Page 87 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"She'll be here," his grandfather said, as he walked over to him and handed him a soda.

"I don't know who you're talking about," he lied, as he opened the can.

His grandfather laughed. "I'm talking about the very pretty innkeeper who you can't stop looking for."

"I am curious as to where she is," he admitted.

"I guess your grandmother's plan is working."

He gave his grandfather a wry smile. "Yeah, I figured that the boat trip was a setup. I can't believe you went along with her. I thought you were on my side."

"I'm always on your grandmother's side, Justin. But I thought it was a good idea, too, and my allergies were acting up."

"They seemed to recover after the antiquing day was over."

"I thought you might enjoy spending some quality time with Marie."

"I did. But I like hanging with you, too. And I thought we'd all agreed to no more setups like five years ago."

"Right. After that disastrous dinner with that fitness trainer who your grandmother brought home from the gym," Ben said with a laugh. "I didn't know what Marie was thinking with that woman. But Lizzie is a sweetheart, and she has your same drive for business."

"She does."

"So…"

"So, I'm leaving on Sunday. I live in San Francisco. She lives here."

"People move all the time."

"Lizzie won't leave Whisper Lake. This is her dream job. And my work is everywhere but here."

"Jobs come and go. Relationships are what matter. Having people in your life you love and care about, people who you trust to have your back."

Lizzie was probably the first woman he'd ever really trusted.Why else would he have told her about Sean?He'd never told any woman about his brother. He realized now he'd never really wanted to open up like that. But he'd wanted to tell Lizzie. He'd wanted to share that part of himself, and he still wasn't entirely sure why.

"But you'll make your own decisions; you always do," his grandfather continued. "I just wish sometimes you weren't so damned stubborn and laser focused. You get tunnel vision."

"I'm not that narrow-minded."

"I hope not. Marie and I want you to be happy, Justin."

"I am happy. I have everything I ever wanted."

"Everything?" his grandfather challenged. "Because the very best thing in my life has always been your grandmother and our marriage."

"You two are an exception to the rule."

"Maybe. Although, your parents are still happily married."

"Yes, they've always been happy with each other. They make great spouses. Parents—not so much." He heard the edge of bitterness in his voice, but he couldn't do anything about that.

His grandfather's gaze narrowed. "You're still so angry."

"Actually, I don't feel much of anything anymore, not for them anyway. But let's not discuss my parents. Are you ready for the vow renewal tomorrow?"

"I think so," his grandfather said, but he suddenly appeared distracted. "We should find your grandmother, talk about tomorrow."

"Sure. Is there something special you want me to do?"

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