“That and a large bill,” Ethan said with a grin.
“Worth it when I find you nothing but the best,” his dad returned.
“My husband has a construction business,” Gwen said quietly.
All heads turned her way. Will felt Lexi’s intake of breath, sensed her holding it in.
Gwen straightened and Will could all but see the courage glowing around her frame. “Had. He passed away.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Gregory said.
Gwen met Gregory’s gaze. “It was a long time ago now. This place is lovely. I can imagine it filled with people having a wonderful time.”
Lexi put a hand on her mom’s shoulder. “The original Side Tap isn’t far from our place, Mom. Maybe we could go sometime. I think you’d really like it. Maisie’s coming to the Halloween celebration.” She turned to Ethan. “She’ll be our official photographer for the event.”
“Can’t tell you what it means to me, Lexi,” Gregory said, “to have you step in the way you have. Helping out even in areas that you’re not in charge of has taken a lot of weight off both my boys’ shoulders. Doesn’t matter how old your kids get, you’re still their parent. Still worry about them.”
“That’s absolutely true,” Gwen said with a side glance to Lexi.
Will squeezed Lexi’s hand again, happy for something that might seem small to others but he knew was significant. Just her being here was big but to talk about her husband with strength, to participate actively in Lexi’s life—it mattered. Baby steps.
“As you can see, Lexi, the furniture you ordered is going to fit perfectly. I loved your idea of long benches for some of the farm-style tables instead of chairs,” Ethan said.
“I’m glad you like it. It’ll work perfectly with the relaxed vibe you guys have going.”
Will liked watching her transition into a woman with more confidence, like she pulled on anI can do thiscloak.
“This is actually going to happen. We’ve been waiting for the final permits but all the paperwork is done now.” Ethan looked at his dad. “She’s even set up interviews.”
A warm smile graced Mr. Reynolds’s face. “I know, son. We’re all grateful.” He looked at Lexi. “My daughter-in-law says you’re an angel.”
Lexi laughed. “That’s sweet of her. She’s so lovely. And your grandkids are adorable.”
Ethan smiled, crossing his arms over his chest. “Having you step in is a big help but you’re not running yourself thin, are you? You’re still at the Dress Hut full-time, right?”
“Practically. She works so hard,” Gwen said, staring at Lexi with pride.
“I’m helping Bitsy replace me. She’s changing her hours so that’s helping me transition away from there. I think she’s looking forward to spending more hours there herself. I just hope she’ll keep it open. Business isn’t what it used to be for her. And I’m no longer waitressing. Just taking one course at school. My schedule is actually less hectic than it was.”
Will wondered if she’d even realized that she’d accepted the compliments from both men. He wanted her to value herself and how hard she worked.
She looked at her mom, her expression softening. “But I do have a paper to finish, so we should get going.”
Will didn’t want to say goodbye. “How’s the cake topper going?”
Both Gwen’s and Lexi’s expressions went radiant, filling him with warmth and something more than just affection.
“She finished it. It’s so beautiful it made me cry. Maisie and I haveboth told her she should open an Etsy shop to sell custom miniatures,” Lexi said.
Gwen’s cheeks turned pink. “I sold one to your fiancé.”
Will laughed. “I have no doubt you’ll be able to sell more.” The Danby women were fierce even if they didn’t recognize it in themselves.
“Miniatures? Like that reality show?”
Before any of them could say anything else, Gwen and Gregory began discussing her miniatures. Ethan, Lexi, and Will moved toward the back of the room where a stone fireplace took up a large chunk of the wall.
Ethan looked at Lexi, and Will hoped like hell his friend wouldn’t say something stupid.
