Geoff. She was worried about whether or not he’d live up to June’s standards. Based on a few bits and pieces of stories she had heard over the years, June had been extremely reluctant to welcome her father into the family. Although their relationship had eventually improved, Chloe knew that disapproval had hurt her dad. Besides, Chloe knew firsthand how much it hurt to have June disapprove of someone who she loved.
Over the years, June had been more than clear about not wanting Chloe to end up with Ben. Obviously, that was never even going to happen, but still it hurt her that her grandmother refused to recognize all the good qualities in him. It was almost as though Chloe’s devotion to Ben automatically put him on June’s watch-list. She didn’t want to see the same type of thing happen with Geoff.
“I’m serious, Grandma.” Chloe set the dressing dispenser on the counter and pulled her hair off her neck. The kitchen was hot and the stress of the evening was already weighing on her. “I really need you to be nice to him. Even if you don’t like him.”
“My precious girl, you have nothing to worry about,” June said. “I’ll adore him. According to Rue, he likes you very much.”
“I knew it.” Chloe couldn’t help but smile. “I knew the mahjong group simply could not go on without gossiping about our relationship.”
The fine lines around June’s mouth twitched. “It’s what we do best.”
“Good,” Chloe said, suddenly hopeful. If the mahjong group approved, maybe June would, too. “Just don’t say anything weird when you meet him. You can talk to him about Rue and that connection, but don’t put him on the spot about the future or anything like that. And do not, do not mention that one night in the garden.”
Wiping her hands on her red gingham apron, June said, “If this young man truly wants to be a member of the family, he is going to have to accept the slings and arrows of true conversation. I am not going to censor myself. I will say whatever pops into my mind, as always.”
“Fine.” Chloe shrugged. “I’ll tell Charley you used to spy on him.”
June turned pink with pleasure. “Go ahead. Charley and I have no secrets.”
Chloe laughed. “Mom’s going to freak out, you know.” She tried to picture her mother’s response to the fact that June was dating. “Have you told her anything yet?”
June let out a sound that might have been a giggle. “We thought about putting on some skit to fool her. Charley would stop by and demand I cut back my maples. Then I would get really angry, pull out a gun and shoot him. With fake bullets and a ketchup packet, of course.” June’s voice got low and dramatic. “He’d fall to the floor gasping for breath. I would cry, Oh, what have I done? and start to weep. After kissing him on the lips, pledging to love him if only he would come back to me, he would open his eyes.” June licked her lips in satisfaction, as though imagining the scene play out. Finally, she grinned. “What do you think?”
“I think Mom would think you actually shot him.” Chloe’s voice was dry. “And then she’d citizen’s arrest your ass.”
The doorbell chimed and June stood up straight. “Well.” She took off her apron, folded it carefully and placed it in the pantry. “This must be your young man.” With the tips of her fingers, she smoothed her wavy blonde hair.
“Grandma.” Chloe had one final moment of panic. Rushing over, she grabbed June’s arm. “Seriously. Be nice to him. Okay?”
“Of course.” June was already making a beeline for the front door. “Nice is my middle name.”
* * *
June gave a secretive little smile. Of course she was going to be nice to Rue Gable’s grandson, especially if he was in love with Chloe. There were only two things she wanted in this world: for her daughter and granddaughter to be happy. If Geoff Gable could do that, then June would roll out the red carpet.
Throwing open the door, she stopped in surprise. Geoff had the same sharp nose, high forehead and handsome coloring as Rue. “My goodness,” she said. “You and Rue could be twins.”
Geoff rubbed his five o’clock shadow. “Don’t tell Rue that. She’ll book an appointment to get her face waxed tomorrow.”
June burst out laughing. “Young man, I think I just fell in love with you.”
Linking her arm with his, June led him