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“Steven made me promise not to attempt to set him up with a woman, so I’ll keep my promise. However, I didn’t promise not to help you, so I’ll be your secret consultant—” Gram’s voice dropped abruptly.
“How’s the soup?” Steven strode back into the dining room.
“I love lobster bisque—it’s my all-time favorite soup. And this is the best ever. What’s the secret?” asked Emily.
“A little dry sherry,” he replied. “It’s also got Worcestershire and Tabasco. I can give you the recipe.”
“Emily loves to cook,” said Anne.
“Tell me about yourself, Emily. What do you do?” Gram asked.
“I have a master’s degree in accounting and I’ve already passed my CPA exam. I just need to work another four months and I’ll be certified.”
Charlie said, “Yep, the family genius.”
“Maybe I was just the one who actually put forth a little effort in school. Don’t let Charlie fool you, Gram. She’s just as smart as I am. But she never saw the value in studying.”
“New subject… How did you learn to cook?” Charlie asked.
“It was that or starve to death,” he laughed. “I guess I could eat out or order in every night. But cooking is a lot more challenging and a lot more satisfying. Although it’s not a lot of fun to cook for one person.”
Gram cleared her throat. “Yes, it would certainly be nice if you had someone to cook for.”
Gherring glared. “Gram, we’ve talked about this.”
“I meant, of course, you could stay out here with me.”
“Sure Gram, except you’re usually four hours away from here.”
“You could cook for Anne.”
Anne felt the heat radiating from her skin. Perhaps she could melt under the table, and no one would notice. The room was deathly silent.
Gram continued, “You do live downstairs from Steven, don’t you Anne?”
“Yes, but Mr. Gherring has to deal with me all day, Gram. In the evening I’m sure he needs a break.” She turned a hard stare at Gram. “Besides, if he was with me all the time, when would he have time to date?”
“You’re quite right, dear. That would be bad. He does need time to date. How will he ever find a wife if he doesn’t date anyone?”
“Gram! That’s quite enough of talking about me as if I’m not sitting here at the table. We’ve already had this discussion, and you promised—”
“I did promise not to attempt to set you up. But I didn’t promise not to nag you about it. There’s only one way to get me to stop nagging you. Get married.” She paused to pat her lips with her napkin. “Or I guess you can keep waiting for me to die…”
“I know, Gram. You’re not going to die before I get married. The way I see it, I’m giving you eternal life.” He looked at Charlie and Emily. “You see what I have to put up with?”
Charlie laughed, but Emily said, “I’d say you’re pretty lucky to have someone who loves you that much.”
“How can you take her side after that great dinner I bought you last night?” Gherring pretended outrage.
“I’d be more worried about the dinner tonight, Emily. He could spit in your food,” said Charlie.
Chuckles broke out all around and the mood was lifted again.
Gherring served a main course of almond-crusted salmon with garlic-mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. Dessert was chocolate mousse.
“I’ve died and gone to heaven! This meal was even better than last night’s,” said Charlie.
Gherring beamed at the praise. But Anne had been quiet throughout dinner. Her mind was swirling with confusing thoughts. Nothing made sense.
