“It’s red wine.”
Bronwyn waited, but Grandmother didn’t elaborate. “We’re going to sand it out or maybe replace that part of the floor if necessary. And I’m going to have gorgeous hardwoods instead of carpet.”
“Mistake.”
Bronwyn pointed to the rich, gleaming floors around them. “How so?”
“Hardwood floors are lovely, but you want the padding and sound dampening of a carpet for your office. You’ll hear every sound. It will echo around the room. Like I said, a mistake.”
“Sorry, Grandmother. It’s too late to put the carpet back. We’ve moved everything out of the room except my desk. Cal Shaw is going to build me a new desk. He’s sending me a few sketches this weekend.”
At the mention of Cal, her grandmother’s expression went from displeased to angry.
“I told you not to associate with the Quinns.”
“Technically, Cal—”
“Don’t try that with me. He’s a Shaw and a Quinn.”
Bronwyn made a mental note to tell Cal that her grandmother didn’t like him, after all.
“Grandmother, the Quinns are lovely people.” It was an old argument, but one she would keep having. “They’ve never been anything but kind to me.” Far kinder than her own blood.
“Kindness? Is that what you want out of life? For people to be kind to you? Granddaughter, I hate to point this out, but the real world doesn’t run on kindness.”
Bronwyn selected a sandwich and studied the filling. Chicken salad. Her favorite. She took a bite and swallowed.
“Grandmother, I hate to point this out, but I learned about the real world a long time ago.” Before her grandmother could speak, she added, “Thank you for the chicken salad. It’s delicious.”
Grandmother waved away her thanks. “You’re the only one of my grandchildren who will have anything to do with me. I think you only come around for the food.”
“Now, Grandmother, is it possible you’ve failed to invite your other grandchildren for luncheon?”
“No, it is not. I invited Nathan last week. He declined—declined!—without any explanation at all.”
That was ... not normal. Nathan had a black belt in brownnosing. Grandmother’s will was going to make things interesting for everyone. No way Nathan would pass up an opportunity to schmooze Grandmother.
“I asked William if there was a problem, and he told me Nathan has been swamped at work.” At this, her grandmother cut her eyes to Bronwyn and shook her head. “You and I both know that isn’t true.”
Bronwyn held her grandmother’s gaze but didn’t flinch.
Grandmother sipped her tea.
“Are you going to eat?” Bronwyn asked.
“No.” Simple. To the point. “I’m dying, Bronwyn. The doctor says I only have a couple of weeks to live.” She stared at her teacup. “I don’t have time to squander. I won’t let anyone destroy what we built here.” She waved a hand around the room, but Bronwyn knew she meant The Haven. “My own children and grandchildren have done their best to make a mess of things, but here it stands. And it will continue. It must.”
She focused on Bronwyn, and just like that, Bronwyn was ten again, sitting at the dining room table getting an etiquette lesson. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ve done all I can do on my end. It’s up to you now.” She sniffed. “But I don’t like having the Quinns involved in our personal matters.”
“Grandmother—”
“Enough of that. Finish your lunch. You need to get back to work.”
Bronwyn dutifully took another bite. And then another. By the third bite, her grandmother was asleep.
What had she meant by done all she could?
