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“Why, if it isn’t the prettiest girl in Shelter Springs,” Stanley said, beaming at Hannah.
Her laughter rippled through the aisle, sliding down his spine. She gave his grandfather a hug.
“Why, if it isn’t the most handsome man in Shelter Springs,” she said in a teasing voice.
She paused and gave Wes a cool look. “And his grandson.”
He offered a one-finger wave, which she ignored before turning back to his grandfather.
“What brings you two out to the store today on this crazy Thanksgiving Eve?”
“I needed microwave popcorn. Plus, I forgot shaving cream.”
“And Kodiak needed dog food,” Wes answered.
He knew he shouldn’t be drinking in the sight of her, lovely and cool in a blue turtleneck that matched her eyes, but he couldn’t seem to help himself.
A couple he didn’t know stopped to talk to Stanley, diverting his grandfather’s attention. Wes would have walked away to the checkout but he couldn’t just leave Stanley.
He nodded toward Hannah’s cart. “This is an interesting assortment of items. You look like you’re throwing quite a party.”
She made a face. “Not a party. I . . . did a thing.”
“Oh?” he asked.
She pressed her lips together, looking suddenly nervous. “I offered to take in the children of a friend of mine for an extended period of time while she goes for medical treatment out of state.”
He blinked, completely not expecting that answer.
“How many children are we talking about? That’s a lot of peanut butter.”
“Too much? Maybe I should take one back. What do you think?”
“You’re asking the wrong guy. I’m not a peanut butter expert.”
“It’s only two children. A girl, eight, and a boy, six. But I might have them for a couple of months.”
“Wow. That’s a big commitment.”
“Not that big,” she protested. “How hard could a couple of kids be?”
“Again. You’re asking the wrong guy.”
“I’m probably going overboard but I want to make sure I have all the things at home that will make them comfortable.” She looked rather adorably nervous.
“Looks like you made a good start.”
“I hope so.”
“When are they coming?”
She swallowed hard. “This weekend sometime. I’m not sure what day yet. I have a million things to do before they come.”
“What do you need to do?” Stanley asked, rejoining their conversation as the other couple moved on. “My grandson and I would love to help you out.”
Wes sent his grandfather a swift look but Stanley only gave him an innocent smile that didn’t fool him for a second.
“Nothing,” she said quickly.
