“Then my family would get their hopes up.”
“Yeah, that would be a problem.”
“Discussing changes in the manuscript is still the best excuse, but timing is everything. I’ll have to call on my skills from drama class. They’re rusty.”
“Didn’t know you were in drama.”
“The fantasy of it appeals to me. It’s why I love editing fiction. And I’m much better at editing than acting. No promises.”
“Understood.” But she’d given him a sliver of hope. “I’ll think positive.”
“I’ll light a candle fer ya in my mind.”
Lani smiled. “I like that. Anyway, we should probably go.” She walked over to the coat rack, put down the manuscript and grabbed her coat. “Thanks for bringing us copies. Are there more?”
“In Thunder’s backseat. Lucky printed them.” He followed, taking down Granny’s coat and holding it while she slid her arms in. “What about the pound cake? Is that going with us?”
“We made two, one for my folks and one for Granny to give Desiree and Andy. I’m leaving mine here until Christmas Eve since there’s no way I could smuggle it into the house. Too fragrant.”
“True. The house smells great.” He tucked Granny into the sturdy wool coat she’d brought from Ireland, the one she’d had more than forty years.
“Wrapped them up real pretty, we did, first in foil and then in some of that horse and sleigh paper.” She took a wool hat out of her pocket and pulled it over her blonde curls.
“And they’re topped with Granny’s bows. She could give a class in how to make beautiful bows. I practiced making a few, but mostly we worked on my pool game. That’s what I told my folks I was over here for.”
“Good thinking. I wondered if you’d have to explain why you were here all afternoon.”
“You know, they’re so excited about this sleigh ride committee I don’t think they paid much attention.”
“And we had a grand time, we did. Also, I got the whole story about the plonker who calls himself yer father. Feel like smackin’ him upside the head, I do. Now where’s that other mitten?”
He scooped it off the floor. “Here you go.” Granny wore mittens, another thing that charmed him.
“Thank ya kindly. I should hook ’em together on a string like I did for Kieran when he was a wee lad.”
“You don’t need a string. You’ve got me.” Over the top of Granny’s head he caught Lani’s eye and she smiled. Clearly she was as taken by this adorable woman as he was. “And we’re off.” He opened the door and ushered them out.
As if by prior agreement, he and Lani each took a side and escorted Granny down the icy steps.
“Just so ya know, I’m sittin’ in the backseat.”
“Absolutely not.” Lani’s tone left no room for argument.
But she’d never argued with Granny. He had, and he hadn’t won yet. This should be interesting.
“Ya need ta respect yer elders, Lani.”
He swallowed a laugh.Here we go.
“I do respect my elders,” Lani said sweetly. “That’s why you should ride in the front.”
“But I want ta ride in the back. Ya need ta respect my wishes, luv.”
“You can’t see as well back there. Please ride in the front. It would make me happy.”
“But ya need ta think about what would makemehappy.”
“Of course, but?—”
