Page 177 of The Path to Loving Him
“Wow, I’ll have to ask Aubree to see pictures.”
“There are plenty,” Ethel says, pushing off from the counter. “Well, I best be getting back to the inn. I’m supposed to meet the Peach Society for a meeting about this year’s holiday festivities.I’ll be sure to talk to them about a homecoming for our very own Bennett Brinkman.” She presses her hand to my arm. “Take care, dears.” And then she walks off, the bell above the door announcing her departure.
Hattie looks at me when she's gone and says, “If you want to keep anything a secret in this town, keep it away from her.”
I chuckle. “I could sense that.”
“Love the lady, but man, does she go fishing for information.”
“Thanks for playing it cool then about Ryland and me. I mean . . . you didn’t say anything, right?”
“God no, Ryland would murder me. I won’t be the one who lets that cat out of the bag.” She leans in and whispers, “But I will say I’m so freaking giddy about you and him. Thank you for giving him a chance. I love seeing my brother happy. He deserves it.”
That warms my heart because the bond Ryland has with his sisters is the same kind of bond I have with Bennett—it’s one of the many things I like about him.
“No need to thank me.” I can’t hold back my smile. “I really like the man, and I’m just glad he’s giving me a chance. I know how difficult it was for him to open up.”
“You have no idea, but I won’t get into that because it’s his business to tell, not mine. I’m just very happy for the both of you, and trust me when I say your secret is safe with me.”
Just then, the door opens, and a girl in overalls and a straw hat walks in, carrying a wooden box full of jars.
“Echo,” Hattie says. “Have you come with the honey?”
“I have,” the girl says as she walks up to the counter and places the box down. She turns to me and smiles. “Hi, I’m Echo. I work with Aubree over at Rowley Farm. You must be Gabby.”
I take her hand and shake it as I glance at Hattie. How on earth does this girl know me?
Hattie waves off my questioning brow. “Everyone is going to know who you are at this point.”
I laugh. “Good to know. Yes, I’m Gabby. Nice to meet you, Echo.”
“I heard we’re going to have a girls’ night soon. Is that true?” Echo asks.
“That’s what I’m planning,” Hattie says. “Maybe Friday next week. I was thinking about having everyone over to the house, kicking Hayes out, and then complaining to all of you about how my super-hot, beautifully talented, and sweet boyfriend hasn’t proposed yet.”
“What did he say? Keep mentioning it, and he’ll prolong the wait?” Echo says in a lecturing tone.
“He can’t hear me now.”
“How do you know? Maybe he bugged the place,” Echo challenges.
Hattie looks around the store, eyeing the corners, and then dips her head under the counter to give a good look. “Well, if he did bug the place, then he’s going to have a rude awakening when I find the microphone. No sex for a month.” She leans toward the counter. “You hear that, Hayes? No sex.”
I let out a low rumble of a laugh, loving Hattie. She reminds me a lot of Bower, which is comforting since I miss my best friend so much.
“You know.” She stands taller. “Maybe that’s what my problem is. Maybe he’s not proposing because I’m giving away the milk for free. Maybe I need to hold out on him.”
“Yeah, good luck with that,” Echo says and then picks up a few jars to restock the shelves.
Hattie rings me up, and I give her my card to pay. “What do you think?” Hattie asks. “Think he will ever propose?”
“I don’t know him well enough to decide, but I will say this. If he takes much longer, he’s a fool because you’re an absolute delight.”
She clutches her chest. “Ugh, that’s what I tell him every day.”
We laugh together, and I grab my cookies and card from her, telling myself I don’t need to eat one of these cookies when I get into the car, but I know I’ll fail at self-control.
“I’m serious about next Friday, though. Let me know if you’re interested. We’d love to have you. I think my friend Maggie might be coming up to visit as well.”
