Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
“Grandmother!” Gabby walks into the kitchen and strides over to Annabelle. “What are you doing here and why are you grilling the man nice enough to give me a place to stay?”
Annabelle uses the table to push herself up until she stands. “I’m here because I missed seeing your face.” She hugs Gabby, and Gabby squeezes her tight.
I’m glad she has this woman in her life.
“Besides, someone has to judge this man before you two really start living in sin.”
Before I can worry she’s serious, she lets out a laugh and winks at me. Then she sits back down.
“Good job, Gabriella. He’s good-looking and I can tell he’s got muscles.” She turns my way. “Now tell me about yourself, Maddox.”
I shoot Gabby an amused look and with a resigned sigh, Gabby seats herself into the chair next to her grandmother. “Just give her the highlights,” she whispers.
“No, I want all the dirty details.” She props her chin in her hand and smiles at me.
And at that moment, I know I already have the older woman’s approval. For reasons I’ve yet to fathom, that means something to me.
* * *
Gabby
An hour later, I decide that Maddox is my grandmother’s newest best friend. Annabelle grills him like the professional busybody she is and to my surprise, Maddox fills her in on his entire life. No matter how many times I insist he does not have to answer, he and my grandmother ignore me, chatting like old friends. She even fills him in about the love story between Annabelle and Maximillian, her husband and my grandfather.
Unlike my parents, who married each other for wealth and status, Annabelle and Max were deeply in love before he died about ten years ago. Which is the reason my grandmother wants the same for me, who she thinks is very much like her younger self. Watching the two people I care about getting to know one another warms my heart. It tells me that my instincts about Maddox are spot on. He’s a good man who has patience for an older woman…because she’s my grandmother.
A honk sounds from outside, and Annabelle frowns. “That’s my cue. Harold is getting impatient,” she says of her long-time driver.
Maddox rises and lifts Annabelle’s cane, then helps her to stand.
“A gentleman.” She nods in approval and steps over to him. “I like you, Mr. James.”
She pats his cheek and when she lowers her arm, he clasps her weathered hand in his. “I don’t know what the future holds, Annabelle, but you can trust your granddaughter with me.”
My stomach does a flip as he mentions the future. Although the romance novel reader in me wants to believe in happily-ever-after, I know I have to be pragmatic. We’ve only known one another for a week. Despite my rapidly beating heart, I can’t assume forever is in the cards. But I want to get to know him better and stick around while we build…something together.
“Gabriella.” My grandmother crooks her finger and I step closer. Annabelle pulls an envelope out of her purse. “Use this for anything you need while you get yourself settled. And call me if you need anything.”
My eyes fill with tears at the sweet gesture. “Thank you, but I can’t take your money.”
I feel the heat of Maddox’s stare as my grandma and I talk. He’s already told me how he views wealthy women, but that isn’t why I’m turning down the gift. “I need to stand on my own and not rely on my trust fund or you. But I love you for the offer.”
“Keep it as your safety net,” Annabelle insists. “Your father has cut you off.” She frowns at that fact.
Though I know I’ve been all but disinherited for my rebellion, hearing it hurts just the same.
To my surprise, Maddox steps up behind me, wraps an arm around my waist and kisses the top of my head. As if he’s in tune with my emotions…and he probably is. I step back, my body leaning against his. I don’t need his strength, I could handle things on my own, but I appreciate it anyway. He cares, and my heart flutters in my chest.
“Have my parents been pressuring you about asking me to come home?” I ask. No doubt they assume I’d keep in touch with my grandmother.
Annabelle shakes her head. “I’ve heard them talking though. They assume you’ll tire of this independent stand you’re taking and come home.”
Behind me, Maddox stiffens. He probably worries about the same thing. Only time will prove I’m here to stay. With or without Maddox, I’m building a life of my own.
“Listen,” my grandmother says. “You have the car because I bought it for you and the title is in your name. Your father can’t take the vehicle from you. When you come back to the city, for whatever reason, call me. We’ll meet with the lawyers and move your trust fund somewhere your father won’t know about it. I think we’ll both feel better.”