Well, he had all kinds of ideas.
Until he remembered once more that this marriage wasn’t real and never would be.
*
“Where did you say you honeymooned?” Hayden’s grandmother flitted about the outdated white kitchen, wiping down counters and straightening the contents in drawers. She hadn’t slowed down since Eve had entered the kitchen and reminded her of who she was. Irene hadn’t stopped talking about woulda-coulda-shoulda’s where Eve’s honeymoon was concerned either.
“I appreciate the thought.” Eve flipped pancakes on the griddle. She already had a short stack staying warm in the oven. “But we don’t need a destination honeymoon. I’m taking a day off to get Katie settled and then it’s back to the grind, Irene.”
“Call me Gran.” Irene poured herself a cup of coffee from the coffeepot, finally standing still to take a sip. “I’m not giving up this honeymoon thing.”
“I’m too busy for a honeymoon.” Hayden entered the kitchen in his ranch clothes and socks.
Funny how attractive socks on a cowboy could be.
Funny how deep kisses and chemistry between us weren’t addressed in Hayden’s marital rules.
Eve nearly dropped the pancake turner, surprised by the direction of her thoughts.
This man is on loan. Off-limits. Not to be kissed anymore. He doesn’t believe in love. And he wouldn’t be happy to hear I loved him.
Eve sighed. She was finding she was terrible at separating her heart’s desire from reality.
But he wears boxers.
Eve allowed herself a small smile.
Teenage me loves that.
She chuckled.
Adult me likes it too.
“What’s this I hear about honeymoons, Gran?” Hayden found a mug in the cupboard, then gently edged his grandmother aside to access the coffeepot. “Evie is busy with work and taking nursing classes online. I’m busy getting the ranch in order. Romance can wait.”
Eve sighed at the truth in his words. Someone had to remember this marriage shunned romance. Certainly, she was having a hard time doing so.
“Look at your bride blush, Hay-Hay.” Irene gave Eve a side hug. “She deserves a honeymoon. Or better yet, a babymoon.”
Don’t even go there, Eve.
“Did I say babymoon?” The elderly woman laughed. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me this morning. I feel… What is it young folks say nowadays?” She grinned at Eve. “I feel spicy?”
“That’s it.” Eve smiled, not having expected anything like that from Irene.
“Roddy and I will be over at Willow Creek today. We’ll be taking inventory of the livestock.” Hayden finished pouring coffee into a travel mug, his tone as stiff as the set to his broad shoulders. He gave Eve a curt nod. All business, the way she should have been. “Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?”
She nodded.
“Can I come, Hay-Hay?” Katie squirmed in her chair. She’d dressed in her favorite princess dress, a yellow ball gown that was covered in golden sequins and had come with white gloves and a tiara, both of which were in use. “Please.”
“No, bug,” Eve said quickly. “Hayden’s got to work.”
“Please, Hay-Hay?” Katie batted her big blue eyes at him. “Mama says I don’t have to go back to preschool until tomorrow.”
“Sorry, kiddo. You heard what your mom said.” Hayden strode out of the kitchen. “I’ll let you know if I’m going to be late for supper.”
Eve listened to Hayden leave, fighting a wave of disappointment. She knew it wasn’t a real marriage but…he hadn’t kissed her goodbye for Irene’s sake. He’d barely even looked at her.