She and Marcus had gone in together to buy their parents airline tickets to travel anywhere in the United States, and had given Alden a camera, since he had expressed an interest in photography.
The Steele family, which included the extended family, had surprised her and Marcus, chipping in to give them each a $50,000 check. The money wasn’t a Christmas present, but a gift meant to congratulate her and Marcus on completing their studies—her, at medical school, and Marcus, at law school. Thefamily’s generous and thoughtful gift brought tears to her eyes, and she knew Marcus was touched deeply as well.
At the end of the day, when Gary was walking her back to her room, she noticed how quiet he’d become. “Is anything wrong, Gary?”
“No. I was just thinking about today, with your family. I’ve never seen anything like it. And everyone was so generous. So many family members and their friends came together to have a good time, exchange gifts, and make everyone feel happy. It hasn’t been that way with my folks since…”
When he didn’t finish what he was about to say, she glanced over at him. “Since?”
“Nothing. It’s not important. What’s planned for tomorrow?” he asked.
“The next two days are open. We can do whatever we want. After that, we’ll have to get ready for the New Year’s Eve party, where we’ll celebrate Drew and Eden’s fortieth anniversary. I can’t wait.”
“How is your family planning to surprise them?”
“Well,” she said in a conspiratorial voice, “on the 28th, Mom and Dad have talked them into driving down the mountain to visit Gatlinburg. Then on the 29th, Eden’s daughters-in-law plan to take her shopping and sightseeing in Pigeon Forge. Drew’s sons are doing something to keep him busy, but I’m not sure what. Then on the 30th, my grandparents will take them to Dollywood.”
“That’s quite the schedule,” he said.
“Yes, it is. Eden and Drew think everyone is checking out on the morning of the 31st, so any cars they might recognize have to be parked on the other side of the lodge. When they checked in, Seth Bohannon informed them that the management of Mountain-Scape Lake Lodge had given them a complimentary, additional night’s stay at the lodge and that on New Year’s Eve,the chef would prepare a special dinner for them in their newly renovated dining area.”
“Won’t they become suspicious as to why this establishment is being so nice?” Gary asked.
“No. That’s what’s so great about everything that’s being planned. This week, forty-one years ago, Drew and Eden spent Christmas and New Year’s here. That was the year before they married. One day, I’ll tell you how all that came to be. Seth Bohannon’s father, who was the manager at the time, remembers them.”
When they reached her door, she asked, “So, do you want to come in and share a glass of wine with me?”
He shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I’d better not. I have a lot on my mind.”
She reached out and touched his cheek. “Are you okay, Gary?”
He gave her a wry smile. “I’m good. Now go into that room alone, Tiffany, while you have the chance.”
She dropped her hand. “You do understand why we can’t share a bed here, right?”
“Yes, you told me.”
“But you do understand, right?”
He released a deep sigh. “I understand. Now goodnight.”
She stared at him for a moment. “Good night, Gary.” Then she opened the door to her room and went inside.
**
Gary entered his hotel room and drew in a deep breath. At one point today, he hadn’t been able to resist getting caught up in the spirit of the holiday. He couldn’t help himself around Tiffany’s family. Regardless of the outcome of their relationship, he would never forget his Christmas with the Steeles. Some of the men were still somewhat reserved, but the women, not at all. Theyhad accepted him as Tiffany’s fiancé, and that was that. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed a Christmas so much. He glanced at all the gifts in the middle of his bed. Gifts that had been given to him. If only they knew…
At that moment, his phone rang. He knew who the caller was. He clicked on. “Yes?”
“What do you have for me?”
A part of Gary was tempted to tell him that he had nothing. But he had to remember who he was talking to, and that person’s determination to destroy the Steeles. To right a wrong. “Chance Steele and his wife will be going to Gatlinburg on the 28th. I’ll make another attempt to get into their room then.”
CHAPTER 26
Tiffany was relieved that Gary seemed to be in an excellent mood for a change. It was their free time, the two days after Christmas, and he was going out of his way to be friendly to everyone, especially her male cousins and uncles. However, she couldn’t help noticing that not all of them genuinely returned his amiability. Their reactions seemed forced, and she couldn’t help wondering why. Maybe it would just take time. Hopefully, things would improve soon, since Gary was in her life to stay.
She had discussed it with her mom yesterday, who’d been so busy with the planning committee that she hadn’t really noticed. However, Kylie Hagan Steele told her that, if she were to guess, the male Steeles were only concerned about her welfare. After all, in less than two years, thanks to Tiffany’s biological father’s generous inheritance, she would be a target for any man looking for a wealthy wife. Her mom told her that the men in her family were simply being protective of her, but once they felt Gary was the real deal, she felt certain that they would let their guard down.
