Townsend more.”
We unloaded the bags and started some laundry before going to see Gram. She offered to cook dinner for us that night, telling us that everyone else said yes. None of us wanted to cook after the trip and that amazing grill. “Sounds perfect, Gram. What time?” I asked as she told us to be there at five.
We went home to settle in, assuming some people were taking naps. Hayden called to check on the theater, proving my theory that he loved work. I also checked emails and assured clients that I was back to work in the morning.
We showered before dinner, arriving to find everyone gathered around the living room. Gram made her white chicken chili, fresh rolls, and salad, which we ate seated all over the room. We told her all about the beaches and Port Townsend, telling her that she had to go the next time. She said it was beautiful when she saw the pictures, smiling as she saw how happy Ava was. “Look at her. She loves it.”
“She slept so well there,” Becca bragged as Mari laughed. “You have to come with us.”
“I’d like that. You are such a close family and take care of each other.” Ava took a bite of a roll, screaming as we all jumped.
“She does that now,” Mari said, leaning over to tell Ava to use her inside voice. We finished dinner, hugging before going to our homes for the night.
I missed Hayden the second he left for work the following morning. I missed the sound of Ava in the morning and just talking to my cousin on the deck as we overlooked the ocean. I killed time drinking lots of coffee and catching up on work, settling into the old routine. This last weekend made me want to plan the wedding even more.
Hayden walked in that evening, greeting me with a warm kiss. “I missed you today. I loved spending every day with you.”
“I missed you. It was too quiet here,” I replied, pulling him into my arms. “Want to eat here or go out to dinner?”
“Let’s do something easy here. I just want to be with you,” he said as I grinned.
“Leftover chili?” Hayden nodded, heading back to change into something comfortable.
We were home.
We had sex like we were in a house without family, but living near them. We let go and even made a little noise. We got rough.
After dinner, when we were relaxing, we looked up various resorts in Hawaii. We wanted something that would work for the family and a ceremony, all in one. Everything was gorgeous, of course. It was Hawaii and the surrounding islands, but we decided that Kauai was where our wedding would be. We just needed to choose where, but real life called for normal sleep.
Hayden had a couple touring the theater the following Sunday to see if it was a good fit for them. He dressed in black slacks and a white button-up shirt. Hayden fixed his hair in the mirror as I watched with a smile. “You’re nervous.”
“I know they’re not there for me, but I feel like I need to present myself as well.” Hayden looked at me with wide eyes.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s obvious that you love that job and the theater. That’s going to show.”
“I hope so,” He told me with one final look in the mirror. “I’ll see you later for dinner.” He kissed me longingly, and I wrapped my arms around him.
“Okay. Good luck.” He walked out of the building, and I returned to work. I’d been trying to save some money for Jackson’s idea since he was serious about it. He hadn’t yet started looking for anything, but I wanted to be prepared.
I headed down to dinner at five after a shower. Hayden should be here soon, and I tapped on the door before being called inside. Everyone was already there, and Ava ran over to me for a hug. “Where’s Hayden? Did he have an event?” Becca asked as she realized that I was alone.
“He had an interested party that was getting a tour.” I smiled, walking over to kiss Gram on the cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m good, Gray. It’s nice to see you.” Her blue eyes were bright, and I hoped that Gram would remain this healthy for years to come. “I made a turkey for dinner. I’ve made chickens in the past, but you boys eat a lot. I thought a turkey might be a better idea.”
“It’s a