Page 66 of Just One Spark

He wasn't mine to worry about.It didn't matter if he was a workaholic.In fact that was perfect for a man who was single and didn't have any other responsibilities.

I was stressed for no reason.I just had to get through today, pretending to be engaged.And when it was over, I'd have a quiet night with Row.That one night would have to tide me over when I was alone.

I had a feeling after tonight, it would be busy again until the brewery officially opened.Then I'd quietly disappear.Rowan would be even busier, and I could fade into the background.The breakup would be inevitable.Who could plan a wedding with someone who worked long hours and was never home?

I was getting ahead of myself again.I just had to get through one Christmas dinner with the Harts.I'd never been invited to something like this before, and I was worried that my heart wouldn't be able to resist the pull of their loving family.

I'd always wanted a big family when I was a kid.When I was alone in my room at night, I imagined brothers and sisters, crowded family dinners, and chaos.I had a feeling today I would get to experience that and more.

Or it would be overwhelming, and I'd walk away happy that I wasn't a part of the Hart family.

My phone buzzed.

Clara: Are you planning on coming inside?

Hattie: Honestly?I'm scared.

Clara: Of my family?

Hattie: Of everything.This is so different than anything I've ever experienced before.More people.More expectations.

Clara: I'm coming to get you.

I could handle this.I didn't need to be scared.I was a grown woman who could take care of herself.I could handle a little Christmas dinner with people who thought I was engaged to their loved one.

Why hadn't I insisted on arriving with Rowan?That would have solved this little problem.

I was just opening the door to my truck when Clara appeared on the porch."You drove your hot-chocolate truck?"

I joined her on the porch."I don't have another vehicle."

Her eyes widened."You can borrow one of ours.We have an extra that we keep around for staff to make grocery runs."

"That's not necessary."

Clara tipped her head to the side."You're one of us now, Hattie.We take care of family."

Something bloomed in my chest at her words, growing so big, so fast, I wasn't sure I would be able to shove it back down.

Her nose wrinkled."I'm actually surprised that Rowan didn't already offer it to you."

"I usually only ever go to work."I looked in the window, where laughter and talking filtered through the glass."I don't know about this, Clara."

She put her arm around my shoulder and guided me toward the door."You're a bad ass who bought your own truck and started a business.A few loud Harts won't throw you off."

I wasn't so sure about that, but she was already opening the door.As I stepped inside, McCoy ran up to me."Do you want to see my toys?"

"Sure."I allowed him to grab my hand and tug me toward the Christmas tree in the family room.

He pointed out the toys that his grandparents had given him and then grabbed his dad's phone so he could show me pictures of his dad's presents."I'm going to my mom's house next."

"Speaking of which, we need to get going so you don't miss their dinner," Malcolm said stiffly.

I'd never thought he liked me.I was a distraction.Someone standing in the way of Rowan's success with the brewery."Have a Merry Christmas, McCoy."

"Merry Christmas!"he yelled as he put his hand in his father's.

"I wish McCoy could stay with us all day, but he needs to see his mother and the other side of his family," Judy said after they'd left.