“Thank you. Itwasquite a shock.”
“How did he die?”
“Heart attack.” Her cousin took his plate and left the room.
Eve heaved out a sigh. “I wish I knew how to help my grandfather. I know he doesn’t trust Graham.”
“All you can do is make suggestions, and your grandfather will have to decide how to proceed,” Darius said.
“I’m going to see him now.” She put down her napkin and rose. “Will you come with me?”
“Wewill,” Joe said.
“Let’s go then.”
* * *
Darius and Joewalked with Eve up the hallway, one on each side. He hoped she recognized it for the sign of support it was meant to be. She knocked, and the servant Alan opened it.
“I’m afraid Mr. Stewart is resting.” The man started to shut the door.
“I’ll see that for myself.”
Eve pushed past the man, and when he would have reached out to stop her, Joe grasped his wrist.
“Miss Stewart wants to see her grandfather, and you’re not going to stop her,” the bodyguard said.
Darius didn’t wait but brushed past them and into the room. Eve was standing at the side of the bed, holding the wrist of an elderly man. The resemblance between him and her father was strong.
“Have you rested well today? You don’t feel feverish.” She continued without giving the old man a chance to reply. “Did your headache come back? What did you have for lunch?”
“I can’t answer your questions unless you give me time,” her grandfather said with a chuckle. It was obvious the old man was enjoying the attention. He looked over at Darius, and his eyes widened. “Is that giant of a man your fiancé?”
“Yes.” Eve stood and waved Darius over. When he stood beside her, she took his hand. “Darius Dimitriou, I’d like you to meet my grandfather, Archibald Stewart.”
“Dimitriou? Isn’t that Greek?” His narrowed eyes studied Darius, disapproval coming off him.
“Yes, sir, it is, but I’m American. And Eve’s told me I need to embrace my Scottish/Greek connection.”
The old man frowned and looked to her for clarification.
“Do you mean Greek prince Goídel Glas and his wife Scota?” she asked Darius with a grin.
“Aye.” Her grandfather’s expression lightened. “Scota settled not far from here in Argyll.”
“See, sir. We’re practically cousins.” Darius extended his hand and the old man shook it.
“How long have you known her?”
“Since we were children. We went to school together.”
“How long have youlovedher?”
“Granddad,” Eve said, irritated.
“Sir, I’ve loved her since the first time I met her. It just took me a long time to realize it.” Darius didn’t mean for the words to come out with so much emotion, but they did. She shot him a startled glance, and he shrugged. As the words had left his mouth, he’d known the truth of them. He was definitely going to have to get in touch with Melanie, whether she wanted to talk to him or not.
“I’m glad to hear it. Bruce has a bonnie daughter here. Did you know she’s the only female in five generations?” Mr. Stewart said with pride, “MyEvelynn.”
