Would Merry still accompany him, even if only as a friend? The image of her clenched her jaw when they’d departed last night came to mind. There’d been an agony in her eyes which had twisted his gut. He had to believe there was a part of her which wanted to pursue her feelings for him—and he was convinced she did care. Surely for the sake of the children, she wouldn’t break off their friendship.
“Boss?” Nia touched his arm, pulling him from his musings.
Carlisle blinked, surprised to find her still there.
“The realtor got back last night with a list of houses for you to check out.” The corners of her mouth quirked up in a conspiratorial smile. “Don’t you think Grace would like to have her best friend come with you two to check them out?”
“Why, yes. I’m sure she’d want Alex to accompany us.” He tapped his tablet to pull up the list. “If I’m successful, I’d like a home which could accommodate visits by my grandfather and he wouldn’t consider too much of a step down in status. I know a small town like Huckleberry Falls may not have many options.”
“I’ve looked at the pictures. You’ll be surprised. A lot of rich and famous people come here to visit, and they don’t always want to stay in a hotel. You could also build something. Then you’d be sure to get what you want.”
A conversation tickled the edges of Carlisle’s memory. Something about an Irish castle in the Pacific Northwest.
“Nia, does America have castles?”
She blinked at the change in topic. “Yes. Remember that report I helped my daughter with last fall? Let me think. There’s the Hearst Castle in California. The Biltmore in North Carolina. New York has the Boldt Castle—it’s on an island and has its own drawbridge. Then there’s the—”
Carlisle raised his hand, and she broke off. He said, “Do me a favor and send me the list. I believe I may know a way to convince my grandfather that America wouldn’t be a step down.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Nia stepped toward the door but turned back and said, “I’m sure Grace will be glad to have a home again.”
Carlisle slowly collected his things and pondered his assistant’s closing words. Was Grace unhappy at the bed-and-breakfast? The Williams had been kind and welcoming to them. Carlisle often would find Grace in the kitchen with Lizbeth helping to bake something. The ease of living there had been one reason he’d taken so long to look for more permanent lodgings. It appeared he might have done his daughter a disservice here as well.
Perhaps Merry could give him some insight into the situation.
* * *
Merry putteredaround her house the next morning, glad she didn’t work that day. It was going to be bad enough tomorrow when she finally had to go back into the shop. She knew her coworkers too well, and they were bound to bring up Carlisle.
Her heart twisted, and she had to fight an unexpected urge to cry. Again.
How could she have let herself fall in love with Carlisle Wyndham? She’dknownhe wouldn’t be staying. They’d never even been on a date, for pity’s sake. Yet, somehow, it’d snuck up on her; tripped her despite her best intentions.
And that kiss.No.
As soon as she told herself not to think about it, memories flooded her mind. She could almost feel the bristle of his five-o’clock shadow under her fingers, smell the delicious bouquet that was his own. Feel his lips—
Stop!
What was she going to do when he completed his project, when he and Grace moved on and left Merry and Alex behind?
At the very least, they were friends. They could stay in touch. She could add him to her Christmas cards list. Would he mail her one in return, something dispassionate that he sent to casual acquaintances? Once the children drifted apart, would the contact end completely?
Merry rubbed her temples and tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She was a mess.
Her phone pinged to indicate a text message. What if it were from Carlisle? She fumbled with her phone as she pulled it from her pocket. It was from him.
Are you off today?
Merry’s hands shook. She reminded herself they were friends.
Yes. I’m picking up Alex from school at 11:30.
I have a list of houses for sale. Grace and I plan to check a few out this afternoon. Would you and Alex join us in our search for a new home?
It wasn’t Alex’s fault she’d tripped and fallen in love with Grace’s father.
Yes.
