Mrs. Turner's eyes go wide in shock. "You are? That's incredible, honey! Congratulations!"
I couldn't help the smile on my face if I tried. "Thanks. It's kind of been a lifelong dream, so I'm pretty excited about it."
"Oh, that's right!" Mrs. Turner exclaims, clapping her hands together. "You always loved baking when you were little. You used to make those delicious double chocolate cupcakes, if I remember correctly."
I nod again. "I won't actually be doing the baking like I wanted to when I was a kid, but it'll be fun to be in charge of the menu. I have some great recipes that I think people will love."
"I would say being able to make a good dessert is the best way to make a man fall in love with you, but it looks like you've already learned that lesson."
We all turn to watch as Grandma Birdie walks into the kitchen. And true to form, she has an obnoxiously large bird pin clipped to her hair.
She levels her gaze at me, and I suck in a breath. I've met Jax's grandmother before, but never in any setting that wasn't as Remy's little sister; it's common knowledge that she's been trying to set Jax and Remy up for years, so I was never really worth paying attention to in her eyes.
Now, she's giving me her full attention.
I don't breathe the entire time she looks me up and down. I'm pretty sure no one else is breathing, either. I feel like I'm waiting for a verdict that will either free me or send me to the electric chair.
"Is that why my grandson likes you?" she asks with a quirked brow. "Because of your… cupcakes?"
Mrs. Turner gasps. "Mom!"
Birdie shoots an innocent look at her daughter. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Emily. I'm just asking about her skills in the kitchen. It's important for a woman to be able to feed her man."
"I'm actually more than capable of feeding myself, Grandma, believe it or not,” Jax quips.
She flaps a hand at him without even taking her eyes off me. Like his efforts to save me from her inquisition are in vain.
She just waits and stares.
"He loves me for a number of reasons," I say in a steady voice. "I'm sure my baking and cooking skills are among them."
She tilts her head, studying me. "You know, the reason I liked Remy for Jax is because she was a strong, take-no-shit kind of girl."
"Who can't cook," I interrupt.
She ignores me. "You've always been the sweet, quiet girl in the background. How do you know you're a good match for my grandson?"
I quirk an eyebrow, never once looking away from her staredown. "Just because I'm not as loud as my crazy sister doesn't mean I'm weak. Or incapable of matching wits with an old lady." I end my parting shot with a wink.
Mrs. Turner sucks in a startled breath.
Mr. Turner sighs and shakes his head.
Jax just grins.
"You think you could take me, huh?" Birdie asks in a curious tone.
I give a stiff nod. "If you try to push Jax toward my sister again, I can guarantee it."
She continues to stare at me. For a breath. And then two.
I never break eye contact.
Then… she grins.
A wide grin that lights up her whole face, and I swear even the bird in her hair looks happier.
"Good," she says with a nod. "I've been waiting for the day that someone stands up to me. I knew that would be the kind of woman my Jaxon deserved. Even Remy never did that. Well done, girl."