Page 16 of Good Girls Don't Kiss and Tell (Rock Canyon, Idaho 7)

He took the plate from her and opened the dishwasher, slipping the plate into one of the slots.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine,” Gracie said.

He took the scrub brush from her hand and bumped her out of the way with his hip. “Yeah, I can tell the thought of your parents visiting you doesn’t affect you at all. Why don’t you pour a glass of wine and relax? I can take care of the dishes.”

“It’s not even your mess!”

“Seriously, it’s Thanksgiving. Be thankful I’m a nice guy.”

She grumbled to herself and went down the hallway to her bedroom. Eric almost asked her if she usually kept her alcohol in her bedroom, but was afraid of waking the kid.

When he’d finished sliding the last dish in the washer, he looked up in time to see Gracie carrying the sleeping toddler to her room.

He followed behind and stood in the doorway, unable to look away as she bent over the portable crib and laid the little girl down. He caught a glimpse of her face as she gently pulled a blanket up over her and he held his breath.

Softness. The bedside lamp showed the small smile and eased features as Gracie cared for someone else’s kid. He could just imagine the love she would rain down on a child of her own.

Gracie stood back up and turned, jumping when she saw him in the doorway.

“Why are you always lurking about?”

“Again, wasn’t lurking, just watching. An

d I was just thinking that when you finally settle on a guy, you’ll make a good mom.”

For some reason, her face tightened, and he had a feeling he was in for an earful as soon as she could raise her voice.

She pushed him down the hallway until he finally grunted, “Ow! What?”

“Who says I need a man? Women have children on their own all the time.”

Why in the hell was she going nuts over a compliment? “Geez, Gracie Lou, I was just saying you’d make a good mom! I didn’t mean any offense.”

“Well, I don’t need anyone else telling me how I can’t have a full, rich life without a husband to take care of me. I have been taking care of myself just fine!”

Eric threw up his hands, his temper good and riled now. “I never said any different, but since you’re determined to take everything I say the wrong way, I better be on my way.”

“I guess you should!” she said in a loud whisper.

“Fine!”

“Good!”

“And I’ll call your mother to thank her.”

He stopped in the doorway with a scowl. “Seems like a good idea. I’d hate to thank her for you and piss you off by helping you out!”

She gasped as he closed the door on her and stomped across the crunchy snow to his car. As he pressed the automatic start, he climbed in with a curse.

Why are all the women in this town tough as nails and bat-shit crazy?

Chapter Six

“If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that things happen for a reason and fate doesn’t make mistakes…if you believe in that kind of thing.” - Miss Know-It-All’s Gossip Column.

On the way to the hospital the next afternoon, Gracie turned onto Cherry Tree Lane when she saw the detour sign on Main Street. Whatever was going on was blocking traffic, and she couldn’t be late to meet Pip’s social worker.

Pip had fallen asleep almost as soon as she’d pulled out of the driveway. She’d woken Gracie up at about one in the morning, screaming. Since it was obvious she’d been having a nightmare, Gracie had let her snuggle in with her for the night. They’d had a full morning of blueberry muffins for breakfast with a bowl of fruit salad, and Gracie had opened several toys for her to play with. She still hadn’t started her online shopping yet, but she’d been having too much fun to care.