Jack remembered suddenly that there was something he’d been meaning to talk to his mother about. Something that had been nagging at him since Charlie and Logan had started investigating the mystery benefactor.
“Mom, can I have a word with you? In the office?” Jack pointed to the door.
Julie’s eyebrows shot up. “Is it that serious?”
“I think it might be,” Jack said, leading her toward his office. He closed the door behind them, giving themprivacy from the activity throughout the inn.
“I’m glad we’re taking the time,” Julie said as she settled into one of the chairs in front of his desk. “There’s something I need to tell you as well. It’s time you knew something.”
Jack sat in the chair beside her rather than behind his desk. This felt too personal, too important for the barrier of furniture between them.
“What do I need to know?” Jack asked, though a tingling sensation had started creeping through his nervous system. His instincts were going on high alert.
Does she know that I know it’s her paying off the inn’s loans?He wondered.Is she the secret benefactor after all?
“You start,” Julie encouraged. “You did call this meeting.”
“No, you go first,” Jack said. Something about her body language was setting off alarm bells. “What do I need to know?”
Julie looked uncomfortable and shifted in her seat. In all his years, Jack had rarely seen his mother look uncertain. Julie Christmas was unflappable. Strong. Direct. Seeing her fidget like this sent his concern into overdrive.
“Now, I know saying this won’t matter,” Julie started, her voice careful. “But honey, know that what I did, I did for you and Jane.”
“Okay,” Jack said slowly, watching her.
“I know you’re going to be furious. And Jane...” Julie clenched her jaw and closed her eyes for a moment. “Well, I don’t knowhow she’s going to take this. But again, I’m telling you this as a mother and grandmother.” Her eyes met his, fierce and determined. “You know that everything I’ve ever done was only to protect you and Jane. While you both may never forgive me, I can live with that. Because if I had to, I would do it again. I won’t apologize for what I did. I will apologize for not telling you, though.”
“Mom,” Jack said, his heart filling with concern. Whatever this was, it was clearly affecting her deeply. “It’s okay. I know.”
Julie’s eyes widened, and her face went pale. “So that viper did tell you?”
Wait, what?Jack’s mind screeched to a halt. “I don’t understand. Did Pamela find out you’re the secret benefactor that’s been paying off the inn’s debt?”
His heart lurched with a new fear.What did she do to my mother?His protective instincts were roaring to life. “Mom, did Pamela threaten you?”
“What?” Julie looked genuinely confused. “I...” Her eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean, secret benefactor?”
“Come on, Mom,” Jack said. “I know it’s you. I know you’ve been using the money Dad left you to pay off the inn’s debt.”
“No!” Julie said vehemently, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Someone’s been paying off the inn’s debt?” Anger sparked in her eyes, quickly replaced by understanding. “William!” she said throughgritted teeth.
“No, it’s not William,” Jack said, now thoroughly confused. “I thought so at first, too, but it’s not him. So I assumed it was you.”
“No, sweetheart, it’s not me,” Julie told him firmly. “Are you absolutely sure it’s not William?”
“It’s not,” Jack assured her, frowning. “Wait, what were you talking about then? What do I need to know if it’s not about the secret benefactor?”
Julie closed her eyes for a few moments, composing herself. When she opened them again, her expression was resolute. “While I could possibly help reduce a minuscule portion of the debt, there is no way I have the funds to pay it off completely.”
“Okay,” Jack said, alarm creeping into his voice. As far as he knew, his father and mother had over half a million dollars saved. Money his mother hadn’t touched since his father died ten years ago. “Mom, what is going on? You and Dad have over half a million dollars saved. You should have quite a substantial savings right now.”
“It’s not as much as you think,” Julie said quietly. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Wait a minute,” Jack said, a terrible feeling starting to build. “You said, ‘Did the viper tell me?’ His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Tell me what, Mom?”
“Like I was saying,” Julie told him, drawing her shoulders up and sitting primly, “I did what I did for my son and granddaughter.”
The feeling of dread inside Jack increased exponentially. “What did you do, Mom?”
