He looked up, startled. “I didn’t hear you.”
Megan nodded over her shoulder toward the headstones that were imprinted on her heart. “Today would have been my grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary.”
Ean returned her smile. “I’m sure they’re celebrating together.”
The warmth of his smile and the sincerity of his words stole her breath. Megan swallowed to dislodge the lump in her throat.
“I think so, too.” She was uncomfortable with the emotion he may have heard in her voice. “Is today a special occasion for your father?”
She read again his father’s headstone: Paul Fever, 1948 to 2013, Loving Husband and Father.
His expression grew somber. “I’m just paying my respects.”
It was more than that. Megan heard it in his taut tone. He sounded lost. She fisted her hands deeper into her navy blue winter coat to keep from touching him. That was Ramona’s prerogative.
“Your father was well liked and well respected in the community.”
Ean returned his attention to his father’s headstone. “Everything seems different with him gone.”
“Everything changed for me when my grandparents died, too.”
“I didn’t expect my mother to change as well. I barely recognize her anymore.” He caught her gaze. “You hired her to run the bakery in your bookstore.”
Megan heard the accusation in his words. “Your parents had been high school sweethearts. Your father’s death left your mother devastated.”
“You don’t have to tell me how my mother felt. I knew she was grieving.” Ean’s voice was rough. Was it grief, guilt, shame—all of the above?
“I’m certain Doreen put on a brave face for you. She’s your mother. She wouldn’t want you to worry about her. But those of us who saw her every day could tell she was hurting. She needed a distraction. I thought Books and Bakery could help.”
Ean rubbed his eyes. “Why didn’t someone call me? I would have come home.”
“For how long? Your work schedule only allowed you a few days off at a time. Your mother needed more than that.”
Ean inhaled a sharp breath. Megan’s words hit him like a sucker punch. “I’m home now.”
“And Doreen is very happy about that.”
Ean grunted. “Really? I think I may be cramping her style. I’m sure you know she’s dating.”
“Coach George. You like him.”
“As my coach, not as my mother’s boyfriend.”
“It’s a good thing your mother doesn’t need your approval.”
Ean flashed back to the words his mother had spoken that morning.
“It may surprise you to know that Ramona wasn’t my first choice for you or my second. Or my tenth. But I respected your right to make your own decision. Are you going to deny me the same respect?”
He scowled. Megan had given his mother a job. “Did you encourage her to start dating?”
“Your mother and Coach George?” Her full lips twitched as though she battled a smile. Unnecessary amusement danced in her chocolate eyes.
Ean didn’t share her humor. “How well does she even know him?”
“They’ve known each other since you were in high school.”
He snorted. “Time doesn’t determine how well you know a person.”