Page 57 of That Fake Feeling

“Oh, that’s a good one of you two,”Maxsays, having apparently grabbed another photo. “Mom’sgazing at you in the background like she can’t believe how adorably in love you are.”

“Well, theyareadorable together,”Maggiesays.

“It’spretend,” the guys all say almost at the same time, smiling and shaking their heads.

“Hmm,”Maggiemurmurs as she picks up a candlelighter and sparks up the row of candles sitting along the center of the table. “Andthank you,Polly, for bringing these.Therewere too many for the table, soI’veput the others in the fireplace.Youhave so many creative artisans up inWarmSprings.”

Jimreturns with another platter. “Onemore.”

“Allright,”Maggiesays. “IknowIdon’t need to say this to the men who ate me out of house and home when they were teenagers.”Sheaims the candlelighter at each of the guys in turn. “Butwe do have a couple of well-mannered young ladies here.SoIwill tell them, please help yourselves.”

Jimholds up the wine bottles again. “Refill, anyone?”

* * *

“Oof.”Jimleans back in his chair and holds onto his belly asPollytakes his plate, the last dish on the table.

Maxsits down after a few minutes wandering around taking pictures.

“You’rethe final one to give in,Dad,” he says. “I’mabout ready to unzip my pants.”

“Well, if you’re going to do that we might as well turn in,”Pollysays. “Sorryto be antisocial,Maggie.Thishas been amazing, but we have to hit the road back toWarmSpringsat five soIcan open the shop on time.”

MaxandPollyhugMaggieandJimgood night.

“I’llsend you the pictures in the morning,Con,”Maxsays as they head back inside. “YouandRosecan pick the ones that make her look most like part of the family and pass them on toSterling.”

“Shelooked like part of the family the moment she stepped out ofConnor’scar,”Maggiesays, patting me on the arm.

“It’spretend,Mom,”Connorreminds her again with an affectionate eye roll.

“I’mgoing up too,”Walkersays, standing up. “Ineed to callEmabout those bottles.”Hewalks around to our side of the table and kissesMaggieon the cheek. “Seeyou in the morning, folks.”

Maggiescratches her face. “I’llnever like that beard,Walker.Never.Sotickly.Whatwoman would ever want that rubbed all over her?”

ConnorandElliotscrew up their eyes and recoil withewsounds asWalkerwails an outraged “AuntMags!” as he walks away.

“Andtalking of work,”Elliotsays as he stands up. “I’vejust had a thought of howImight be able to fix some code we’ve been stuck on, andIwant to give it a quick try.”

“Justus four for a nightcap, then,”Jimsays, looking atConnor,Maggieand me. “I’llget the best scotch out in your honor,Rose.”

Connorstrokes the back of my shoulder. “Andmy dad bestows no higher honor than that.”

Ilook up atJim’swarm, smiling face. “Iknow nothing about scotch, but sounds good to me.”

Maggieblows out the candles. “I’lldo this last little bit of clearing up and see you in the snug.”

“Thesnug?”Iask.

“That’sthe cozy end of the kitchen,”Connorexplains.

* * *

Maggielights the last candle in the fireplace and settles into the sofa opposite the huge comfy armchairI’vesunk into.

Theflickering candles dotted around the hearth and the soft light from the lamps on the side tables really do make this part of the enormous kitchen feel snug.

Maggiekicks off her shoes and curls her legs up under her. “Lord, he looks better thanI’veseen him in years,” she whispers.