Page 48 of Inherited Holiday

“Then you should start drinking so I can get it from you.”

The conflicting emotions came tumbling down on me, crippling me. I suddenly needed some fresh air and a moment to myself.

To think.

To breathe.

I hated showing weakness in front of anyone. Before he could throw more questions at me, I snapped around, making my way toward the outside rose garden.

Inhaling a long, deep, sturdy breath, I stood in front of the fountain in the center of the garden, trying to distract myself with the water and the soft glow it gave everything around me. Usually, this view would have me awestruck and at peace, but I couldn’t stop the emotions consuming my mind and body.

And then just like that, it unexpectedly changed…

Out of nowhere, his grandmother stood beside me.

CHAPTER 19

NOELLE

Ihadn’t seen her since her husband’s funeral. She was the sweetest woman and had been since the moment I met her. Where his parents and grandfather were firm and hard on Nicholas, his grandmother was the angel among the chaos.

“You look beautiful, but you always do,” she greeted with a loving expression.

“Thank you. You look amazing too.”

She smiled, sitting down on the edge of the fountain.

“Nicholas’s grandfather bought this dress for me years ago. I haven’t worn it since, and I thought tonight would be a good occasion to wear it in his memory. He said it brought out my eyes.”

“It does.”

“You and Nicholas seem awfully chummy.” She set her hands on her lap. “But then again, my grandson has always been smitten with you, and I know you know that.”

I shook my head. “I’m not sure how long I’ve known that, though.”

“Love is complicated sometimes.”

“It can be.”

“Nicholas looks good,” she remarked as if I had something to do with that. “He’s happy to be home. This is where he belongs.”

“I wish he knew that.”

She nodded. “He does.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“He’s just stubborn like his grandfather… I knew when I told him that Nicholas will inherit?—”

“Wait, you’re the one who wanted him to own Mistletoe Town?” I questioned, interrupting her.

“Of course.”

I wasn’t expecting her to say that.

“Wow.”

“Why is that so surprising, dear?”

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