Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan Page A

mother’s face glows when she talks about you.”
    Lindsey released her mother’s hand and took his, noting the warmth and firmness of his handshake. “Thank you. I really wish I could say the same thing, but until yesterday, I didn’t know you existed.”
    â€œLindsey.”
    The tips of Max’s ears reddened. Good. She shouldn’t be the only one able to see the elephant in the room.
    Max patted her mother’s hand. “No, Grace, it’s fine. She has a right to be upset. My daughter would have reacted the same way if I had hidden you from her.” He looked at Lindsey with warm hazel eyes. “We were wrong to keep this from you, Lindsey. And for that, I’m sorry. I do hope to get to know you better. I like to believe we have a lot in common, judging by what your mother has said.”
    A nurse entered the room, pushing a wheelchair. Her shoes squeaked against the polished tile floor. She smiled at them. “Good morning, Grace. I’m Susan, the day nurse. Nice to see you up and visiting with company.”
    She checked Mom’s vitals, scribbled on her notepad and then turned to Max and Lindsey. “Would you two mind stepping out in the hall for a few minutes to give Mrs. Porter some privacy while I help tend to her needs?”
    â€œNo problem.” Lindsey dropped a kiss on Mom’s forehead and then headed for the hall. She sidestepped an orderly mopping a section of the floor and sat on the bench outside Mom’s room.
    â€œMay I join you?” Max nodded toward the empty spot next to her.
    Lindsey tightened her hold on her purse handle. “Have a seat.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œSo, Lindsey, your mom tells me you own a bed-and-breakfast in Maple Valley. Beautiful area down there.”
    â€œYes, it is. Quiet, close enough to the city, yet far enough away to be secluded from the traffic and busyness.”
    The bench creaked as he shifted in his seat. Max leaned forward, elbows on knees, and clasped his hands. “Listen, we can make polite small talk, but we’re both adults. Let’s cut to the chase here. I’m really sorry you found out the way you did about our relationship, but I promise I will never do anything to hurt your mother. I love her.”
    Lindsey dug through her purse for her lip balm, a tissue, anything to give her head a couple of seconds to form some kind of response. She hadn’t expected a candid discussion this soon, but her initial impression of Max was he didn’t beat around the bush.
    She uncapped her wild-berry lip balm and smoothed it across her lips. “I appreciate that, Max. I really do. These past five years haven’t been easy on Mom. I just wish I had known about you two sooner. Had time to get used to the idea. To get to know you better. I don’t even know your last name.” She capped her lip balm and tossed it in her purse.
    â€œPeretti. My parents emigrated from Italy to the U.S. before I was born. I’m fifty-five years old, been divorced for twenty-five years when my wife decided marriage and a child weren’t her cup of tea. My family moved to Shelby Lake a few years ago. I’ve raised my daughter on my own, so I completely understand your protective streak toward your mother.”
    â€œIt shows, huh?”
    â€œAs bright as a lighthouse beacon. And I admire you for it. Your mom is a special lady.”
    â€œYes, she is. Tell me about your family.”
    â€œMy father lives with us. My daughter, Josephina—Josie to her friends—is about your age. She has a daughter namedHannah who is very special and finds joy in the little things in life. Josie owns Cuppa Josie’s in town. I’d like you to meet her. I think the two of you will have much in common.”
    â€œHow does she feel about my mom? Your relationship with my mom?”
    â€œThey get along well, but Josie isn’t trying to take your place with your mother. I don’t