Page 18 of Enchanting the CEO

"Do you have Mace?" he asked abruptly. It was barely dusk out, and I had plenty of time to do my errands before I got back to Celia's.

"I do. Thanks for your concern."

He was far too overprotective. To be honest, I wasn't used to it. I'd always been the one to care for my sister and myself.

“What day do you want to move in?”

“Is Saturday okay?”

He nodded. “Sure. I’ll give Celia a key as soon as the guy moves. On Saturday, I’ll be here to help you carry up boxes.”

“That’s not—”

“Diane, I’ll be here.”

I laughed, smiling coyly. “Thanks. Then I’ll see you on Saturday.”

Chapter Five

Gabe

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On Saturday morning, I went by my grandparents' house. I was picking up Grandmother to drive her to the bridge session.

Despite our conversation at dinner the previous week, she stuck to her guns when she had an idea. I was thirty-one and in charge of my life, but I didn't mind Grandmother’s inquisitions, as they gave me a chance to catch up with her and find out how she was really doing. When all of us were together, she put up a brave front, making it difficult to know if everything was okay. She especially didn't like to admit to not feeling well in front of Grandfather.

I sent her a text to let her know I was here and waited for her on the front porch.

She came out a few minutes later. "Darling, you’re early. Do you want to come in and drink a coffee?"

"No thanks, Grandmother. Are you ready to go? We can drop by my new house first. I’d like to show it to you.”

"What a wonderful idea. I've been curious to see it.” I’d shown her pictures, but she hadn't been there. “Let’s go.”

I took her arm, and we walked together to the car. I opened the door for her and had to actually assist her in because it was a bit too high for her. After making sure she was situated, I went around the front and climbed into the driver's seat.

"So, tell me a bit about your house," Grandmother said as I pulled onto the street. "Can we go inside?"

"No. The workmen leave too much stuff lying around, so we’ll see it from outside.”

“I couldn't believe it when you said you’re buying that big house for yourself.”

I shrugged. “Why not? It's perfect. It’s got plenty of space.”

Grandmother chuckled, “It's definitely a sign.”

"Of what?" I asked, bewildered.

“Oh, don’t mind me.”

This was typical for Grandmother. I thought that if I got her alone, I could check out how she was, but she’d already changed it up. But I was determined to find out if she'd been having any more dizzy spells. She’d scared us all a few months ago with a trip to the hospital because she'd been severely dehydrated.

"How are you feeling lately?" I asked her.

"I'm good, I'm good. No more headaches or dizzy spells. I’m religiously using that drinking bottle that Zoey gave me. And your grandfather is on my case all the time too.”

“Good for him, and for Zoey.” Colton’s fiancée bought grandmother a water bottle that kept track of how much she drank. I was very grateful to her. If any of us boys would have given her that, Grandmother would have shut us down. But she didn't mind it coming from Zoey.

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