“I refuse to accept this,” Shelby’s father said to Mr. Greenwood. “Mom always planned to leave Shelby the shop. She mentioned it many times.”
“She did express that she wants the shop to continue under Shelby’s direction.”
Caleb glared at Gray. “She wouldn’t have done this without some kind of coercion.”
Mr. Greenwood cleared his throat. “I know this must be upsetting and you may not understand her reasons. But I assure you, Miss Viola was adamant about this decision.”
“We must have some legal recourse,” Stanley said.
“There’s always that option. But your mother was of sound mind—there’s not a soul alive who would dispute that. Frankly, I don’t think you’d have a legal leg to stand on.”
As Mr. Greenwood rambled on about legalities, Gray’s gaze slid to Shelby. Her long dark lashes swept downward, hiding her brown eyes. She clamped her lush lips together the way she’d always done when she was angry or about to cry. Which was the case right now?
Either way he couldn’t blame her. He had no right to that bookshop. Maybe he’d helped Viola a bit from afar, but he hadn’t even stepped foot inside the store since he’d left town eleven years ago. And the last thing he wanted was to hurt Shelby.
Time and distance had shown him what an idiot he’d been. Long before his tour in the Army was up, he’d realized he’d made a terrible mistake. But it was far too late. He’d already lost her.
Maybe he could somehow use this opportunity to finally make things right. He so regretted the way he’d hurt her. And the weight he’d carried for years seemed to get heavier by the day.
And seeing Shelby yesterday had stirred more than a desire for closure. At the first sight of her doe eyes, all those old feelings resurfaced. And seeing her with her boyfriend at the funeral home, his arm draped around her chair, sent jealousy roiling through him. He had no claim on Shelby. No right to these feelings. But they were there anyway.
Shelby lifted her eyes and narrowed them, pinning him with a flinty look.
Anger it is.
More anger. He would forfeit his share of the store. It was the least he could do. Maybe then she’d finally forgive him for being such an idiot when he was a kid.
He opened his mouth to say so... just as Mr. Greenwood’s last words rang out. “Whatever her intentions, your grandmother had your best interests at heart, Shelby. I can promise you that.”
She lowered her gaze to the table. Her fist closed around a tattered tissue.
Gray shut his mouth. No doubt he had a fair share of business acumen, but that wasn’t what this was about. Miss Viola had made no secret of her wish for Shelby to forgive him. The woman had arranged this stunt to accomplish just that.
Maybe he could carry out Miss Viola’s wishes while still making an honorable decision regarding the bookstore.
He cleared his throat as he stood, and all eyes darted his way. “I’d like to talk to Shelby alone.”
“I’ll bet you would,” Caleb said.
Mr. Greenwood gathered his papers. “I’m finished conveying Miss Viola’s wishes, so I’ll excuse myself. Feel free to read through the will and contact me with any questions you might have. You’re welcome to use the conference room as long as you like.”
Stanley stood and shook the attorney’s hand, thanking him for his time.
After Mr. Greenwood left, Shelby came to her feet, staring at Gray. Her eyes flashed and she lifted her elfin chin.
He’d seen that look a time or two. Gram had passed that stubborn gene right down to her granddaughter. Despite the gravity of the situation, he felt a smile forming—and squashed it quickly.
Shelby addressed her family. “Why don’t you guys head on out while I have a word with Gray.”
Her dad frowned. “You sure, honey? I can stick around awhile. I don’t have to work today.”
“That’s okay, Dad. I’ll be fine. Really.”
“I’m staying,” Caleb said.
Liddy handed him the baby carrier. “No, you’re not. You’re coming with us.” Her eyes warned him not to argue.
Caleb aimed a scowl at Gray as Liddy made her way toward the door.Then he set a hand on Shelby’s arm. “My phone is on. Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”
