Page 35 of Alfie: Part Two

I smirked, and Shan did just that. I nodded at the ladies, and then I followed Shan toward the side of the house.

“Perhaps I should check in with my daughter first,” I said. “I don’t trust her around water.”

“I already put your husband on the task,” he responded. “In addition, we have one nanny and two babysitters on duty, and it’s one girl’s full-time job to keep an eye on the pool.”

Well, then.

When we rounded the corner of the house, I saw where he was taking me, and I could not be more on board. Fuck me, I wanted a pool house like that. Guest house? Whatever. It was small, with two big glass doors wide open to reveal all the comfort I could need. Decorated like an English library with Chesterfield furniture, nice rugs, and books, it was a haven away from the loud children.

“Your son doesn’t strike me as one for old England,” I noted.

Shan stepped inside and smiled over his shoulder. “No, not really, but he and Emilia are a godsend. They prepared this for me a few years ago for whenever I wanted a quiet moment.”

Oh. That was…incredibly kind. A few years ago… That must’ve been around the time he’d been lost in his grief.

“These days, it’s the best part of any party,” he said. He stopped at a drink cart and picked a nice bottle of whiskey. “My grandchildren know where to find me, Kellan stops by to fuss over me, and I don’t have to mingle with people I don’t like.”

I looked around at all the books—not to mention the big flat-screen—and I finished my champagne in two gulps.

“I want a tree house like yours when I grow up,” I said.

He laughed and returned with two drinks, and he offered me one. “My family spoils me, that’s for sure.” He nodded at one ofthe couches—or the coffee table, rather. “I have something for you.”

I wouldn’t mind some of those snacks. It reminded me of the snack board he’d ordered at the golf club, with jerky and whatnot. This one had cheese and crackers too.

“Don’t bite my head off,” he warned, digging an envelope from behind a pillow.

I lifted my brows and took a small sip of the whiskey, and I was surprised by how smooth it was despite its smoky, oak flavor. I might have to order a bottle.

At the first flash of Green Grove’s logo in the corner of the envelope, I let out a laugh and shook my head at the bastard.

“Grandpa!” A young boy ran in as I opened the envelope, and it had to be little Ryan. He looked so much like Finn that there was no question. Messy copper hair, birthday hat askew, and ketchup all over his short-sleeved button-down.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Shan greeted. “I take it food’s been served for the children.”

“Yeah, I had a hundred hot dogs,” he huffed. “Can I sit here? Everybody wants a piece of me.”

“Of course,” Shan chuckled.

I coughed around a laugh, causing the boy to glance over at me.

“Hey.” He jerked his chin at me. “Are you Uncle Alfie’s husband? Grandpa has a husband also. Uncle Kellan.”

I smiled, highly entertained by his personality. He was sort of how I envisioned Alfie as a young boy.

“I am,” I replied. “My name is West. You must be the eldest birthday boy.”

“Yeah—Ryan.” He scratched his nose. “Mommy said I’mma get my own party next year cuz now I’m this big.” He flashed five fingers.

I grinned faintly. “Five is impressive. That makes you a big boy.”

He tried to stand a little taller and nodded firmly, then walked over to one of the cushy chairs and threw himself into it. Poor boy looked exhausted by all the attention.

Shan went to sit down on the couch, and while he asked the boy if he was having fun and such, I pulled out a letter from Green Grove, welcoming me as a new member.

I shook my head again.

He’d actually pulled strings to get me in faster.

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