arched an eyebrow. “Are you two celebrating a special anniversary?”
“Not that I remember. And trust me, if anyone would remember, it’s me.”
Bethanne agreed. Like her father, Annie had extraordinary recall when it came to dates, facts and figures; she’d always been a top student in math and history. Bethanne thought of the endless memory games Annie and Grant loved to play on long car trips, egging each other on to greater and greater feats of recall.
“Then what’s the occasion?”
Her daughter’s eyes were wide. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to ask me to marry him,” she whispered.
Bethanne did an admirable job of hiding her dismay. “Really?”
Annie nodded. “When I mentioned something last week about Andrew and Courtney’s wedding, he told me he’s a big believer in marriage and family.”
“Family is important,” Bethanne said noncommittally.
“Yes, and we agree on practically everything—family, church, politics. Those are the important subjects, don’t you think?” Annie searched Bethanne’s face for confirmation.
“I do, but a single comment on the subject doesn’t mean Vance is ready to propose, Annie.” Bethanne’s voice was gentle, but inside she marveled at her daughter’s naiveté. She didn’t want Annie to set herself up for disappointment. A mother never outgrew her protective instincts, she realized.
“Oh, I know, but Nicole saw him at a jewelry store in the University District. It only makes sense that he was looking at engagement rings. Why else does a guy go to a jeweler?”
For any number of reasons, but Bethanne couldn’t bring herself to burst her daughter’s bubble. “When’s the hot date?”
“Friday night.”
“Fabulous. I hope everything works out.” Either way—engagement or not—she had concerns, but this wasn’t the time to discuss them.
“Thanks, Mom.” Annie just about skipped down the hall toward her own office.
“Annie,” Bethanne called out, stopping her. “I have a bit of news myself.”
Her daughter turned back, anxiety clouding her eyes.
“When I saw your grandma, she told me she’s planning to drive to Florida next week. I’ve decided to go with her.”
Annie’s mouth sagged open. “You and Grandma are driving to Florida?”
Bethanne laughed. “Don’t say it like that. We’re two mature women who can look after ourselves. Your grandmother’s wanted to make a road trip across the country nearly her entire adult life, and for one reason or another it’s always been put off. She’s determined to go—and I can’t let her go alone.”
“What about Aunt Robin?” As soon as the words were out, Annie shook her head. “Never mind. Aunt Robin wouldn’t take the time for that.”
Bethanne nodded. “It was a … sudden decision.”
“What about the business?” Annie nodded in the direction of the conference room, where the various store managers would soon be gathering.
“Julia can handle whatever comes up in the next few weeks,” Bethanne said calmly. “I’ll be accessible by phone and email, if she really needs me.”
Annie stared at Bethanne. “Wow, Mom, taking off on the spur of the moment—that isn’t like you.”
“True, but I’ve got a lot to think about right now, and this will give me a chance to weigh my options.”
“Does Dad know?”
“Not yet,” Bethanne said, waving as she hurried to the conference room. “I’m sure your grandmother will tell him when the time is right.”
The meeting with Julia was abbreviated due to the arrival of the managers. Afterward, Julia and Bethanne parted with a promise to catch up the following day. When she finally made it back to her office to return phone calls, Bethanne saved Grant’s for last. The commercial real estate market was still depressed across the country, but it had recently started to pick up in the Seattle area. As the broker in charge of one of his company’s most successful offices, Grant had significant responsibilities.
His assistant connected her immediately. “Bethanne,” he said, sounding grateful to hear from her.
“Hello, Grant. Annie told me you called.” She got right to the point; they were both busy people.
“Tell me, when did our little girl become such a dynamic young businesswoman?”
Bethanne smiled. “I believe she inherited her talent from you.”
“I don’t know about that,” Grant countered. “You’re the business powerhouse these days.”
Grant had always been skilled at making everyone feel special—like the most important person in the room—and it had served him well in his career. Now he was turning that charm on her, something he hadn’t done in years.
“I called about dinner on Friday. You never did say if you were available.”
She didn’t need a reminder; his invitation had been on her mind for the past three days.
“I thought we’d go to that little Mexican restaurant we used to like so much,” he went on, obviously—and correctly—interpreting her silence as hesitation.
“They’re still at the same location, can you believe it?” He laughed nervously. “What do you say? You and me, for old times’ sake?”
Bethanne closed her eyes, her knuckles white around the receiver. She was decidedly tired of that expression. “Not all our old times were that happy, Grant.”
“I know,” he was quick to admit. “But we do need to discuss Andrew’s wedding.”
“We can do that just as easily over the phone.”
“We could …” Grant conceded. “But I’d much rather do it over a margarita.” She heard him sigh. “You used to like yours on the rocks. Do you still prefer them that way?”
Bethanne couldn’t recall the last time she’d even had a margarita. Too many hours in the office and not nearly enough fun. “I suppose.”
“So, will you have dinner with me Friday night?” He wasn’t pleading, but she thought she detected a note of yearning in his voice.
She exhaled and, with her arm hugged tight around her middle, finally said, “All right.”
“I’ll pick you up—”
“I’ll meet you at the restaurant at seven,” she interjected, far more comfortable providing her own transportation.
“Seven,” he repeated, not bothering to hide
