Eventually, we got separated. Jade and Wren returned with snacks, and I immediately went to hunt that down. Cain and Henry arrived and pulled Dean into a conversation about something.
“They’re planning a guys’ night,” Wren said. “Cain and Mollie agreed to give each other one night off a week, and I’m sure Dean will do the same.”
“He will,” I replied. “It’s nice to see him making friends.”
As Dean laughed at something Henry said, it was nice to see that he’d built a rapport with the guys. Come to think of it, he’d built a rapport with almost everyone. I knew he preferred the city, but he seemed to be doing well here.
But I knew he had one friend in Nashville that he was going to miss, and that friend had been invited today. I’d been excited to meet Clyde. Virginia said the person he was most social with was Dean, and not to expect us to be best friends, but I was happy to meet anyone who was close with him.
A person I didn’t know walked in. He was a larger man and held a small gift in his hands. I excused myself from a conversation with Jackie and nearly ran to him. Dean and I got there at the same time.
“Clyde,” Dean said. “It’s good to see you.”
His eyes shifted to mine and a slow smile spread to his face. “Uh, hi, Dean. And you must be Grace.” He handed over a gift. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Mollie watched us closely and I knew she wanted to make sure the gift was from the registry. I had a feeling that would stress poor Clyde out.
“It’s so nice to meet you too. I’ve only heard good things.”
“Me too,” he replied. “When I get to see Dean, that is.”
It was paired with a chuckle that was well-meaning, but Dean’s smile dimmed.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He shrugged. “I bet this is a nice little town. And you’re kinda close to Knoxville. There’s work there. A lot, actually.”
“Still. We won’t be working togetherthatregularly. It sucks.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that.”
“You live in Nashville and that’s three hours away.” Dean’s brow furrowed. “The only time we’ll hang out is when you happen to take a job in Knoxville.”
“I’ll be doing that more often. I think maybe my home base should be there.”
Dean straightened. “Really?”
“Yeah, there’re a lot of jobs out here and I don’t wanna be three hours away from the closest thing I’ll ever get to a grandkid.” He glanced at Dean. “If that’s okay with you, of course.”
“Yes, that’s definitely okay,” Dean said, clapping Clyde on the shoulder. “More than okay. I’m happy to have you closer.”
Dean took him over to Virginia, who was the one other person he knew. She greeted him like an old friend and introduced him to some of the people in town. Clyde seemed tense, but I knew he would blend in just fine.
Dean was watching closely and I gave him a thumbs-up before we all started playing games. We got through four before my table was a mess and everyone seemed to prefer talking over playing.
That was when the last guest arrived.
The entire party went quiet when he walked in, and I knew why.
Hugh wasnotthe kind of guy to come to a baby shower. Unless it was the bar, he avoided town gatherings. But here he was, a present in hand, even though he looked angry about it.
“This is one hell of a hike,” he grumbled.
“Hey, Hugh.” I walked up to him. “Thank you for coming.”
I heard Mollie whispering to Wren in a panic. I doubted Hugh had let anyone know he was coming, and she had no idea what kind of gift he brought. That made two in a row she didn’t know about.
I wasn’t worried. It could be a pair of old socks and I would still think it was sweet.