Harlequin Love Inspired February 2018--Box Set 1 of 2 by Emma Miller

Author:Emma Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488090974
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

A few minutes after three on Saturday afternoon, Diana phoned Tripp to say she was wrapping things up at the doughnut shop and about to head over to the assisted-living center. He sounded relieved to hear from her…but in a way that suggested he had a million other things on his mind. Now, as he trudged up the front walk, the distant look in his eyes confirmed her suspicions. Something definitely troubled him, and she prayed it wasn’t more upsetting news about his mother.

Tripp offered a tired smile as he drew closer. “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.”

“Just got here myself.” Diana tilted her head. “If you’d rather not—”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve been looking forward to this.” Tripp stepped around her to get the door. “Looks like a nice facility. Has your aunt adjusted well?”

The edge to his voice told her he was forcing small talk. Maybe later he’d tell her what had him so preoccupied. In the meantime, she hoped this visit with Aunt Jennie would cheer him up. “She seems happy enough, except for missing her little corgi.” Diana led the way through the lobby. “Remember not to say anything about our project, though.”

“Haven’t forgotten.”

They reached the door to apartment 18C. Diana tapped lightly, then peeked in. “It’s me, Aunt Jennie. I brought your favorite cream-filled chocolate doughnuts. And I brought a friend.”

“Come in, come in!” Face aglow, her great-aunt sat forward in the blue recliner. “I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for you, honey. Introduce me to your—” Aunt Jennie’s brow furrowed, and then her face lit up in a smile. “Oh, my, Tripp Willoughby, as I live and breathe!”

“Hi, Mrs. Stewart. It’s great to see you again. Wasn’t sure you’d remember me.” Tripp strode forward to give Aunt Jennie a kiss on the cheek.

“Of course I remember you!” Clutching Tripp’s hand, Aunt Jennie clucked her tongue. “And what’s this ‘Mrs. Stewart’ business? I’ve always considered you family.” Her pointed glance at Diana said she’d like her great-niece to make it a reality.

Behind Tripp’s back, Diana cast Aunt Jennie a raised-brow stare: Don’t you dare make a big deal out of this!

Her great-aunt returned a smirk that only Diana would recognize as her get-over-yourself look. “Tripp, you and Diana sit here on this end of the sofa so I can hear you better.”

“Yes, ma’am, thanks.” Tripp motioned for Diana to seat herself nearest Aunt Jennie, then eased onto the cushion next to her.

“Closer, closer,” Aunt Jennie urged, waving at Tripp to scoot toward Diana. “I don’t want to miss a word of our visit.”

When barely an inch separated them, Aunt Jennie sat back with a satisfied smile. Diana, on the other hand, could barely breathe. The doughnuts apparently forgotten, the sprightly little woman plied Tripp with questions about what brought him to Juniper Bluff, how he liked being a veterinarian and if he thought he might settle here permanently—hint, hint. Diana should have known Aunt Jennie would be all too anxious to play matchmaker.

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