“But your Adam’s apple dipped.”
His eyes crinkle. “That’s not a thing.”
“Yes, it is, Bridger Adams,” I insist. “Wait, hey. YourBridger Adam’s appledipped.”
“My what?”
“Your Bridger Adam’s apple.”
He finally breaks eye contact, shaking his head and chuckling. “Now that isdefinitelynot a thing.”
“Well, it should be.” I grin, delighted with myself.
“Either way, staring contests are about blinking. Not movement.”
“But we always play that you're not allowed to move. Atall.” I edge a glance at Margaret, then shift back to Bridger. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
“Fine.” He lifts his palms in surrender, and a slow smile sneaks across his face. “Loren gets all the awards and all the gold stars and all the trophies forever.”
“That’s right.” I take a little half-bow in my seat, triumphant.
“Ahem.” Margaret clears her throat, then folds her hands on the table. Her posture is impeccable. “So, Loren. What do we doafterthe staring contest?”
My lip twitches. I think my mother-in-law is getting tired of us already. All this nuptial bliss might get her to fly home soon rather than later. “Bridger and I usually take a good, long walk,” I tell her. “Care to join us?”
Margaret grimaces. “I don’t exercise.”
“What a shame.” I wince, like this is the worst news ever. “Especially because my dad is expecting me over at Havenwood after. And then I have a couple of students to tutor this afternoon. But I’ll bet Bridger has time to take you downtown today.” I send him a smile as an apology. “Do you, sweetheart?”
He works his jaw back and forth. “Sure.”
Please understand, I’m not proud of throwing my husband under the bus, but she’s his mother, not mine. And she’ll probably hate our sweet little city. So if we’re trying to make her leave of her own accord, a visit to the town square might be the fastest way to accomplish our mission.
“You two could do a bit of shopping,” I suggest. “And try out a few cafes. Then drive out to visit Harvest Farms.”
Margaret lifts a hand to her throat. “Did you say …farm?”
“You’ll recognize it from the wedding videos.” I grin. “Obviously, couples get married there, but they also have a petting zoo, and for an extra charge, you can feed goats, llamas, and sheep.”
“Oh, my.” Her eyebrow hooks up. Just one. “I’m not sure I packed the proper shoes.”
“Hmm.” I glance at Bridger, and his mouth quirks. “In that case, you should probably stick to Maple Street,” I say. “You'll love Book Smart and In Bloom. And youhave to go by Cataloochee’s. Obviously. It’s practically the law in Harvest Hollow.”
She blinks. “Catta who?”
“Cataloochee’s Mountain Coffee? The locals call it Catty’s. It’s a coffee shop. And in case you couldn’t tell, In Bloom is a flower shop. And Book Smart is … well. A bookstore.” I tip my chin. “Do you like apple cider donuts, Margaret?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” she quips. Which makes sense. Apple cider donuts are the opposite of dry toast.
“Catty’s has the best. Youhaveto try one. After that, you should probably stop by Tequila Mockingbird.” I throw this idea out there with extra breeziness. “Take a quick peek inside,” I say. “See if you have the proper shoes.”
Margaret lifts her forehead, and something bright flickers behind her eyes. Almost as if she’s a little bit impressed. A small spark of pleasure ignites below my sternum, and I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I kind of want my mother-in-law to like me.
“Speaking of Tequila Mockingbird.” Margaret swings her attention over to Bridger. “Have you told your friends I’ll be joining you on Saturday?” She pauses. “Or would that ruin the illusion of surprise?”
“Oh, don’t worry.” I wave her comment away, chuckling. “I’m sure Dex will be thrilled to include you.”
“Dex?”