Page 12 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

“It’s not just cute,” I defended, “it’s also true.”

Evie pursed her lips at me prettily then looked back at Gizella. “And you’re expecting to have biscuits and wine with the magistrate while you ask questions about…”

“Well, we’re deciding about the wine,” I said.

Gizella stood straight up. “What do you mean?”

To Evie, I said, “Our guest has asked for a precious rare bottle. The major has offered to supply it in exchange for a favor.”

Evie gave Gizella a look that said, “What are you doing here troubling my mother?”

“What kind of wine?” Evie said.

“Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1947,” Gizella supplied, nodding.

Evie advanced on the wine cooler and withdrew the first bottle of chardonnay she came to. “You want white wine. We have white wine. You’ll have this and like it, right?”

Gizella’s goofy grin was gone. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Good,” Evie said, handing the bottle to Olivia. “Now sit down and don’t cause any trouble.”

Gizella sat down fast, shaking her head fast enough to concuss.

“Olivia, would you pour a glass for mom’s guest? We’ll be right back.”

Evie had certainly mastered the principle of large and in charge, although I would never say the word “large” to a pregnant woman. She pulled me toward my study and closed the door behind us.

“Who let that twit into the house?” she asked

“Lochlan.”

“Lochlan?”

“Well. Essentially. He received their request for an interview and thought it would be good for the community.”

“Good for the community,” she said dryly. “Want me to stay?”

My internal struggle was raging. On the one hand, I really wanted to respond like a proper huffy mom and say, “Of course not. I can handle my own interview.” On the other hand, I desperately wanted to say, “Yes. Please do make me face that forumite by myself.”

Pride won. “Thanks, darling, but I can manage.”

“You sure?”

Gads. Why did she have to take a second pass? I was weakening.

“Um… yeah. So, what’s the occasion for the visit?”

“Oh! Diarmuid’s parents want us to do a grandparent dinner. Well, Diarmuid and I will be there, too.” She saw my face and rushed on. “It will be fun. Maeve is a lot more…”

“What?”

“I started to say she’s a lot more human since Diarmuid’s dad is back, but that wouldn’t be fair to humans.” I shared the laugh. “Seriously, I’ll be there to referee.” She brightened. “And Keir will be there.”

“He will?”

“Yes. He’s standing for grandfather on the mom’s side.”

“He’ll be thrilled.”