Oh, man. Blake scrubbed his hand over his face. “Good to know. Gotta take off or I’ll be late for lunch.”
He met his grandfather in the dining room. “Where’s Caroline?”
“Having lunch out with a few girlfriends. Sit down.”
“I know you’re interested in how the second store is doing. I brought a printout for the past two weeks.”
“Forget that. What’s with you and Vi?”
May as well tell him. “We’re not seeing each other right now.”
“And why is that?”
“She expects me to do what she wants.”
“I can’t read your mind, Blake. Spell it out.”
“She wants a commitment about the future.”
“Why the devil don’t you give it to her?”
“Maybe I don’t want to fall in love.” Which was the truth.
Grandpop snorted. “You already have. You’re scared, is that it?”
“I call it smart. I’m no fool. When a serious relationship ends, it hurts.”
“Ah, it all comes clear. You lost your father and your mother pulled away from you. Two losses at once, terrible times.” Grandpop narrowed his eyes. “Are you saying you’d rather be alone and protect your feelings than be with the woman who’s crazy about you, makes you happy and could give you a lifetime of joy?” He shook his head. “You can be a real thick-headed idiot. Vi is the best thing to happen to you since I don’t know when. If you’re not careful, you’ll lose her. Now, get out of here and do something about it.”
CHAPTER 31
On the drive home, Blake thought about what his grandfather had said. On top of that, Ross had seen Vi with another guy.
Already testing out someone new? That really fried him.
He stewed about it for the rest of the day and into the night until James distracted him with a good news phone call. Whitney was in labor. Blake spent several hours at the hospital, staying until he welcomed his niece and nephew into the world. Tiny, funny-looking little humans who stared straight into his eyes with utter trust and melted his heart.
Instant love.
He slept a few hours, then woke up thinking about the babies, the miracle of birth and new life.
And understood that he wanted kids of his own.
With Vi.
As Grandpop had wisely pointed out, he loved her. Hadn’t realized. He gave himself a mental smack in the head. How had he been so dense? His grandfather was right again—for a guy who was supposed to be smart, he was a real idiot.
Around dawn, he sent Vi a photo of James and Whitney each cradling a swaddled infant.Meet Alexis and Emmett. Born at 1:22 this morning. I’m an uncle!
He figured she’d be asleep, and her silence verified it. He’d brewed a pot of coffee, showered, dressed, and was contemplating breakfast when she replied.
So cute. Congrats to everyone!
That was it.
He’d expected more, wondered if she’d already moved on. Better go see her right away before it was too late. She didn’t like when he dropped in unannounced, but if she didn’t know he was on his way she couldn’t tell him not to come.
He reached the complex in record time. At this early hour, the guest parking area was mostly empty. After he punched the doorbell several times, she finally answered. In her bathrobe.
