Chapter 21
Davis wasn’t as happy to be heading home for the holiday as he ought to be. He wanted to spend the time with Luna, but he understood her need to see her own parents. He wouldn’t begrudge her that opportunity by any means, he just wished they could have had a joint holiday with her parents, and then one with his. He satisfied himself with the thought that by this time next year, they could have exactly that. He was determined he would be married to her by that summer.
Sorensen pulled into the long driveway that led to the Healy home. Most of the year they lived in Richmond, though they had a few houses spread around the globe. Davis had spent his formative years in Tennessee, moving as a teenager to Maryland to attend Georgetown Prep. The house his parents lived in wasn’t home to him, but he was comfortable there.
The drive wasn’t all that long, but he’d managed to put a few last-minute plans into action. A gift sent to the Mosses, one to Reagan and Hudson, and one to Alex and Grant had been arranged earlier in the month, but he felt that something was missing. He’d found a beautiful painting that reminded him of the way Luna described the backyard of her childhood home. He knew he’d have to arrange to have it brought back to the apartment once she moved in, but he hadn’t been able to resist sending it to Vermont by overnight delivery so she’d have it in time for Christmas.
He spotted the housekeeper standing by the front door as Sorensen drove along the massively curved portion of the driveway. Davis hopped out without waiting for the driver to come open the door and jogged up the steps. It was cold, but not any moreso than at home.
“Tabitha, lovely to see you again,” he greeted the woman. She wore a starched gray shirtdress with thick black tights and clunky black sneakers.
“Mister Davis.”
“Tabby, it’s just Davis.” He kissed her cheek and she blushed.
“Mr. Healy doesn’t like me to be so informal.”
“What else is new?”
She opened one of the large front doors and let Davis enter the house before she closed the door behind them.
“And where are the esteemed Mr. and Mrs. Healy?”
She smiled, he could give her credit for that. “In the back sitting room. Shall I show you the way?”
“No, Tabby, you shan’t.” He gave her a wave before heading off in the direction of the back of the house. It was big enough that it took him almost a full minute to traverse the hall.
“Mom, Dad.”
They looked up from their respective chairs. A smile broke out across Sophia’s face as she dropped her book and stood to cross the room.
“There’s my handsome boy. I thought you’d be here sooner.”
She wrapped him up in a hug when she reached him, and he returned her affection. “I left a bit later than I planned.”
Ian had set aside his magazine and stood as well. “Everything all right?”
Davis grinned. “Definitely. I finished up what I was doing in the car on the way here.”
“Did Evan come with you then?” Ian asked, referring to Sorensen.
“Of course. If my calculations are correct, he should be getting spoiled in the kitchen right this minute.” Evan Sorensen had a soft spot for the cook, mostly because she fed him copious amounts of sweets when he stayed there.
Ian chuckled. “Well, sit. Tell us how it’s going.”
They all took seats around the roaring fireplace. “Actually, I would like to talk to you about work.”
“We’re not going to discuss business on our break, are we?” Sophia complained.
“I have to say yes, Mom. I need to speak with you about Tony Holland.”
Ian leaned forward. “Tell me.”
“He’s not exactly been the most welcoming figure at the office, but I pushed that aside and did my job. I wanted to impress you.” Davis held up his hand when Ian looked ready to interrupt him. “I know. You wanted to make sure I could do the job.”
“I’ve seen the numbers, Davis. To say I’m impressed is an understatement.”
Davis grinned at the compliment. “I told you I could do it.”
