Page 97 of Enchanting the CEO

"I wanted to do something special to celebrate this milestone with you."

“You’re my favorite person right now,” I said with a smile.

He brought his mouth to my ear. "That was exactly my plan."

Chapter Twenty-Three

Gabe

On Grandfather’s birthday, we headed to their place for lunch.

"This is so cozy. Is it the same house they've always lived in?" Diane asked as we went up the steps to the porch.

"Yeah, for as long as I can remember." I put a hand on the small of her back. "I have a lot of memories on this porch. They made some changes in the meantime, because back then they had bedrooms for us. But now they've converted all of them. They’ve got a study for Grandfather, a reading corner, and a room where Grandmother can stay with her friends. I'm not too sure what the rest are."

"Wow. The house doesn't look that big."

They'd put a sign on the front door that said Unlocked. I opened it and heard voices inside resounding through the living room and entrance area. We went straight to the living room. Cade and Meredith were already here, as well as Jake and Natalie. The rest hadn't arrived yet.

"Excellent. You came just in time for the debate. The more the merrier," Cade exclaimed. "Hey, Diane.”

"Hi! What are you debating?" I asked.

"How long everyone else will take."

I rolled my eyes at my brother.

Diane looked at Grandfather. "Happy birthday. Thank you so much for inviting me."

"Happy birthday, Grandfather," I added.

After I shook his hand, he focused on Diane. "I'm very happy that you've joined us."

Then he glanced at Grandmother. "You know, when you started with your matchmaking project, I thought it would be a disaster, but it's turned out to be quite the opposite."

She scoffed. "Really, Abe? That's how little trust you have in me?"

"No, but our boys are headstrong, and I didn't think anything would come of it. If anything, I suspected you’d clash, but you've done well."

He kissed Diane's hand, and she laughed nervously.

"All right," I said, looking around. “Are the snacks in the kitchen?”

Grandmother huffed. "The catering company is going to be ten minutes late, so no."

How the fuck were they late? I was certain that this would be the last event Grandmother would agree to have catered. I carefully avoided looking at Jake and Cade or we would burst out laughing.

"I know you boys plotted today and tried to fool me," Grandmother said. "But Gabe came with Diane, so we'll forgive him for now."

"What's one thing got to do with the other?" Jake asked. "Just so we know for future reference."

Grandmother shook her head. "You boys will always give me headaches."

Meredith and Natalie laughed.

"Yes, they will. We’re sure of that," Meredith said.

Cade put an arm around her shoulders. "Babe, don't side with Grandmother. It's a slippery slope."

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