“Mm-hmm.” The look Cassie gave her told Evie she wasn’t convinced. “He’s a great guy. You know, since you’re curious and all. And don’t worry about the playboy antics,” she added, giving Evie a smile. “I have a feeling that’s all ancient history now.”
Evie coughed. “I think I saw a table I like … over there,” she said, gesturing vaguely. “Be right back!”
She ducked through the store, wondering if every single person in Sweetbriar Cove already knew the intimate details of her love life. But Evie supposed she only had herself to blame. After all, she was the one who had kissed him in front of everyone the other week. And as much as she hadn’t really thought through the consequences of that very public display of affection, if she had the chance to take it back, Evie would do it all over again.
And again. And again.
“Evie!” Cassie called out across the store, waving what looked like a chair in the shape of a human hand. “What do you think of this?”
“Evie?” A middle-aged woman nearby snapped her head around and looked Evie up and down. “I don’t suppose you’re Evie Baxter-Jones, are you?”
“Umm, yes?” Evie replied, smiling.
“I’m Gayle Montgomery!” the woman beamed widely. “Your new mother-in-law!”
What?!
Evie froze in panic as Noah’s mom pulled her into an enthusiastic, lavender-scented hug. “I … uh … umm,” Evie stammered, trying to think of what on earth to say. How the hell had she gotten into this mess?
And how was she supposed to politely get herself out of it?
Gayle released her with a laugh. “I’m just kidding,” she said, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “I know you’re not engaged—but my phone’s been ringing off the hook all morning from people who’ve heard that you are. Apparently, you ran into Judy the other day and fed her some story about a wedding? The woman’s a terrible gossip.”
“Oh.” Evie exhaled in relief. “I’m sorry about that. We were just playing around, researching local B&Bs,” she explained quickly. “I’m opening—”
“The Beachcomber Inn,” Gayle talked over her. “Yes, I’ve heard all about it. Although not from my son, of course. He would never dream of keeping his mother up to date about the women in his life. So, you’re settled here for good, are you? Where did you move from? How did you meet my Noah?”
Evie’s head spun from all the questions. Looked like Mackenzie had just been the subtle warm-up act to Gayle’s full-on inquisition.
“You know what?” Gayle said, gripping her arms. “You should come to dinner! Both of you. Tonight.”
Evie gulped. “That’s very kind,” she said, trying to duck away. “But I’m not sure about Noah’s plans …”
Gayle waved away her objections. “Don’t worry about him. I’ll make my special lamb tagine. And I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer!”
12
When Noah came to pick her up for their date, Evie was waiting on the porch, wearing her best ‘meet the parents’ sundress—and an apologetic smile.
“You look gorgeous,” Noah said, greeting her with a kiss that left her head spinning and almost made her forget the news she had to break.
Almost.
“Ready to go?” he asked, taking her hand, and Evie had to stifle a sigh of pure longing. He was clean-shaven, his hair combed back, and wearing a fresh button-down, like something out of a classic movie. Cary Grant or Paul Newman, the kind of man who could reduce a grown woman to a breathless puddle. “I called in some favors and got us reservations at Sage for dinner,” he continued. “It’s a great local spot, the chef is a friend of mine.”
“That sounds great, but—” Evie paused. “There’s been a change of plans.”
Noah arched an eyebrow.
“We’re having dinner with your parents,” she said in a rush. “I couldn’t help it! Your mom ambushed me in the antiques mart, and she insisted we come tonight.”
Noah groaned. “So what you’re saying is that instead of a romantic meal by candlelight together, we’re spending our first date … with my parents?” He turned and banged his head against a porch post, and Evie tried not to laugh.
“I’m sorry,” she said, rubbing his shoulder. “I tried to get us out of it, I really did. But she wouldn’t hear otherwise.”
“Of course she wouldn’t.” Noah sighed. “It’s OK, it’s not your fault,” he added, drawing her into a hug. “My mom can be a force of nature sometimes. I’ll call and set her straight.”
He pulled out his phone, and Evie felt a twinge of guilt. Gayle had been so excited, chattering about the menu and wine. And as much as Evie wanted Noah all to herself tonight, it seemed cruel to let her down.
“We should go,” she decided. “Just for a little while. It’s too late to back out now. Besides, maybe it won’t be so bad? She said something about making a special meal, her lamb tagine.”
“God, no.” Noah’s eyes widened in panic. “Have you eaten yet? Bring snacks for the car. And a plastic baggie to hide the remains.”
Evie giggled. “It can’t be that bad.”
“Famous last words.” Noah steered her to his truck. “Say that again after she’s brought out the baby pictures.”
They drove a short distance outside town to a homey-looking farmhouse set back beside an overgrown plot of land. Noah pulled up outside and switched off the engine, then turned to Evie with a resigned expression on his handsome face. “OK, before we go in, you need to know the rules.”
“There are rules?” she asked, amused. “It can’t be so bad. I usually get along great with parents.”
“Of course you do,” Noah said. “That’s the problem. My mom’s been waiting all year for me to bring a girl home. You need to be careful if we want to make it out of here in one piece—before she brings out her old wedding dress and starts measuring you for size.”
She laughed, but Noah didn’t seem to be joking.
“Rule one, don’t eat her cooking,” Noah continued, looking deadly serious. “I guarantee you it’ll be undercooked or burned—or somehow both at once. Rule two, she’s sneaky. Watch out for the innocent questions,” he warned. “I swear, she was a police interrogator in a past life. She’ll have you confessing your darkest secrets in no time at all.”
“Anything else?” Evie asked, smiling. “Does she bite?”
“No, that’s the dog, Lucky,” Noah replied with a grin. “Just remember to scratch her between the ears, and she’ll love you forever.”
“Your mom or the dog?” Evie quipped. But as they got out and approached the front door, she saw the apprehension on Noah’s face. “It’ll be fine,” she reassured him, leaning up to give him a kiss. “And we don’t have to stay all evening,” she added. “We’ll have dinner, listen to a couple of hugely embarrassing stories about you, and then make our escape.”