But what if she wants Gabby to return home? Will she be swayed by the woman she adores? A pang gnaws at my gut, but I push it aside. Gabby has the right to make her own choices, and I have to respect them. Even if somehow, I’ve done a one-eighty and want her to stay.
I grasp the older woman’s free arm and lead her to the kitchen. “Have a seat. Can I make you a cup of coffee?”
She lowers herself into a chair, leaning her cane against the table. “No, thank you. The doctors are worried about my blood pressure and have me cutting back on caffeine. I’d sneak it but I can’t risk dying and leaving Gabriella alone with her parents. It’s a pity my son turned into such a social climber.” She tsks. “I see those wide eyes. You’re shocked. Gabriella didn’t tell you about me? I say what I think. To anyone.”
I try my damnedest not to grin but lose the battle. “She told me you’re one of the only people she trusts. That alone made me like you but now I see where Gabby gets her easy-going personality. She’s lucky to have you, Mrs. Davenport.”
“Annabelle. Don’t make me look over my shoulder to see if my mother-in-law came back from the grave.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Annabelle. Gabby’s in the shower. I’m sure she’ll be out soon, and she’ll be happyyou’re here.” I pause. “Whyareyou here? Just to see your granddaughter?” I can’t hold back the question plaguing me.
“I’m here to see if you’re good enough for my Gabriella.”
She catches me mid-swallow, and I cough. “Excuse me?”
She grins, and I see glimpses of Gabby in her expression. “My other granddaughter, Penelope, who I love dearly but could never convince to be her own person, keeps in touch with her sister. I’m well aware Gabriella has feelings for you. So tell me, why should I approve of you?”
“Grandmother!” Gabby walks into the kitchen and strides over to Annabelle. “What are you doing here and why are you grilling the man nice enough to give me a place to stay?”
Annabelle uses the table to push herself up until she stands. “I’m here because I missed seeing your face.” She hugs Gabby, and Gabby squeezes her tight.
I’m glad she has this woman in her life.
“Besides, someone has to judge this man before you two really start living in sin.”
Before I can worry she’s serious, she lets out a laugh and winks at me. Then she sits back down.
“Good job, Gabriella. He’s good-looking and I can tell he’s got muscles.” She turns my way. “Now tell me about yourself, Maddox.”
I shoot Gabby an amused look and with a resigned sigh, Gabby seats herself into the chair next to her grandmother. “Just give her the highlights,” she whispers.
“No, I want all the dirty details.” She props her chin in her hand and smiles at me.
And at that moment, I know I already have the older woman’s approval. For reasons I’ve yet to fathom, that means something to me.
***
Gabby
An hour later,I decide that Maddox is my grandmother’s newest best friend. Annabelle grills him like the professional busybody she is and to my surprise, Maddox fills her in on his entire life. No matter how many times I insist he does not have to answer, he and my grandmother ignore me, chatting like old friends. She even fills him in about the love story between Annabelle and Maximillian, her husband and my grandfather.
Unlike my parents, who married each other for wealth and status, Annabelle and Max were deeply in love before he died about ten years ago. Which is the reason my grandmother wants the same for me, who she thinks is very much like her younger self. Watching the two people I care about getting to know one another warms my heart. It tells me that my instincts about Maddox are spot on. He’s a good man who has patience for an older woman…because she’s my grandmother.
A honk sounds from outside, and Annabelle frowns. “That’s my cue. Harold is getting impatient,” she says of her long-time driver.
Maddox rises and lifts Annabelle’s cane, then helps her to stand.
“A gentleman.” She nods in approval and steps over to him. “I like you, Mr. James.”
She pats his cheek and when she lowers her arm, he clasps her weathered hand in his. “I don’t know what the future holds, Annabelle, but you can trust your granddaughter with me.”
My stomach does a flip as he mentions the future. Although the romance novel reader in me wants to believe in happily-ever-after, I know I have to be pragmatic. We’ve only known one another for a week. Despite my rapidly beating heart, I can’t assume forever is in the cards. But I want to get to know him better and stick around while we build…somethingtogether.
“Gabriella.” My grandmother crooks her finger and I step closer. Annabelle pulls an envelope out of her purse. “Use this for anything you need while you get yourself settled. And call me if you needanything.”
My eyes fill with tears at the sweet gesture. “Thank you, but I can’t take your money.”
I feel the heat of Maddox’s stare as my grandma and I talk. He’s already told me how he views wealthy women, but that isn’t why I’m turning down the gift. “I need to stand on my own and not rely on my trust fund or you. But I love you for the offer.”
