“More than anything I just want you to be happy. I’m worried about how this might play out, but you’re a grown-up. I trust you can handle whatever happens.” He gazed at her, his expression growing intense. “How did you get to be so smart?”
Ah. The reference she’d made about her mom. About his being triggered by Gray’s sudden departure all those years ago. Her heart squeezed tight. Maybe Dad still had an issue or two. But he’d raised Caleb and her single-handedly. She’d always felt loved and cared for. Safe. He wasn’t perfect, but she admired him just the same. “I guess I’m just a chip off the old block.”
He gave a wry grin. “If that’s the case, then why am I just now figuring out why I’ve been so frustrated with your brother all these years?”
She gave his cheek a soft pat. “Better late than never, Dad.”
Chapter 38
Hard to believe it was already December. In four weeks Gray would return to Riverbend Gap and his job, putting three hours between him and Shelby. Where would they go from there?
He pushed the thought from his head and hunched over the laptop at his dining room table. He was recording the construction company’s incoming and outgoing finances. Gavin and Wes’s business was doing well. Their profits were up 38 percent over last year.
Gray sat up straight, stretching his neck. He’d been at this for almost two hours, but he was nearly finished. His phone buzzed with an incoming call and he grabbed it, hoping Shelby was reaching out. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her and planned to squeeze in every moment while he could.
But it was Gavin’s name on the screen. He accepted the call. “Hey there. I was just finishing up the books.”
“How’s it looking?”
“Good as usual. I guess you know you’re having another great year.”
“Sure feels like it. We’ve been busy enough.”
“I hope you guys aren’t too overwhelmed with me gone.”
“We’re managing. But we’ll be happy to have you back. In fact, that’s why I’m calling. Wes and I have been talking... We’d like to extend that offer of co-ownership we mentioned before. We were hoping you mightlike to buy into the business over the next few years. We’d love to have you on our team long term.”
Gray fell back in his seat. Well, this was sudden and unexpected. Yeah, they’d mentioned it in passing before, but not this directly. Maybe Gray’s leave of absence had them squirming a bit. “I don’t know what to say. I’m honored you’d want to bring me into the business. You and Wes have worked really hard to build it.”
“You’ve been a big part of that, Gray. We’d love to ensure you remain a part of it. I just wanted to put that out there so you can give it some thought. If you’re interested we can discuss terms and such when you return.”
Over the next few minutes Gavin caught him up on the open jobs, then Gray asked about the family. Gavin and his wife had two kids, and Wes and his wife, Avery, were expecting their first. The Robinson family seemed to be bursting at the seams.
When Gray finally ended the call, he sat there speechless. He truly was flattered they’d offered him a piece of their family business. Owning a company was something he’d been gunning for ever since high school, but would a partnership work for him? Would it give him the autonomy he craved? Part of his desire also stemmed from his inability to trust others. But he’d been healing in that area. He’d grown to respect and trust Gavin and Wes.
But ownership in Robinson Construction would also root him in Riverbend Gap. It was yet another layer of complication between Shelby and him.
The next evening Gray’s eyes drifted around the restaurant. Lit garlands draped from the nearby fireplace mantel, and two wreaths hung on the stone walls. Christmas music played lightly in the background, and the buzz of quiet conversation carried throughout the spacious room.
Gray gazed across the table at his beautiful date. Shelby’s light brownhair tumbled over her slim shoulders in waves, and her brown eyes gleamed in the candlelight, rivaling the sparkle of her grandma’s diamond earrings. Somehow Shelby had gotten even more gorgeous in the years he’d been away. She’d always been strong and smart and giving. But there was even more to admire about her now. He felt so proud as he watched her run the shop. She’d grown into the position with such confidence.
They were dining at The Grille at Bayside Marina tonight, Grandville’s most prestigious restaurant. When he’d made the reservation the other night just before closing, Shelby protested. She was worried about putting their relationship on such a big stage so quickly. “Can’t we ease into it? Walk the trails at Ramsey Park or grab supper at Davey’s BBQ? There’s a certain faction that won’t be pleased we’re dating, you know.”
He poked her in the side. “Like Brendan Remington?”
Her ex-boyfriend was recently divorced, but he hadn’t so much as glanced her way when she last spotted him at Publix. “If he’s still holding a grudge over a high school breakup, he needs to grow up. I just don’t want anything else happening to you.”
“Relax. We are easing into it. Our reservation is for Wednesday night. There’ll hardly be anyone there.” He wrapped his arms around her, loving the feel of her. “Besides, I used to dream of taking you to The Grille—and now I can finally afford to.”
Her expression softened. “I never cared where we went. I only wanted to be with you. But that’s very sweet.”
He pulled her closer. “Sweet enough I can have my way?”
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Fine, The Grille it is. But only if you let me havemyway.” And then she’d kissed his socks right off.
“Hello? You in there?” Shelby wore an amused expression.
“Sorry. What’d you say?”
