“Friends,” Dad said, stepping up beside John. “And I think this little chap is Chandler Bing.”
“Chandler, meet your new family.” John tucked the puppy close to his chest and shot Gemma a look of gratitude. Her smile took him back to their time together and he missed the man he’d been with her.
“Everyone, this is Scottie.” He leaned to kiss her cheek. “And Gemma Stone.” As his gaze lingered on her, he suddenly had thousand things to tell her. “Welcome to Lauchtenland.”
But he must focus on the guest of honor. Scottie. He introduced her to the Family using first names and omitting royal titles. Still, Scottie and Gemma curtsied to Dad, Gus, Daffy, and Aunt Arabella anyway.
Chandler Bing on the other hand squirmed to be let down and immediately made his mark on the carpet.
“Shaw—”
“On it, sir.”
There was a metaphor in there somewhere. John knew it.
While the star of the evening was Scottie, and maybe Chandler—even after his mess—the one that surprised him was Gemma. Nothing about the royal room, the Family, the atmosphere seemed to intimidate her. She was so at ease. So…so Gemma. He didn’t get it. Why the hiddenness, the veils, the cloaked answers when they were together in Hearts Bend?
When will you tell me your story, Gemstone?
Seated on the far side of the living area, the girl who rescued things talked to Daffy and Dad, her hands animated with whatever story she told. She was a natural.
He sat with Scottie, Gus, and Aunt Arabella, trying to engage with their conversation but drawn to Gemma and the light coming off of her. Truly, when did she start letting her inner star shine?
He was about to say something to Scottie when Gemma’s laugh interrupted his thought. Leaning toward Dad, she gestured and waved her hands about until Dad playfully batted them down and started his own gesturing to make his point.
Shaw circled the room, checking the food trays, clearing away empty glasses. John broke away from his circle to discuss Chandler’s care and needs, requesting supplies to be purchased straightaway.
“I’ll send someone now, sir,” Shaw said. “I think he’s a lovely addition to the household.”
Scottie was on her feet when he turned back to the room. “While I’ve loved meeting you,” she said, “especially little brother Gus and Daffy, I came to meet my mother.”
She was a Blue all right. Taking command. Or perhaps that was an O’Shay quality she exhibited. Probably both.
Dad set down his tea. “I’ll take you.”
“I’m coming with.” Aunt Arabella hopped up, reaching for her handbag.
“No, you’re not.” Dad wielded authority over his sister-in-law with expertise. “I’ll give you a full report. But let’s leave this to Kate’s family.”
“I am her family.”
“Then her husband and children.” Dad waited for Scottie to join him. “John, are you coming? Gus and Daffy?”
“Gemma will come with us.” Scottie cast her friend a visual plea, which saved John the bother of finding an excuse for Gemma to come along.
“If she’s going, I’m going.” Arabella surged forward.
“She’s here for Scottie,” Dad said. “The room will be crowded enough. You’ll see her tomorrow, Bella.”
John looked to his brother, and as he hoped, Gus read his mind. “Dad, Daffy and I can’t go but why don’t you take Scottie, get to know her better. John you can drive Gemma, show her a bit of our beautiful city.”
Smooth little brother. Everyone could see what he was doing.
As Dad and Scottie departed, Aunt Arabella followed, still arguing her point to be at this grand meeting. “I’m Kate’s sister and Scottie’s aunt.”
Shaw excused himself and took Chandler to the kitchen for something to eat.
“Nothing too rich,” Gemma said. “He’s only seven weeks.”
