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“Thank you. I hope my guests think so too.”
“Once the reviews start coming in from your first guests, you’re going to be busy,” Alice reassured me for the millionth time.
My heart fluttered. It was exactly what I’d hoped for, yet I was scared about the possibility too. I worried I’d be too busy to be there for Delaney. That I’d be working late nights for months to come when I already felt like the pace was unsustainable. I thought I could rest after today, but that was unlikely. The pressure continued to build because there were so many expectations I needed to meet.
CHAPTER22
MAC
I’d taken a break from my current project, a new build in the suburbs, to catch the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I wished I could have been there for the day, but it was early in the project, and Natalie hadn’t asked for my help.
I kept waiting for her to reach out, but she didn’t. I worried about her doing too much, but I could only do so much when she wouldn’t listen.
She’d neglected our relationship, and I understood why, but it still worried me. She’d let me take Delaney to obedience training, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to be there for her.
I’d gotten an invitation to the party, but everyone in town had. People were invited to tour the B&B during the day and return in the evening for a cocktail party. It wasn’t personalized. She hadn’t asked me to go as her date.
I’d go to support her and get a glimpse of her and Delaney. Besides, my family was going to support Natalie and represent the work we’d done for the B&B. It would be good publicity for the business.
I straightened my tie in the mirror. I was alone this time. I wished Natalie and Delaney lived with me, and we were getting ready together. But then I hadn’t asked for what I wanted. I was giving Natalie time, cognizant that she was overwhelmed with the opening.
But after, I’d need to talk to her, tell her what I wanted out of a relationship, and if she didn’t want the same things, I’d need to deal with it.
I took Rocky outside one more time. He was growing each day and was already bigger than he was last week. I felt a pang, thinking that Delaney hadn’t seen him much.
I missed being in their space every day. The distance between us was more than physical, and I could blame it on Natalie’s business, but she’d pulled away from me emotionally as well.
She didn’t call to confide in me or share her concerns. I understood she was busy, but I was worried it was something more. That she was going to pull away entirely. That I wasn’t the man for her.
That thought made it painful to breathe, so I tried to put my worries out of my mind.
I drove downtown and parked, wishing we were together. We should be a team. Instead, we were farther apart than ever.
I got out, straightened my tie, and headed in the direction of the B&B.
“Uncle Mac,” Maggie called from somewhere behind me.
I smiled and turned, pleased to see her. Alice and Sam followed at a distance. Maggie jumped into my arms, and I hugged her tight. “I missed you.”
“Where’ve you been?” Maggie said, her breath hot on my chin.
“I just saw you at Sunday dinner.”
Her lower lip popped out. “It’s not enough.”
“I know it’s not. I’m sorry.”
“She’s really working it, huh?” Alice said with an amused smile.
“I’m putty in her hands, and she knows it.”
Maggie giggled. “What’s putty?”
“Like slime,” Sam said when I let her down.
“I don’t get it,” she said with a frown.
“It means he’ll do anything for you,” Sam murmured into her ear as he picked her up and put her on his hip.
