Alistaire nodded. “I’m not sure if I should take it.”
“I don’t think you should,” Rosemary said.
“Why not?” Alistaire was confused by her response; he’d have thought she’d want him to stick around.
“I don’t think you’ll ever feel settled here, little Alistaire,” She responded after a few seconds of silence. “As beautiful and inviting as Vale Valley is, you’re only visiting. In your heart, you know this.” Rosemary reached over and cupped his right cheek, smiling. “You’re like Kayne in so many ways. He wasn’t meant to live in a small town, and neither are you. As much as I want you to stay, I know you will leave to do greater things one day. Alistaire, let your heart lead you to where you should go. Right now, your heart is conflicted. And until it’s clear, you won’t be able to see where you belong.”
“Where’s all this coming from?”
“You’re not the only one who likes to people watch.” Rosemary winked. “When you leave, just promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll come back and visit me once in a while. I’ve grown attached to you.”
Alistaire took both of her hands in his, bringing them to his lips and kissing her fingers. “After living so long, I finally have a seanmháthair to cherish. If I choose to leave, I will definitely come home to visit.”
“I’m honored to be your grandmother.” Rosemary smiles. “You’re a good man, Alistaire McBain-Vale.”
Rosemary smiled, then unbuckled her seatbelt, getting ready to get out of the car. Alistaire being the gentleman he was, got out of the car and rushed to her side to help her out. They both walked up to the stairs, and just as Rosemary was about to knock, the door opened. A beautiful woman with black hair, bright blue eyes, and a smile that could melt an ice glacier opened the door. Alistaire had seen her a couple of times around town but never said one word to her.
“Rosemary, how lovely to see you. Come on in, please.”
“Aria, how are you?” Rosemary stepped inside, Alistaire along with her.
“I’m doing wonderful being a new grandmother and all.” Aria took their coats and hung them on the rack by the door.
The house was just as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. From what Alistaire could see standing in the large foyer, he could tell that the house was tastefully decorated in brown, cream, and gray splashes that made it feel inviting.
“Congratulations,” Rosemary hugged Aria, who gasped and leaned back to look at her.
“You’re pregnant!” Aria said in excitement.
“I am,” Rosemary beamed.
“That’s wonderful news, my dearest friend. I’m so happy for you.” Aria pulled her into another hug, and Alistaire could see her genuine joy for Rosemary was written all over her face.
“Did I hear you say someone is pregnant?”
Alistaire looked away from Rosemary and Aria to the newcomer that entered the foyer. The man was gorgeous with silver-blond hair and green eyes.
“Love, Rosemary is pregnant,” Aria announced.
“Really!” The guy pulled Rosemary into a hug. “Congratulations!” The guy’s eyes widened when he saw Alistaire standing by the door. The man stepped back from Rosemary and walked over to Alistaire with his hand out.
“Barret Hannigan. I’ve been neglectful in showing my gratitude, Captain Vale.”
“Um…for what?” Alistaire looked at Barret Hannigan’s hand then back to the man’s handsome face.
“For saving my son and granddaughter’s lives.”
Shit, not this again.
Alistaire didn’t want to think or talk about saving that guy’s life. He hadn’t told anyone, but he was sure that the guy had died. But before he could administer CPR, the guy had come back to life, which was great. However, something felt off, but Alistaire hadn’t had time to investigate, not with the guy about to give birth.
“It’s nothing to thank me for. I did what anyone would have done.” Alistaire pasted a smile on his face and shook Barret’s hand quickly, then released it.
“I must apologize for my rudeness, as well.” Aria stepped beside Barret. “And to make up for it, I’m inviting you to stay for lunch and dinner. And to make it extra special, I’ll cook.”
