She waved a hand. “’Twas an honor. I’ll be… what is it called? Oh, yeah. A silent partner.”
“But—”
“It’s how I want it. There’s a chance yer mum would be hurt because I knew long before she did. I’d cut out m’heart before I’d cause her pain.”
“Okay, then.” He glanced at Lani. “Tomorrow’s Sunday. Mom doesn’t usually plan much for Sunday mornings, especially with Christmas only four days away.”
“There’s another reason to go tomorrow morning. Sara and Kieran will be at Lucky’s. He and Oksana invited them to hang out for the day and help decorate their tree.”
“Good. I keep forgetting they’re still at the house. That makes it the perfect time to break the news. I could text her around eight and plan to go over around nine.”
“What about Andy? Won’t he be there?”
“Yes, and that’s even more reason to do it tomorrow. She tells him everything so he might as well hear it when she does. I can pick you up.”
“I need a plausible reason to be going over with you.”
He shrugged. “Just say it’s a surprise for Christmas. Everybody has secrets this time of year.”
“True.”
“You’ll be needin’ two copies, then — one for yer mum and one for Andy. Take mine.”
“No need. I’ll print another one between now and then.”
“If you say so, but I’ll be leavin’ mine by the front door in case you run out of time.”
“All right.” He’d only have a time crunch if Lani stayed late. Judging from her pink cheeks, she’d come to the same conclusion. He picked up the champagne bottle. “There’s still more. Who wants it?”
Granny waved him away. “Thank you kindly, but I’ve had plenty.”
“Lani? We don’t want it to go to waste.”
“I’ll split it with you.”
“Done.” He divided up what was left. His was gone in two swallows.
Lani took longer with hers. “That was a fabulous meal, Granny. Your pound cake is to die for.”
“Take some home to yer folks, luv. Made it for ’em once before. Raved about it, they did.”
“Thank you. I will.”
“Good.” She gazed at Lani. “Are ya sure ya can’t do yer job usin that video thing Kieran tried to get me ta do? So what if it makes ya look bad?”
“That’s not the problem.”
“No? Rance said ya needed to be there so I thought ya didna like seein’ yerself on the screen.”
“Nope. Being on site is the whole point these days, ever since a new owner took over. Sasha reenergized the staff and now we all look forward to going in. One of my colleagues went remote and came back after two weeks. He said it was like taking a shower with his clothes on.”
“’Tis a special job ya have, luv.”
“It is.”
Letting out a sigh, she pushed back her chair. “’Twas grand craic, but it’s knackered I am. I hate ta leave ya both with the dishes, but?—”
“I’ll handle clean up.” Rance stood and helped her out of her chair.
