Page 95 of Booked on You
Scarlett laughs and moves forward politely. “Hi, I’m Scarlett.”
“Scarlett Collins,” Millie says, pulling her into a tight hug. They hold one another for a long while until Millie pulls away. “Welcome to the family.”
“Aunt Millie,” I say, shaking my head with a laugh. “You’re going to scare her back to New York.”
Scarlett’s eyebrows lift, and she’s amused. “Thanks for the pecan pie. It was incredible! Ezra has told me a lot about you.”
“Only glowing things, I hope,” Millie says.
“Oh yes,” Scarlett tells her.
I pull three mugs from the cabinet and make us each a cup of coffee. I distribute them as Millie glances between us eagerly.
“I’m a huge fan,” she finally blurts out.
Scarlett laughs. “Thanks. I appreciate that. I’m a huge fan of your baking.”
“Aw, sweetie, thank you. I brought you two some sausage bread this morning. It’s a town favorite when the temps start lowering. Plus, it’s still warm. Just took it out of the oven about twenty minutes ago.”
“It’s my favorite,” I explain to Scarlett. “A family recipe. Mom used to bake it on special occasions like Thanksgiving morning and Christmas.”
“Aw,” Scarlett offers. “It smells really good.”
I can’t keep my eyes off Scarlett and how pretty she looks without even trying, and of course, my aunt notices.
“I didn’t have kids of my own, because I couldn’t, so Ezra is like my son.” Millie laughs, delighted. “Finally, someone who can keep his attention. I was beginning to think he’d never find you.”
My chest tightens at Millie’s easy, genuine approval.
Scarlett relaxes. The hearty scent of sausage and cheese mingles with fresh coffee.
I unwrap the bread, then cut Scarlett a slice. I hand her the plate and a fork.
Scarlett laughs, the sound breaking the last remnants of tension, as she takes a bite. “Oh my God, this is incredible.”
Millie beams proudly. “You should taste my wedding cakes.”
“Millie!” I shake my head.
“I’d love to. I love sweets,” Scarlett encourages.
“Don’t amuse her,” I playfully warn. “Trust me.”
Millie looks between us. “Are you two dating?”
“Relentless,” I whisper to Millie, then glance at Scarlett. “You don’t have to answer that.”
Scarlett focuses on Millie. “The answer is yes. I’m very hesitant to put aboyfriendtitle on anything because, well, because I’m Scarlett Collins. But it’s easy for me to imagine a life with Ezra, if that’s what you’re asking. We’re extremely compatible. He’s caring and makes me laugh. Also, he’s very attractive, talented, and inspires me like no one else ever has,” she says, eyes bright as she sips her coffee.
Her honest admission shocks me, and I nearly drop my mug of coffee. Of course, I knew these things, but I never expected her to be so honest.
Millie’s smile softens. “My Ezra is a treasure.”
Their conversation continues like I’m not even there.
“You know, I was told you’re a fan. I’d be willing to bet you know me better than most,” she says, and I realize she’s right. Millie does know things about Scarlett that I don’t. Hell, the whole world practically does.
“You’re right about that,” Millie offers. “I also know what kind of man you’ve been searching for, Scarlett. Ezra is it.”
