Page 28 of Just One Spark

Her eyes widened even more."Have you met your family?They're nosy."

I chuckled."You're right about that."

"How can you be so relaxed about this?"Then she lowered her voice."We're lying to your family."

It was starting to feel less like a lie every day.We might not be engaged, but I'd always liked Hattie, and with that kiss, I knew there was chemistry, whether she wanted to admit it or not."It's for a good cause, and they won't find out."

She sighed."Still.I don't like it."

I kind of loved that she was so bothered by this situation.She hated lying, and she was a good person inside.I always suspected that, but this only proved that she was exactly who I remembered."How have sales been?"

"Better when there's snow on the ground."

"Any word on when your apartment will be ready?"

She growled."My landlord said it probably wouldn't be done until after the holidays.Apparently, contractors are busy with other projects."

"You're welcome to stay as long as you need to.I like having someone in my space."

Her face softened."Thank you for letting me stay.I really like your cabin.It's so warm and cozy."

"Does your mom still live in the same place?Or did she move after—" I couldn't bring myself to talk about her father's death.I had a feeling she wouldn't want me to.

Hattie let out a frustrated breath."I can't get her to move.I told her it might help if she did.The house holds so many memories.She needs a fresh start."

"I agree."

"But she's holding onto it, as if he could walk through the front door at any minute."Then she shook her head."I'm not sure why I'm talking about this.You don't want to hear about it."

I chuckled."I asked, didn't I?"

She sighed heavily."Trust me.You don't want to know."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you then."I'd wanted to be.I'd thought about reaching out to her so many times, but anytime I'd initiated a conversation with her over the years, she shut me down.

"It wasn't your place.Besides, I handled it."

That was the problem.She thought she had to handle everything herself.She didn't know when to ask for help."Everyone could use support."

"I had Meg.She was great."

I was pleased that she had someone to talk to.I didn't know Meg well, as I rarely went into the coffee shop."I'm glad you had her then."

Dad cleared his throat, and we turned to face the front of the room where he was holding a glass of champagne."I wanted to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate my son's engagement to Hattie Collins."

Cheers erupted with my brothers whistling like idiots from the back of the room.I shot a glare in their direction.Just wait until they found someone they liked.

"All a parent wants is for their children to be happy.And I think they are.But more importantly, our hearts are full, having all our children living nearby and assisting in the family business.To happiness and many more generations of Harts."

Everyone clapped, and music started to play.

Clara walked by with a smile and touched my arm."I believe it's time for the happy couple to dance."

I held my hand out to Hattie."How about a dance?"

She put her hand in mine, sighing."We've been dancing a lot lately."

In the center of the room, I pulled her into my arms."If you count the Illuminary dance and this one, that's only two."