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Ivy gasps. “The night before?”
“And finally confessed his feelings after fifteen years,” I add.
“Don't listen to him. He'll get it all wrong,” Dad says.
Mom chimes in, “I'll tell you the whole story over dinner some night.”
Ivy smiles wide at the invitation. “That sounds great.”
I check the time, and we say our goodbyes. Ivy's relieved that everyone was supportive, but I can sense how nervous she is to face Grandma Bishop.
“Don't worry, baby. We'll eat, chat, and have a good time,” I say as we park in front of the big farmhouse.
Ivy nods with a smile, and we get out of the truck. “If I can win her over, I'll call it a successful day.”
I grab her hand, kiss her knuckles, then lead her toward the house.
“Y'all are late,” Grandma says as soon as she whips open the door.
Ivy's eyes widen, but I give her a reassuring squeeze.
“Not our fault. Mom and Dad kept us.”
“Well, we know your dad doesn’t care about punctuality. C'mon in, kids. Your grandfather is already at the table.” She steps back, and we walk inside. “I told him to hold his horses, but you know how he is. Stubborn as a mule.”
I chuckle, leading Ivy through the hallway and into the kitchen.
“There they are,” Grandpa announces. “Nearly starved to death waitin' on ya.”
“We're seven minutes late,” I bemuse. “We quickly stopped at the training facility first.”
The three of us take our seats. “How's everythin' going with the stud farm?”
“Great. Stayin' busy as usual.”
Grandma turns to Ivy. “And how are things at the warehouse? I hear Harper's soap business is booming.”
“Yes, ma'am. Going very well,” Ivy responds.
Once Grandma says grace, we dig in. Scalloped potatoes with ham and gravy.
“This is delicious,” Ivy says after trying a few bites. “I don't think I've ever had this.”
“It's his favorite,” Grandma says, pointing at Grandpa. “So I only make it once in a blue moon, or he gets spoiled.”
We laugh and continue chatting until we're all full.
“Now y’all save room for some peach cobbler. Would ya like yours à la mode?” Grandma asks both of us, and we nod.
“Ya still engravin’ those leather journals?” Grandpa asks while Grandma goes to the kitchen.
“Yes, sir. When I have time. I just made one for Ivy, actually.”
“You did?” Grandma squeals as she carries our plates of dessert. “How sweet. You'll need to show me sometime, Ivy.”
“Oh yes, of course. It's really pretty. I told him he should open an online store.”
I shrug, though I’ve thought about it. “Right now, I prefer to do them for fun. At least until I get better.”
“She has a good point, though, Kane,” Grandma says. “They’d make great gifts.”
“Is that a hint that you’d like one for Christmas?” I tease.
“Well, as a matter of fact, it was. I could use one to write my thoughts for the day.”
“Alright, Grams. Consider it done.” I shoot her a wink.
“This is so good,” Ivy says around a forkful. “I could eat this every day. Well, if I knew how to make it.”
“I’ll teach you how,” Grandma offers with a wink, and Ivy’s eyes widen.
“Really? I’d love that,” Ivy says. “Admittedly, I’m not very good in the kitchen.”
“Oh honey, we’ll fix that.” Grandma grins.
I love how Ivy is open to learning new things.
As we continue eating, Ivy chats about her upcoming college classes and how she hopes to partner with Harper after graduation. Grandma offers tons of business advice and shares how much the ladies in her knitting club love their soaps. After we’re stuffed full, we help clean up, then head out.
“Well, I think that went well,” I say once we’re driving back to my house.
“I love your grandma!” she gushes.
I snicker at her excited expression. “She has a fan club for a reason.”
“I won’t lie, she’s a little intimidatin’, but the sweetest,” Ivy continues. “I felt very welcomed and accepted.”
“Told ya it’d be fine. And see, she didn’t bring up our age difference once.”
“I’m sure everybody’s thinkin’ it, though, but it's fine.” She shrugs. “I just hope she doesn't expect me to walk down the aisle next week.”
“There's no pressure. We get to move at our own pace without expectations. All of that’s on Kaitlyn now.” I bellow out a laugh.
“Yeah, I've noticed the past few times I've been around her, she's been worked up about being too old to have kids. I think my mom was in her early thirties when she had me, so I don't know why she's worried.”
“She's been that way for years. Even as a teenager, she went on and on about having a big family. I think she's nervous about running out of time.”
“If I had any older guy friends, I'd try to set her up.”
“I do have guy friends her age, and I still won't,” I admit.
Ivy chuckles. “I get the impression that Payton has a thing for her.”
