She deliberately set her chin in defiance. He stood with his arms folded across his chest.A blue jay hovered low over the ground and made his presence known with his distinct, harsh call, which seemed to mimic the screams of a hawk.“I apologize,” Laurel and Hunter said in unison.“Ladies first.” He successfully disarmed her with his open, friendly smile.“I shouldn’t have said what I did in town. I was, uh ...” She wasn’t sure exactly how to explain away her frustrations without admitting that what happened was her fault. She took a deep breath to scrounge up enough courage to offer an acceptable explanation. “I stopped by to see your mother. But when I realized a meeting was taking place, I was hesitant to come in. I simply should have left, so I owe you an apology.” She swallowed hard, finding it more difficult than it should be to say, “I’m sorry.”“Apology accepted. I should have been more cordial a minute ago myself.”Laurel met his smile, and the hand that was offered.
