Chapter 217
Beatrice hurried to catch up with them. “Wait for me! Alaina, Catie-wait up p>
Autumn had already arrived.
The garden in the back was stunning this time of year.
So Alaina suggested they have tea out there and enjoy the view.
Caitlin, naturally, agreed.
But in truth, the plan to admire the scenery was just a cover-what Alaina really wanted was to give Caitlin and Gordon some time alone together.
Sure enough, not long after they sat down in the gazebo, Caitlin stepped away for just a moment to use the restroom. When she returned, she found that Gordon was the only one left.
Puzzled, Caitlin glanced around. “Where’s your mother? And Alaina p>
Gordon replied, “I think they went over there to look at the camellias p>
“And what about my brother-in-law and Skyler?” Caitlin asked.
“They’re in the kitchen. Said they wanted to cook something for you today-show off a bit,” Gordon said.
“They’re cooking?” Caitlin’s eyes widened. “Wow, I didn’t know they could cook! That’s impressive p>
Gordon gave her an amused look. “Is cooking really that impressive p>
“Of course it is!” Caitlin grinned at him. “Wait, can you cook too p>
“I can, yeah.” Gordon nodded, trying to sound nonchalant. “If they can do it, so can I p>
But a cold sweat broke out down his back-he was bluffing through his teeth.
“That’s amazing!” Caitlin lifted her teacup and took a sip. “I tried learning once, but it was way too much trouble. How did you manage? Seriously, I never would’ve guessed you could cook p>
She’d always assumed someone like Gordon wouldn’t be caught dead in a kitchen.
Apparently, he wasn’t like most people.
“Cooking’s actually pretty simple-not as complicated as you’d think,” Gordon replied, keeping his face calm even as panic bubbled inside him.
“You never fail to surprise me!” Caitlin shot him an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
If this conversation went on any longer, Gordon was sure he’d be sweating bullets, so he quickly changed the subject. “Hey, Catie, since we’ve got the chance, how about a game of chess p>
“Sure!” Caitlin’s attention immediately shifted to the chessboard.
Gordon texted one of the staff at Sylvester Gardens to bring over a set.
Before long, the two of them were deep in battle, chess pieces moving back and forth in a spirited game.
Meanwhile, Beatrice and Alaina were hiding behind a nearby column, peeking into the gazebo like a pair of schoolgirls up to mischief.
Alaina couldn’t help but sigh. “They’re perfect together! Gordon and Catie look like they were made for each other-seriously, it’s almost too cute p>
Beatrice nodded in agreement. “I can’t even imagine how beautiful my future granddaughter will be p>
She could practically see a sweet little girl waving at her already.
That night, after Caitlin had gone home, Gordon wasted no time. He ordered two
comprehensive cookbooks online and signed up for a local cooking class.
He’d bragged—now he had to back it up, even if it killed him.
And he had to do it all in secret.
Monday morning.
Caitlin and Celeste met up to walk to school together.
They had just reached the front gates when Carson came jogging up from behind. “Caitlin, wait up p>
“What’s up?” Caitlin turned slightly, curious.
Carson held out a packet of papers. “Here, your notes p>
“You finished reading them?” Caitlin asked.
“Yeah, I did.” Carson looked a little defeated. “You’re just on another level. I don’t think I’ll ever beat you on the next exam p>
He looked so forlorn, you’d think he’d just been told he’d be stuck in second place for eternity.