As we descended to the car, I said, “I’m actually glad for the excuse not to be home; otherwise, maybe I would feel so guilty that I would start to unpack and organize things.”
He growled in my ear. “No chance of that, babe. I had far better ideas for the afternoon.”
Oh yeah, I’d been spot-on.
CHAPTER 31
PHOEBE
After we gotinto the car, I asked, “Want me to put the address in the GPS?”
“No, it’s a few minutes away, and I know the route.”
“Right.”
I was giddy to explore more of the neighborhood. I’d only seen areas surrounding Griffin’s house until now, and I was curious about the rest. Especially about the inn.
When Griffin told me the name, I’d immediately googled it. It was a gorgeous Queen Anne-style home, and I couldn’t wait to see it.
As Griffin said, we only needed a few minutes to reach the gate. As we drove in, I kept looking around. The property was huge, lined with old trees, and the inn itself looked like something out of a fairy tale.
I sighed. “Oh, this is wonderful.”
“You like historic houses?”
“I like to look at them, but…”
“Not live in one, right?”
“Exactly. Oh, I should have brought a host gift,” I said as we got out of the car.
“What? No, you don’t have to.”
“Well, it’s the first time I’m visiting their home.”
“It’s the inn, not where they live. And anyway, it’s the thought that counts.”
Hmm, I didn’t agree with that, but there wasn’t anything I could do. I made a mental note to buy everyone a gift when we went to their place the first time. I just needed a bit more of a heads-up.
I wondered where everyone else was. The front porch was empty.
“Mom would love this place. Whenever she and Dad travel, she chooses historic B&Bs,” I said.
Instantly, I remembered that I had to plan my parents’ visit. My palms got sweaty at the thought.
The rest of the guys arrived as Griffin led me through the front door. I looked around in awe when we stepped inside. This place had a lot of character, so thoughtfully decorated and exquisitely maintained. You could feel the love in each piece of furnishing. There was a narrow corridor and a staircase leading to the upper floor. We heard sounds coming from a side room.
Chase came up behind us. “Let’s go to the kitchen.”
He led the way through the inn. The rest of the brothers were behind us.
Stepping inside the kitchen, I couldn’t help but beam. Riley, Hannah, and Susan were sipping from orange cups. Jeremy and Bruce were sitting next to the counter, playing chess. Jeremy looked up at me with a huge smile.
Hmm, Griffin was right. Once he likes you, he really likes you.
“Hey, Phoebe.” He ran toward me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I’m so happy to see you again.”
“And you too.” An unexpected bout of love hit me as I hugged him right back.
