Page 114 of Make-Believe Match

“Friends?” She repeated the word like she didn’t comprehend it. “That doesn’t make any sense. He’s in love with you.”

My throat tightened, and I fought hard against the sob threatening to choke me. “I don’t think so. It was just infatuation.”

“But the things he said, and the way he looks at you, and everything he’s doing for Snowberry . . .” Gran looked completely bewildered. “Of course he loves you.”

“I know this is hard for you to accept, but it’s the truth. We’ve decided to split up.”

Immediately, she brought her hand to her heart. “Oh,” she said, swaying a bit in her chair. “Oh, my. I’m feeling so strange. I’m short of breath. And my heart, it’s—it’s beating so fast.” She swooned and flung the back of her wrist across her forehead, her eyes closing. “Bury me in my pink suit, darling. The one with the pearl buttons.”

I shook my head. “It’s not going to work this time, Gran. I can’t give you what you want.”

She opened one eye and peered at me from beneath her forearm. “Why not?”

“Because Devlin and I are too different. He doesn’t want a family.”

Dropping her arm, she sat up straight again. “Hmm. He said that?”

“Yes.”

She considered the fact, and then dismissed it with a toss of her hand. “Sometimes men don’t really know what they want when it comes to that sort of thing. But they can be convinced.”

“No, Gran. I’m notconvincingDevlin to stay with me. I deserve someone who doesn’t need convincing, don’t you agree?”

Gran opened her mouth, then closed it again. Sighed. “Of course I do.” Reaching across the table, she patted my arm. “Of course I do.”

“Thank you.”

Picking up her teacup, she took a sip and looked weary and put-upon. “It’s so hard being old. Your eyesight is worse, but sometimes you feel like the only person who sees clearly.”

“I’m sorry. I know I’m letting you down.”

“Don’t be silly, darling.” Gran tapped my arm again. “You’ve never let me down in your life. And I’m not convinced this separation business is real.”

If I’d had it in me to laugh, I would have. Devlin was right—people believed what they wanted to believe.

“Now how about we get some pies in the oven?” Gran asked. “Tabitha canceled on me.” She lowered her voice. “But truth be told, I’d rather bake with you. Tabitha isn’t much help in the kitchen.” Gran sighed. “But I try to be patient with her. I try to show her love so she can show it to other people, you know?”

“I know exactly.” I smiled, realizing where I’d gotten that gift. “I’d love to bake with you today, Gran.”

* * *

“This Thanksgiving is lame,” Tabitha said over the meal I’d prepared in Gran’s kitchen and laid out on her dining room table.

“Zip it, Tabitha,” I told her, pouring myself more wine.

“Now, girls. We’ve been through enough.” Gran took a bite of turkey. “And dinner is wonderful, Lexi. You’re such a good cook.”

“Thanks.” It wasn’t much—a small turkey, a simple stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, plain old green beans. I hadn’t had time to make anything fancy.

“So where’s Devlin eating?” Tabitha picked up her wineglass. “Did he move out already?”

“I’m not sure,” I said listlessly. He hadn’t replied to my text. “Maybe.”

“Oh, I hope not,” Gran fretted. “The more I think about it, the more I’m sure this is just belated cold feet. Nothing to worry about. He’ll come back.”

“He won’t, Gran.” I spoke firmly. “I told you. We decided the marriage was a mistake. We’re getting a divorce.”

“But darling, why so soon? You haven’t tried to work things out.”