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Faith grinned. “Of course you can, sweetheart.” She scooped her up, breathing in the sweet strawberry scent of her hair. Then she straightened and met the inquisitive gazes of Shane’s family. “Hunter, why don’t you tell me who you’re hanging out with?”
Hunter crossed the floor to stand beside the older woman. “This is my Granny June, and my Grandpa Dennis, and my Aunt Gabby.”
“Hi.” Faith hoped she didn’t look as scared as she felt. She wanted to make a good impression. “I’m Faith St. John. I’m not sure if Shane has mentioned me, but we’ve just started seeing each other.”
“Oh, he’s mentioned you, all right,” Gabrielle said, and Faith wasn’t sure if she meant it in a good way or a bad way, but she wasn’t smiling. Faith studied her. Shane’s sister was a striking woman of average height with thick dark hair and eyes that were more golden than brown. Her features were delicate, her skin flawless, and she rocked jeans that showed off long legs. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Gabrielle.”
Faith noticed she introduced herself by her full name, not her nickname, which was how her family referred to her. Based on Gabrielle’s expression, the move was totally intentional. She didn’t want to invite familiarity until she’d figured out what Faith’s intentions were with her brother. Much as she’d have loved a warmer reception, Faith approved. It was nice that Shane had someone watching his back.
“Lovely to meet you.” She looked at the couple behind Gabrielle. “You too, Mr. and Mrs. Walker.”
At this, a smile eased across Mrs. Walker’s kindly face. “Please, call us June and Dennis. We’re all adults here.”
“I’m not,” Izzy reminded them, and they laughed.
“Okay, June,” Faith said. “What can I do to help with lunch?”
June gestured to a mound of boiled potatoes beside her. “Dice these for the potato salad?”
“No problem.” Faith rolled up her sleeves and got to work. “So, did you enjoy the drive over?”
“Yes, the scenery is spectacular.”
“We stopped a few miles down the road for one of those real fruit ice creams,” Dennis added. “Damn tasty.”
“Not as good as mine,” Faith told him confidently. “You’ll have to try it. I brought a box of Russian fudge flavor because it’s Dylan’s favorite.”
“I might just do that.”
“No, Dad.” Gabrielle’s tone was stern. “You know you’re not supposed to have one ice cream, let alone two. Not with your cholesterol levels.”
He grumbled, and Faith laughed. “Maybe next time.”
Her hands moved quickly as she chopped. She was deft in the kitchen because she’d spent so much time in her own, perfecting ice cream recipes.
June watched her with a raised brow. “You’re doing that in half the time I’d take.”
“I’ve had plenty of practice.”
Gabrielle sidled over, effectively sandwiching her. Faith sensed something big was coming. “Now for the real question,” Gabrielle said, her voice low. She glanced over her shoulder, and Faith did the same, noting that Dennis had taken the children away. “Do you love my brother?”
She felt both women’s eyes on her, and her stomach bottomed out. Did she love him? Shane was everything a man should be: handsome, kind, a great dad, and willing to stand up for the people he cared about. It would have been impossible not to love him. But she hadn’t admitted as much to him yet.
“Well?” Gabrielle demanded, hands on hips. “It’s a simple yes or no question.”
“Gabby,” June cautioned. “You’re coming on a bit strong. They haven’t been dating for long.”
“No, that’s not the problem.” Faith’s heart was beating so erratically, she was certain they must hear it. Opening her mouth, she spilled the truth. “I do love him. I’m crazy about him. But I haven’t told him that. We haven’t said the words.”
Gabrielle’s mouth dropped open, then she snapped it shut and beamed. “Well, okay then. Thanks for being honest. All I want is for Shane to be happy.”
“I know,” Faith said. “I appreciate you looking out for him.”
June tutted. “Don’t you feel guilty for pressing the matter when Shane should be the first to hear it?”
Gabrielle shrugged. “Not at all, Mama.” She turned to Faith and added, “If you hurt him, I’ll hunt you down and shave off your hair.”
Faith’s eyes widened. “Um.” How was she supposed to take that? “You do what you need to, but I don’t intend to hurt him. He’s had enough of that from Diana.”
