Eve: This one is bigger. I don't want to leave anything to chance. We need to make sure the inn, the restaurant, and the ballroom are inspected and up to code.
Aspen: I'm on it.
Eve: I knew I could count on you.
I hated that I had a reputation for not sticking with something. But over the years, I hadn't done much to dissuade anyone from maintaining it. This was my chance to prove everyone wrong.
I'd just have to work closely with Cooper to get it done.
Chapter 4
Cooper
"Eve's worried that something is going to happen during the holiday season. She wants to prevent another incident. You know, another fire or flooded shop. Especially during the busiest time," I said to Hudson while we were inspecting the dance hall's bathroom.
Hudson raised a brow. "I don't blame her."
"I think she just wants everything to be taken care of, so she doesn't have to deal with a town emergency while she's pregnant."
Hudson nodded as he moved through the men's restroom, writing notes. "I heard that Aspen is taking over more of Eve's responsibilities."
"I think she's trying to take it easy before the baby comes, and then who knows what will happen after?"
Hudson nodded, making another note in his notebook. "She'll want some time off with the baby, I'm sure."
"What's Angela going to do with the shop when your baby comes?" I didn't know much about babies, but I was trying to be a supportive friend.
"She's talking about hiring someone to work when she can't, and then maybe taking the baby with her."
I leaned against a sink, noting the persistent dripping of one of the faucets. "How do you feel about that?"
"It's whatever she wants to do. If she wants to hire a nanny, we'll do that. This is her second child, so I have to assume that she knows how it's going to be and is making the best decision for us."
"Maybe Eve will want to do the same." Then I wouldn't have to work with Aspen for long.
"Angela said that mothers sometimes change their mind about these things once the baby comes." He looked up at me, tenderness in his expression. "You don't know how you'll feel until you're holding that baby in your arms."
"Are you getting excited for the baby to be here?" I asked, knowing it was his favorite topic besides Angela.
Hudson ducked under one of the sinks to check out the pipes. "I'm excited and scared. Angela might know what to expect, but this is my first time. And I'm worried about her and the baby. What if something goes wrong, you know? I didn't know about all the possible issues until I read that pregnancy book."
"Maybe take a break from reading and talk to the doctor?"
He moved out from under the sink, making another note. "That's probably a good idea. I just want to be prepared, you know?"
"If you're freaked out, it's not going to help Angela. She needs you to be steady right now."
Hudson nodded. "You're probably right."
"I didn't think you'd be like this," I said, more to myself than to him.
He glanced over at me. "What do you mean?"
"You're having a baby, starting a family. It's a lot." I thought I'd have more time before the Sterling brothers started pairing off.
"We wanted Ayla to be closer in age to the baby. We didn't want to wait."
"I know all of that. I just can't believe everyone's getting engaged, married, having babies."