Page 50 of Falling for the Grumpy Stranger

Aria was scrutinizing my face. I’d washed off the soot, but my sister knew when something was up. “All right, details and none of the phony fluff I was getting earlier. What happened?”

I’d planned on keeping the most harrowing part of the story to myself, but I’d forgotten about Aria’s big sister sixth sense. Suddenly, everyone fell quiet and all eyes were on me.

“The carriage house burned down,” I said plainly. “You can probably see that for yourself. It’s in ruins. Just a pile of rubble and …”

Aria crossed her arms sternly.

“Fine. There might be a little more to the story.” I looked at Rhett. He shrugged, letting me know it was up to me to decide what to tell them. Aria was a walking polygraph machine when it came to the four of us. She could sense a lie a mile away and through a brick wall and if the liar was wearing an astronaut’s suit.

“So, it turned out Rhett’s ex, Christine, is—uh how can I put this delicately?”

“Nuts,” Rhett said. “She’s completely nuts, and now she’s on her way to jail for attempted murder.”

There was a round of gasps, and my sisters all moved closer to me. It was like an instinctual reaction whenever one of us was in danger or faced possible harm. Layla came and wrapped her arm around mine. I kissed her cheek.

“I’m here. Nothing happened. As you can see, I’m fine.” I looked over at Rhett. “And that is because a certain strong, brave hero forced his way into the carriage house and?—”

Layla perked up. “Oh my gosh—did it happen? Did you get carried out of danger in the arms of the hero?”

I nodded. “Sure did. Only wish one of you had been around to film it.” I tapped my temple. “But it’s all stored up here … forever.” I smiled at Rhett.

Layla pouted. “It happened and none of us were here to see it.”

Ava cleared her throat and walked over to hug me. “I think the important thing is that Ella is fine.” She looked at Rhett. “The Lovely sisters are forever in your debt.”

Rhett rubbed his chin. “Forever, eh? As in, home-baked cookies whenever I want?”

Isla laughed. “Yes, home-baked cookies on speed dial. Just ask and you shall receive.”

“Let’s all go to dinner to celebrate,” Layla suggested.

“Uh, not sure if the correct term iscelebrate,” Aria said. “And I think Rhett and Ella need some quiet time to process this whole thing.” Aria winked at me.

“I do appreciate all of you coming up here to check on me, but Aria’s right. It’s been a long night. A little peace and quiet would do both of us a lot of good.”

Layla was the only one to walk out reluctantly. I took Rhett’s hand on the way back to the sofa. “Scarlett O’Hara’s got nothing on me. I don’t think Rhett ever carried her out of a burning building.”

“Don’t think so but …” Rhett pulled me around to face him. He pushed a strand of hair off my face, and the warmth of his fingers remained as he smiled down at me. “‘You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.’”

I laughed. “You’ve used that line a lot, haven’t you?”

He shrugged. “There have to be some perks to being saddled with a name like Rhett. But you’re the only person I’ve said it to where I really meant it.”

He pulled me closer, and pressed his mouth over mine.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

ELLA

2 months later

Iwalked around the three work trucks and hurried into the house. I was getting used to being greeted by the sounds of hammers and saws. Rhett had finally found a contractor who considered saving an old gem like Grimstone Manor an honor. Lionel was a great guy with a big gray mustache that hung down both sides of his mouth. I could hear his rumbling laughter through the tool noise. I heard Rhett’s laugh in response. I followed the sound and found both men standing in the library—“the place where it all began,” as I’d named it. I almost felt a touch of heartbreak thinking they’d soon remodel the entire room. I’d even asked Rhett if he’d consider leaving just the one room untouched, but that was a hard no.

House plans were rolled out on the desk, and the two men stared down at the blueprints. Rhett spotted me first. “Oh, good, Ella, you’re here. I’m thinking about keeping the bookshelves.”

Lionel spun around and smiled. The mustache was so big I could only sense that it was a smile because his cheeks rounded. “Morning, Ella.”

“Morning, Lionel.” I turned to Rhett. “I think that’s a fabulous idea … and thank you.” I winked at him because I knew I’d had something to do with the decision.

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