The boy ran across the room and straight into his uncle’s arms.
Morgan teared up, her lower lip quivering at witnessing the emotional reunion.
“Your uncle and Brett wanted to surprise you,” Elizabeth said softly. “It appears they succeeded.”
Woof. Woof.Chester barked excitedly, prancing in circles.
“Did I tell you Brett let me drive the snowmobile, and Chester got to ride with me? Jax is going to help me build a launchpad for my rocket. I made a friend at school today. I scared Mrs. Arnsby when I went to get a snack, and I thought I was in trouble. How long are you staying?”
“Whoa…whoa.” Laughing, Jeff made a timeout with his hands. “I’m hoping to stay for a few days. I’m happy to hear you’re already making friends. Let me guess…you woke up hungry, came down to the kitchen and Mrs. Arnsby didn’t know you were there.”
“Yeah. I felt bad about it, but she said it was okay,” Tristan said. “Next time, I’ll make sure she knows I’m there.”
“Speaking of Jane, she was on her way home but left some food for us in the kitchen.” Gerard offered his wife his arm.
The joyful reunion continued while Jeff ate the tenderloin Mrs. Arnsby had warmed before leaving. The others feasted on an array of finger foods—petite sandwiches, veggies and dip and, for Tristan, his equally favorite food, at the top of the list alongside macaroni and cheese, more of Mrs. Arnsby’s chocolate chip cookies.
The child chattered nonstop, filling his uncle in about all the recent outdoor adventures, helping Ben wax one of the estate’s exotic cars, Jax teaching him how to drive the tractor.
Finally, he took a breather to polish off his third cookie and gulp his grape juice.
Jeff affectionately ruffled his hair. “You make me wish I was a kid again. So, you like the snow?”
“It’s awesome. I hope it snows forever.”
“Bite your tongue.” Morgan wagged her finger. “Believe me, come February or March, you’ll be itching for spring break.”
“Brett’s going to take me kayaking.”
“March might be a little early,” Elizabeth warned. “You’ll have to play it by ear. Perhaps your Uncle Jeff would like to go too.”
“Let’s plan on it.”
With snacks eaten and Tristan having finished filling his uncle in, the two excused themselves so Jeff could unpack.
Gerard waited until they were gone. “Did you see the look on Tristan’s face when he saw Jeff?”
“It brought tears to my eyes,” Elizabeth said. “Tristan adores his uncle.”
“I noticed something else,” Morgan said. “Tristan’s face when he mentioned Brett’s name.”
“With the same adoration he feels for his uncle.” Gerard winked. “I noticed it as well. Brett should be proud of himself. Considering how he was thrown into the parenting role, he’s doing an excellent job.”
“I’ll be the first to admit, I had no idea how our plan to invite Tristan and Jeff to move to Easton Estate would pan out,” Elizabeth said. “We’re still in the early stages of getting to know each other. So far, I don’t think it could go any smoother.”
“I agree,” Morgan said. “Being an aunt is a sweet gig.”
Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled with mischief. She pointed her finger at her granddaughter. “Tristan is truly my great-grandson, and I’m thrilled he’s here, but fair warning…neither you nor Brett are off the hook for giving me a great-grandbaby to snuggle and spoil.”
“I’m not even close to walking down the aisle.”
“In due time.” Elizabeth tilted her head and turned to Wyatt. “I have a hunch a proposal is in the not-too-distant future from this dashing young Wyatt Dawson.”
Chapter 24
“You’re awfully quiet.” Morgan arrived at Locke Pointe early the next morning and found Ronni already seated at the desk. Instead of greeting her with her usual chipper quips, she struck Morgan as being subdued and distracted.
“I have a lot on my mind.” Ronni absentmindedly fiddled with the handle of her coffee mug.
