“What’s going on?”

  “Ask them,” Erin said, turning around and hooking her thumb over her shoulder. “They’re the ones ganging up on me. I’m going to your room to lie down for a bit. I’ve got a headache.”

  Mom gave Erin a worried look. “Okay, honey. You do that.”

  After Erin left, Mom gave them both a harsh stare. “Does someone want to tell me what happened?”

  “Yeah,” Brenna said. “Erin’s being overly dramatic and picking fights with Honor.”

  “I just asked to have a conversation with her,” Honor said.

  “And she obviously doesn’t want to talk to you right now, Honor,” Mom said, “so you need to give her some space. I don’t know why you keep pushing her.”

  “If we could just talk things out—‘”

  Her mother raised a hand. “You caused this. Now you need to let it settle. I’m going to go see if Erin needs anything. Go back to work, both of you.”

  Mom went upstairs and Brenna turned to Honor.

  “Well, it’s easy to tell whose side Mom is taking on this,” Brenna said.

  Unfortunately, yes. Not having her mother’s support or understanding was crushing, weighing her down like a mountain of guilt.

  She wished she could talk to Owen about it, but he was part of that guilt mountain. She hadn’t spoken to him since the barbecue. He’d texted and called, but she’d told him things weren’t great at the house and she just needed some space.

  What she really needed right now was Owen. Her period still hadn’t arrived and that only added to her anxiety.

  What if she really was pregnant? She wasn’t experiencing any pregnancy symptoms or anything. Physically, other than being constantly stressed out, she felt fine. But that didn’t really mean anything, did it?

  She’d even taken a pregnancy test and it had been negative. And in her heart of hearts, she knew she wasn’t pregnant. It had to be stress. Right?

  What if, on top of the family knowing she’d been seeing Owen, she did end up pregnant and then had to tell them they were married? She couldn’t begin to imagine how that would go. Erin might actually implode when she found out.

  Honor was so frustrated, and she needed an outlet.

  She turned to Brenna. “Would you like to go have a drink after work tonight?”

  “Hell yeah. Actually, Finn and I were planning to try this new seafood place in the city. We could go have drinks, then he could meet us there later for dinner.”

  “Sounds like an ideal plan. We’ll invite Mae, too.”

  “Perfect. Send me a text and let me know what time.”

  “Will do.”

  She headed back to her office, feeling marginally better knowing she’d at least get out of the house tonight. Clearing her head and hanging out with Brenna and Mae could be exactly what she needed.

  CHAPTER

  twenty-four

  MIDWEEK NIGHTS AT the Screaming Hawk tended to be slower than weekend nights, giving Owen time to catch up on brewing and marketing plans. His bartender and servers had things well in hand, which meant he could hide out in his office, doing some planning for the summer months.

  He hoped to branch out with some fun summer beers. He’d already tried a few new samples, with good success. The watermelon wheat had been a big hit and the lemonale was going strong. Anything that would bring in the crowds on a hot summer weekend was good for business.

  His phone buzzed. He frowned, seeing Brenna’s name come up on the screen. He swiped to answer.

  “Hey, Brenna.”

  “Your girlfriend is mega upset and is annoyingly talking about you nonstop. I think she misses you and things have been shitty at work. She’s on emotional overload and drowning herself in chips, dip and sadness. It’s annoying. Can you help?”

  His heart did a leap. He’d tried his best to give Honor the space she needed, so hearing that she missed him made his heart squeeze just a bit. Okay, more than a bit. “Where are you?”

  “At that new seafood place a few miles from your brewery. You know which one I’m talking about?”

  “I do.”

  “Are you working tonight?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Can you break loose and come rescue me? Finn’s due here shortly and I don’t want to have to drive Honor home and ruin our date night. Mae was supposed to come with us, but she ended up making other plans so I’m Honor’s driver now. Plus, I think if Honor doesn’t see you soon, she’s going to start crying, and nobody wants that.”

  He grinned. “I can get away. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Saving my life here, Owen. I owe you one.”

  He hung up, realizing how excited he was to see Honor. Even an upset Honor. He went to tell Aaron that he was going to be leaving for the night. Aaron had it covered, so he got in his truck and drove to the restaurant, parked and went inside.

  He’d heard about this place and had been hoping to bring Honor here for dinner. It had a nice ambience, was well lit and the food was supposed to be great. He saw Brenna sitting at a table. Honor had her back turned to him, but he’d recognize her beautiful hair anywhere. He made his way over.

  “And I was nice about it. I haven’t even seen Owen. It’s been a whole week, Brenna.”

  “So you’ve told me,” Brenna said, lifting her glass of wine for a long swallow. She spotted Owen and offered up a grateful smile. “Oh, look who’s here.”

  “Hey,” Owen said as he made his way to the table.

  He caught Honor just as she stood, her bottom lip wobbling. “You’re here. Oh, you’re here. I’ve missed you.”

  She flung her arms around him and he wrapped his around her.

  He nuzzled her neck. “I missed you, too.”

  She pulled back. “I have so much to tell you. Do you want a drink? We should get a table. Is Finn here yet? Did he come with you? I’ve been having a great talk with Brenna and she’s had lots of wine. I had one glass.”

  Brenna rolled her eyes. “And apparently you didn’t eat enough today, because that one glass has gone to your head. What you need is some food.”

  “How about we go to my place? I’ll fix us something to eat. We’ll talk.”

  “Ohhhkay, let’s do that. Oh, wait. I don’t want to leave Brenna.”

  Brenna smiled. “I’m fine. Finn already texted that he’s on his way.”

  “You sure?”

  “Absolutely positive. I’ll just wait here for him. Alone. In the blissful quiet.”

  “I need to pee.” She looked at Owen. “Wait for me?”

  “Absolutely.”

  She left to go to the bathroom.

  “She’s not even drunk, she barely finished her tiny glass of wine,” Brenna said. “But she’s an emotional wreck. I think she’s been trying to hold all of it inside for too long, and the dam finally broke.”

  “I’m sorry. That’s on me.”

  Brenna frowned. “What’s on you? This whole thing? Bullshit. This whole mess is on Erin, who won’t talk to Honor, and then Honor gets upset and in her head and . . .” Brenna waved her hand back and forth.

  He couldn’t imagine what Honor had been through. He wished she had texted or called him so he could have at least been a sounding board for her the past week.

  “Okay, I’m ready,” Honor said, leaning against Owen.

  “Don’t forget to eat something,” Brenna said.

  Honor smiled. “I love you, Bren.”

  “Love you, too, Honor. Thank you, Owen.” She lifted her glass toward him.

  “No problem. See you later.”

  He looked down at Honor. “You ready?”

  She laid her head on his shoulder. “So ready. We have so much to talk about.”

  He walked her out to his truck, his arm around her. God, he’d missed her scent, the feel of her body against his.

  “You hungry?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’ll help you make us some food when we get to your place.”

  He resisted laughing. “Sure you will.”

  By the time he pulled up in front of the house she was out cold, her mouth open, tiny snores coming out. How could she look so adorable like that?

  Man, you’ve got it bad for this woman.

  He shook his head, got out and went over to the passenger side and gently nudged her.

  “Honor, we’re here.”

  She resisted, so he tried again.

  “Hey, babe, wake up.”

  “Uh-uh. Tired.”

  He scooped her up and carried her inside the garage, bending a little to reach the door knob. He was glad he hadn’t brought Bettie to the brewery with him tonight so he wouldn’t have to go back to pick her up. She met him at the door, tail wagging excitedly as she saw Honor in his arms.

  The dog followed him into the bedroom. He didn’t bother to turn on the light, just laid Honor on the bed, pulled the covers down, got her shoes off and drew the sheet over her. She rolled over and that was it.

  He figured any conversation they might have was going to have to wait. Maybe she’d take a nap and wake up in a couple hours, so he let Bettie outside, made himself a sandwich and went to the backyard. He sat on the porch and watched the dog sniff the ground while he ate.

  After he finished, he cleaned his plate, then went back into the bedroom to check on Honor. Somehow, she’d gotten out of her dress and removed her bra. She was curled over on her side, the covers pulled up to her chin.

  He figured that was it for her for tonight. Bettie went to her dog bed and curled up as well.

  Okay, fine. He might as well go back to work.

  He left a note for Honor next to her purse just in case she woke up, but he had a feeling that wasn’t going to happen.

  She must be physically and emotionally exhausted. He really wanted to talk to her, to ferret out what was happening. But he figured she needed sleep more than anything right now.

  He got into his truck and headed back to the brewery.

  At least he got to see her. And later tonight, he’d get to sleep next to her.

  That, at least, was something.

  CHAPTER

  twenty-five

  HONOR’S HAND WAS wet. She opened her eyes and found Bettie’s cute face looking at her.

  “Oh, hi, Bettie. Was that you licking my hand?” She scratched behind Bettie’s ears and was rewarded with more hand kisses.

  She rolled over and sat up, once again in unfamiliar surroundings. Not that Owen’s place was unfamiliar, but how did she end up here?

  Think, Honor, think. Then it all came rushing back to her in mortifying detail. She’d had a glass of wine with Brenna, and no food, which was never a good combo. And all she’d done was talk about Owen. She could imagine her sister had tired of that and had called Owen to rescue her. Of course he had, which was now why she was mostly naked in his bed. And she didn’t remember any fun sex last night, either.

  At least she wouldn’t find herself unexpectedly married—again. She dragged her fingers through her wildly out-of-control hair, utterly embarrassed to have been put in this position yet again.

  Her purse was on the dresser—thank you, Owen. She slid out of bed and went into the bathroom to freshen up as best she could. She got dressed, finger-brushed her teeth and dug into her purse for her hairbrush.

  She needed to get a grip. She was stressed and out of control, and this couldn’t happen again.

  She walked out of the bathroom, the smell of coffee—and was that bacon?—perking her up considerably. Bettie had already taken off, so Honor walked down the hall toward the incredible scents.

  Owen was in the kitchen wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, standing in front of the stove. He looked up at her and smiled. “You’re alive.”

  “Barely.” She walked over to the coffeepot and fixed herself a cup, the smell of it intoxicating to her senses. After her first couple of sips, she decided she might live after all.

  He lifted the bacon out of the pan and placed it on a plate. “Eggs?”

  “Definitely.”

  She took a few more swallows of coffee, then felt competent enough to get plates and utensils out, as well as pour some juice into glasses. By then the eggs were done, so she was ready to eat.

  Owen pulled some cantaloupe from the fridge and a tray of biscuits out of the oven.

  “What time did you get up, anyway?”

  He shrugged as he started scooping food onto their plates. “I don’t know. Five thirty or so? I had to feed the animals.”

  He was an amazing man. Who knew what time he’d gotten to bed last night. She took her plate and followed him to the table. “You’re a caring soul, Owen. And thanks for coming to my rescue last night.”

  He lifted the fork to his lips, then smiled at her. “You’re my wife. I’ll always be there for you.”

  She laughed. “Right. Anyway, I was kind of a mess. Sorry you had to deal with that.”

  “Actually, you fell asleep in the truck and I put you to bed. You were hardly a mess. Though before you conked out you did say we had a lot to talk about.”

  “Did I? I suppose I did.” She ate and pondered, wondering how much she should tell him. The bacon was good and definitely helped to clear her muddled mind. “Things are kind of tense at the house.”

  “I figured since I haven’t heard from you. Tell me about it.”

  “Erin and I are fighting. Well, not exactly fighting. She won’t talk to me. Mom has taken her side, Dad is neutral, Brenna is on my side and, as you can imagine, it’s like a cold war whenever we’re all together.”

  He winced. “I’m sorry you’re having to deal with that. I don’t know why she won’t sit down with you and tell you what’s bugging her about all of this. It sure as hell isn’t because she has mad love for me.”

  “No, I’m sure it isn’t that, but she won’t talk to me about it. I’ve asked her countless times and she keeps shutting me out.”

  He took a swallow of juice, then set the glass down. “Then stop trying.”

  “What?”

  “You’ve done your part, Honor. You’ve tried to make peace and she’s not opening the door. So stop letting her kick you around. Go back to living your life. She’ll come around eventually.”

  Somehow Honor didn’t think it would be that simple.

  “I don’t know.” She put some jelly on her biscuit and took a bite. “These are tasty.”

  “Thanks. We should go out. In public.”

  She lifted her head and looked at him. “What?”

  “Everyone knows we’re dating. So . . . let’s date. Go to a restaurant and have a meal. Or go to a concert, or a movie. I’m tired of hiding like we’re criminals, Honor. I want to go out with you.”

  She hadn’t thought about how awful she’d been to Owen, making him hide out, sneaking around with him because they’d been holding this secret.

  Now the secret was out—and half her family was pissed about it. And what had she done? She’d distanced herself from Owen and made herself miserable. Had it made any difference in her relationship with Erin or with her mother? Not at all.

  “Yes, we should go out. We should do . . . couply things.”

  He laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Couply things?”

  “Yeah. You know. Go have coffee together and play mini golf and go to the lake and do all those things you said, too.”

  “Okay, then. We’ll date.”

  She held up her hand. “I still would prefer we not mention the married thing.”

  He shrugged and munched on a slice of bacon. “And why would we? That’s our secret.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So what are you doing Sunday?”

  She thought about it for a few seconds, mentally going through her calendar. “I’m free, actually.”

  “Great. We’ll go out and do something.”

  “Sounds fun. In the meantime, I need to go. I have a meeting with a client at ten.”

  “It’s only eight, Honor.”

  “I know. But I need a shower.”

  “I’ll drive you home.”

  “Thanks.”

  She helped him clean up, though he insisted he’d take care of washing pans and such after he got back home. She felt kind of guilty about that and reminded herself to learn to cook so that someday soon she could make him a meal.

  He pulled to the end of the Bellini property and stopped. “Want me to drop you here so no one sees us together? I mean, I know it’s a half-mile walk, but you can take it in those heels, right?”

  “Oh, you’re funny. I think I can handle the walk of shame to my front door. Besides, Brenna has likely told everyone by now that you picked me up last night.”

  He shook his head. “I do not understand female dynamics.”

  “Don’t even try.”

  He pulled up in front of the house.

  “Thanks again for the rescue,” she said, leaning over to brush her lips across his. “I’m sorry I couldn’t linger for . . . after-breakfast dessert.”

  “Dessert, huh? You’re going to have to bring that dessert with you when I see you on Sunday.”

  She swept her hand across his jaw, slanting him a wickedly hot smile. “Guaranteed.”

  She got out of the truck and waved as he pulled away, then sighed and walked inside, only to find her mother standing there, arms crossed, reminding her of that time she was seventeen and had showed up an hour after curfew.

  “Morning,” she said, bypassing her mom and heading for the stairs.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Mom asked.

  “Upstairs to take a shower.”

  “No, you’re not. We need to talk.”

  Honor paused on the stairs. “About?”

  “What were you doing with Owen last night?”

  It was like she was a teenager again. “Mom, we’re dating. I think that’s been made clear.”