“Nana Rose,” he greeted back.
She took his elbow, and they both started walking down the stairs. “I like the sound of that, you know.”
“What?”
“You calling me Nana.”
Alistaire smiled. “I don’t mind calling you it.”
“So, what are your plans for the day?”
Alistaire had taken the day off from work since he had a lot of time on the books. “I’m going to look for an apartment.”
“Why? Don’t you like living here?” They reached the kitchen, and Rosemary started making a cup of tea while Alistaire fixed himself a cup of coffee, adding a small bit of cream. “You can stay here for as long as you want. It’s not like we don’t have the room.”
“I know that. But I’m an adult, Nana Rose. I shouldn’t still be living at home.” Alistaire sat down at the table, reaching for a cheese danish. He took a large bite, humming in delight, noticing Rosemary was staring at him. “Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have crumbs on my face?”
“Don’t talk with food in your mouth,” she chastised lightly, sitting down beside him and grabbing a glazed jelly donut for herself. “Are you going to use a realtor?”
“Yeah. I set up an appointment with Valley Living for later today.”
“What a coincidence,” Rosemary said. “I don’t have any classes for the next couple of weeks, so I planned on seeing Aria Hannigan today. I want a few specialty wines for the wedding, so why don’t you come with me? You can speak with Moressa.”
“Moressa?”
Rosemary huffed. “How is it you know about my affairs, but you don’t know about Moressa Taylor-Hannigan?”
Alistaire rolled his eyes. He didn’t know about her because she wasn’t family and didn’t pique his interest.
“Moressa is the sweetest woman in the world—it’s no wonder her mates adore her so much. She’s Aria and Barret’s daughter-in-law. She also the owner of Valley Living and is the best damn realtor in town.”
“She sounds lovely. I can’t wait to meet her.” Alistaire finished his coffee and danish then looked at his watch. “What time do you want to go?”
“Now would be a perfect time.”
Alistaire nodded.
They finished off their coffee and tea and were out of the door soon after. On the drive to the Hannigans, he got to know Rosemary a bit more, finding her delightful. He understood why everyone he spoke to loved her. Rosemary was vibrant and full of life. Alistaire rolled down the driver side window and pressed the intercom button when they pulled up to the large gates.
“Yes,” came the response a few seconds later.
“Aria dear, it’s Rosemary.”
“Rosemary, come on up.”
Once the gates opened, Alistaire drove onto the property—taking in the beautiful scenery. The lake and trees that framed the Georgian Mansion and the manicured lawn covered in a light dusting of falling snow looked as if he was driving up to a movie set.
“It’s beautiful here,” Alistaire remarked.
Rosemary hummed in response. “I always enjoy visiting with Aria and Barret. The Hannigans have lived in Vale Valley for as long as I have.”
“Really?” Alistaire parked in the long driveway, wondering why he felt nervous.
“Yes, they moved here a few months after Trenton and I did. Back then, the town didn’t have a name, nor was the magic strong enough to protect those already here. When Armand told me he wanted to fix a dying town with magic, I thought he was crazy, but I knew that I would never leave after setting foot into the town. My sister, Ermaline, did as well. I know Aria and Barret felt the same way, just as most of the residents. With their help and Ermaline’s magic, the once dying town grew into what you see today.” Rosemary turned in her seat to look at Alistaire. “I know you don’t feel settled in Vale Valley, Alistaire.”
“It’s not—“
“Let me finish,” Rosemary said, cutting him off. “I know that LaMarkus asked you to take over for him.”
