Grace ran to Alex as soon as she was out of the car. Grinning, Merry walked up to Carlisle, shivering without her coat.
“It’s a good thing I got a dozen donuts,” she said. “I hope it’s okay that I got into the house. I remembered the code you put in.”
“Brilliant. I’m glad you did.”
“Alex and Grace, come and get a box to take inside,” she called to them, now taking short jumps in place, her arms wrapped around her.
“You must go in as well.” Carlisle put a hand on the small of her back and gave her a gentle push toward the house. “Perhaps you would be so good as to set up the refreshments. We should make short work of bringing in these boxes.”
“I brought hot chocolate too,” Merry said, jogging backward. “They delivered your dishes last night. I’ve got them in the dishwasher.”
“Watch the step!” he cried, moving toward her.
She turned just before hitting it with the heel of her boot, laughing as she danced up the two steps and ran into the house.
“Seriously, boss,” Nia said, holding a box as she came to stand beside him. “You need that woman in your life. Don’t let her go.” She strode into the garage.
Carlisle agreed wholeheartedly, though he didn’t say it aloud. By the time all the boxes were inside, Merry had the doughnuts displayed on one of the platters they’d ordered online and was scooping out steaming hot chocolate into the mugs he’d ordered because she’d liked them.
“You have a splendid view here,” Bart said as he chose a doughnut from the platter. “And it’ll only add a few more minutes to your commute.”
“I’m glad you’ve found such a beautiful home. Maybe it’ll keep you here.” Nia teasingly took her husband’s arm to keep him away from the donuts. He snagged one anyway and took a big bite before she could protest.
“Thank you for your help,” Carlisle said, walking them to the door.
“After the holidays, you should have a housewarming party,” Nia said.
“It’s something to consider, though I’m not one to put on a party by myself.”
“I’m sure you can find someone to help.” Nia shot a knowing look toward the kitchen where Merry was settling the children on the barstools with their hot chocolate and doughnuts. Nia and her husband hurried out the door, and Bart followed them.
Carlisle turned around and faced the large open space, enjoying the view from the large windows with a sense of coming home. While his grandfather’s estate in England didn’t get this much snow, neither were the summers as warm.
This house was very different from the one he’d shared with Cressy. The lifestyle they’d created in their few short years together, with the social gatherings among English society’s upper crust, had met his grandfather’s approval. But Carlisle had no desire to duplicate that life. His time in Wyoming had already shown him that he wanted something very different.
“What may I do to help?” Carlisle asked Merry, when she shifted to opening one of the boxes of kitchen supplies.
“You’ll want to put your clothes away in your bedroom.”
“That can wait. I’d rather help you in the kitchen.”
Merry handed him a pen and a tablet which already had writing on it.
“You’re setting up a kitchen from scratch, so you need everything.” She glanced at him, the corners of her mouth twitching. “And I’ll bet you’re clueless about what you should have on hand. Even when you hire a housekeeper, she’ll need supplies.”
“You speak nothing but the truth. Tell me what we’ll need.” He indicated the tablet.
As they worked, he admired her efficiency. He couldn’t, with any stretch of his imagination, think of a time his grandfather would know any of this. It was the work of servants. Yet, in truth, the old man’s mentality meant he couldn’t take care of himself. He had to hire people with that knowledge.
Grandfather continued to resist the need to give up control of his estate. He sat comfortably in his ancient home, confident Carlisle would carry on with the burdens.
When he and Cressy had first married, he’d tried to make the break then and had suggested hiring someone. His grandfather had refused, declaring he’d never trust anyone outside of the family.
Six months ago, Carlisle would never have considered declaring that he would no longer be available to care for the estate. It had become clear to him, however, that both his grandfather and uncle were confident in Carlisle’s stewardship. There was no reason for them to take on the responsibility. That was about to change.
Nia was right. It was time for him to actively pursue his interests. He would not abandon his grandfather but neither would Carlisle sacrifice his own happiness. There had to be a balance.
15
