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“You’re blessed.” Dani released a wistful sigh. “Your children will be beautiful with great teeth and gorgeous hair. I couldn’t be more pleased. Now all my dreams for the two of you can come true.”

“Don’t buy a wedding gift just yet, Dani. We’re not even officially dating.”

“Um, why not?” Skepticism was stamped all over her features.

“For one thing, we’re constantly busy with our various jobs. At KGOLD, we’re focusing on getting the joint show off the ground. We need time to settle into that . . . relationship first. It has to take precedence for now.”

“How long do you need to settle in?”

“No idea.”

“Let’s think about this. You’ve been to dinner at Bella Roma twice with Hayden in the last few weeks. Met him for coffee countless times at Bake Love, Not War.”

Violet nodded. “That’s right.”

“I know he came to church and met your family then went back to the house for lunch,” Dani said. “Honey, that’s the true test right there. If that’s not dating, I don’t know what is. How many soccer games have you been to in the past month?”

“All of the home games and two away,” Violet said.

Dani’s smile faded. “Hayden was also there for you when you found out your mom’s cancerhasn’tcome back.”

Violet’s breath caught. What a blessing it was to hearthatglorious news! “Even if it had, Hayden’s not the type of man who’ll run away at the first sign of adversity. My family absolutely loves him.”

“As well they should.” Dani chuckled. “So, have we now established you’re officially dating?”

“Yes, but there’s one thing that still niggles at my brain.”

“Niggling is never good, especially inyourmind. What about?”

“Hayden’s past.”

“Everyone on the planet has a past, Vi. Just remember there are no secrets from God.” Dani winced. “Yeah, I heard it. Sorry to sound like the Church Lady.”

“You’re fine. I’m referring to hisprofessionalpast. While you were gone—”

Dani groaned. “Would youpleasestop saying that? It’s not like I died, Vi! I was only gone for two weeks.”

“Yes, but you’re my voice of reason and sanity, and I missed you.”

“It’s very nice to be missed.”

Violet told her about Trent planting the seed in her mind about Hayden paying a penance at KGOLD. Then told her what she knew of Hayden’s previous job in St. Louis. “He told me what happened the night I ran into him at the coffee house, but . . . I don’t know, I still wonder.”

“In this fickle economy, people change jobs all the time.” Dani slapped a hand on the table, startling her. “Hayden’s here now, and that’s what’s most important.”

“Agreed, but when Charles told me his idea of doing the show together, Hayden and I got into it afterwards. He made a comment about how I might . . . let me think how he put it . . . ‘elevate his professional reputation to a semblance of respectability.’ Something like that.”

“Intriguing. My advice is to ask him what he meant by that. I’m sure Hayden will tell you if he feels there’s anything you need to know. We need hot tea.” Hopping out of her chair, Dani filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove. “Tell me how you and Golden Boygotinto it.”

“Nothing that matters in the long run. Insecurities, mostly, and I was irritated Charles discussed the plan with Hayden first.”

Dani sat down again. “Are you still irritated?”

She shook her head. “Charles told me Hayden insisted my name go first for the new show. I think a small part of me was worried I might not be able to keep up with Hayden.”

“You have no reason to feel that way,” Dani said. “So, time for the good stuff. Has he kissed you yet? And grazing doesn’t count unless you’re a sheep.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you won’t get anything from me. Some things need to remain private.” In truth, Hayden had been the perfect gentleman. He’d kissed her temple, her cheek, her hands—both sides—but not on the lips. Yet.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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