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“What was that, Grandma?” Zoey asked and leaned closer to her.
“Oh, nothing, sweetheart. I’m so happy you were able to get it fixed.” Marjorie plastered a brittle smile on her face.
“Me too.” Her sad expression tugged at my heart. “Mom and I had planned to be characters from Encanto for Halloween. Daddy dressed as Bruno, and Grandma and Grandpa dressed as Mirabel’s parents. It was our favorite movie to watch together.”
I looked between them and noticed the matching costumes for the first time. “Well, you all look wonderful. I think you and your mom made a great choice.”
Zoey’s beaming face lit up places in my heart that I didn’t even realize needed it.
“Thanks, Ms. Winter. I think we did too.” She petted her dress lovingly.
I blinked back tears.
“I need to take care of something.” Like apologizing to Beckett for my earlier behavior. I shifted away from the small group. Beckett was still across the room, his muscles locked in place as he glared our way. And judging from his stiff stance, he was either contemplating coming over here and having a few choice words with Zoey’s grandparents or leaving altogether.
“Before you go, I need to ask if Glen and I can meet with you soon. It won’t take long.” Marjorie laid a hand on my arm.
“I’ll have to get back to you about that.” I decided honesty was the best response. “I’ll need to check in with Mr. Hunter first before I disclose any information to both of you.”
Glen narrowed his gaze. “We have had a place at these meetings since Zoey started school.”
Marjorie elbowed him in his side. “Not here.”
Not wanting Zoey to hear whatever else came out of Glen’s mouth, I snagged her hand. “Hey, it looks like Ruby headed into the kitchen. That’s our cue to help her.”
Marjorie’s mouth dropped open as I dragged her granddaughter away. It didn’t matter to me if she was upset about my decision. I had acted on impulse and a deep-seated desire to protect Zoey.
“Oh, um—”
She hadn’t finished her sentence before I had tugged Zoey forward, and we rushed toward the kitchen. Zoey gave a quick wave to her grandparents.
“Why are we running?” she asked and laughed like we were playing a game.
I was happy I’d hidden my agitation well from her. “I don’t want Ruby to do it all by herself. Do you?”
“No way.” She moved ahead of me, eager to help in the kitchen.
I skirted past Beckett and gave him the universal sign for one minute before I ushered his daughter into the back.
I pushed the door open and called out to Ruby. “Your reinforcements have arrived. What can we do to help?”
“Great timing, you two.” Ruby gestured toward a few trays. “Can you take those out for me?”
I shook my head.
Her eyebrows drew together as she silently regarded. “Or not…”
I nodded and mouthed,“I’ll explain later.”
She motioned to the darling girl by my side. “You know what? I need to frost some cookies. Do you think you could help?”
“Absolutely!” Zoey happily skipped over to the back counter where Ruby had laid bags of frosting.
Ruby grabbed a step stool for Zoey and waited for her to climb up. “We’ll be a few minutes. You don’t need to stick around.”
“I think I’ll head back out and see how the party’s going.” I wanted to make sure Zoey didn’t walk out into anything awkward.
I pushed the door open and swiveled my head back and forth to search the room. Within seconds, I noticed that Marjorie and Glen had approached Beckett. It made me glad I’d pulled his daughter away before the situation had gotten even more tense. I moved closer to them, grateful Grayson was still at Beckett’s side.