted in curiosity.
“It’s a surprise.”
Ben scrunched up his face. “Mom doesn’t like surprises.”
“Is that so?” Grant’s eyes twinkled as he met Eliza’s gaze, scattering goose bumps across her bare arms.
“Well, don’t you two look nice.” Sylvia sailed into the room wearing a Regency-style gown, complete with elbow-length gloves.
“You, too, Mom,” Eliza giggled. “I thought tonight was book club?”
“It is, dear. Tonight is a theme night. We’re readingPride and Prejudice.Don’t I look the part?”
“Prettier than all the Bennet sisters,” Grant said, bowing at the waist.
Sylvia beamed. “Liza, I like this one.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Eliza told Grant with a grin.
“You kids have fun.” Sylvia winked at Grant as she wrapped an embroidered cloak around her shoulders. Then, turning to Eliza, she added, “I assume the cupcakes for the school bake sale are still at the bakery since I didn’t see them in the kitchen.”
“The bake sale!” Eliza gasped, covering her face with her palm. “I completely forgot.”
Sylvia shot her a reproachful glance, and Eliza winced.
Trying to juggle all of her responsibilities, Eliza lived in a constant state of guilt mixed with exhaustion, plus a dash of memory loss. And the icing on her overburdened cake was a thick layer of anxiety sprinkled generously with fear of failure. “Can’t I bring something I’ve already made? I have dozens of desserts lying around.”
“You know Daphne was extremely specific. She wants three dozen ladybug cupcakes.”
“What’s a ladybug cupcake?” Grant asked.
“Regular cupcakes, but Daphne wants the frosting to look like ladybugs. I guess she’s doing a garden theme for the bake sale this year.” Eliza did her best to suppress an eye roll, but Grant picked up on her annoyance and flashed a sympathetic smile.
“Grandpa and I can make them,” Ben volunteered.
“Bless your heart, child.” Sylvia patted the top of Ben’s head, mussing his blond hair. “Your grandfather can’t follow a recipe to save his life. Want me to stay?” Sylvia asked Eliza.
Eliza twirled her silver cuff bracelet around her wrist, toying with the idea. The offer was tempting. But the bake sale was her responsibility. “No, that’s okay,” she sighed, sliding the cuff farther up her arm like Wonder Woman’s Bracelets of Submission. Turning to Grant, she summoned her most apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry. Can we postpone for another time?”
“Why don’t I stay and help?”
“Yeah!” Ben cheered, hopping up and down at the suggestion.
“Oh, um…” Eliza chewed her bottom lip, smudging her strategically applied lipstick. Sure, she wanted to spend more time with Grant. But all three of them together? That seemed like a recipe for disaster, no pun intended.
“What a lovely idea! It’s settled.” With a flourish, Sylvia plopped a bonnet on her head and reached for the door. “Enjoy your cozy date night in.”
“Thanks.” Eliza cringed at the anxious croak in her voice, subconsciously running her tongue along her front teeth in case she’d transferred any Hot Pink Sunset where it didn’t belong.
