Gray put his hands up, palms out. “I didn’t do anything. I don’t know why he invited me.”
“Alrighty then!” Mr. Greenwood swept into the office, seemingly oblivious to the thick fog of tension. “Your dad’s on his way in so we’ll get on with the reading in just a moment. Have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable.”
They all settled as Becky brought in coffee service and set it on a buffet table behind Gray. “Can I pour y’all a cup?”
Since Liddy was taking Ollie from the carrier and her brother was busy glaring at Gray, Shelby answered. “We’ll just help ourselves. Thank you, Becky.”
Becky offered a parting smile that toppled when she glanced Gray’s way, then she vanished through the doorway.
Mr. Greenwood pulled documents from a file while Shelby’s mind spun. Gram must’ve left Gray something. She couldn’t think what. Gram didn’t have anything that—Oh.The necklace and china. Gray’s grandma had left Gram a pearl necklace and her wedding china. Gram would now pass those items to Dorothy’s grandson. Of course. It all made sense now. Shelby’s shoulders slumped on an exhale.
Dad entered the room, seeming a little harried. “Sorry I’m a little late. There was—” His gaze stopped on Gray, his prominent brows pinching together over soft blue eyes. He’d combed his salt-and-pepper hair back, showing off a hairline that hadn’t receded so much as a centimeter. He’d dressed casually in jeans and a button-down.
“You’re right on time,” Mr. Greenwood said. “Come on in and take a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
“No, thank you.” Dad pulled his gaze from Gray and took a seat on Shelby’s other side.
As he settled, Shelby dared a glance at her ex-boyfriend. He burned a hole through the conference table as he spun a to-go cup from Latte Da with his left hand.
“Alrighty then. Thank you for coming down today. You’re all here as beneficiaries of Miss Viola’s will. And as I conveyed on the phone, we usually don’t hold formal will readings, but this is what Miss Viola requested.”
He continued talking, but Shelby made a connection while he did so. Gram had always rooted for Gray and Shelby. She’d been so convinced they were meant for each other. Shoot, at one time Shelby had been just as convinced.
Gram had pushed her on it for a while. For years, really, until Shelby finally put her foot down.
“It’s over between us, Gram. I know you don’t like change, but sometimes it’s for the best. Sometimes change is necessary for growth. Let it go.”
But Gram had been stubborn and convinced she was right. She’d probably set up this reading to force them together in the same room. Ridiculous, since she couldn’t have known when she was going to pass. For heaven’s sake, Shelby could’ve been married by now. Not to mention Gray.
Her gaze flitted toward the hand still fiddling with the coffee cup. To the fourth finger. Bare.
“Did you just check out his ring finger, Sweet Girl?”Gram’s voice held that familiar note of humor.
I’m just curious. It’s completely natural.
“Whatever you say.”
“Is that okay with everyone?” Mr. Greenwood said.
“Of course,” Dad said.
Caleb folded his arms. “Fine by me.”
Gray offered a nod.
All eyes were on her. What was the question again? Shelby squirmed in her seat. “Uh, yes. Sure.”
“Overview it is then,” Mr. Greenwood said. “I’ll go ahead and pass these out so you each have a copy for your records.” He proceeded to do just that.
Shelby took the stapled document and set it on the table, her eyes pinned on the heading:Last Will and Testament of Viola Elaine Thatcher.
Gram was dead.
No matter how many times Shelby told herself that, it still didn’t seem real. Just last week she had entered the bookshop to find her grandma on a ladder, shelving a new first edition ofThe Exiles.After Shelby had shooed her off the ladder, they’d debated whether or not they needed a website—they did. Then they chatted about a few new releases, thenNormal People, which led them as always to that dream trip to Ireland they’d always wanted to take.
And never would now.
Shelby tried to take comfort in the fact that Gram had had a good, long life and had passed peacefully in her sleep. Who could ask for more? But that wouldn’t stop them all from missing her terribly. It wouldn’t fix the gutted feeling that left her chest hollow and aching.
