Page 14 of Lovestrung

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Once we were back inside the house, I wanted to check in on Gramps. I removed my sweater and placed the keys in the small bowl standing on the dresser in the hall.

“Let me just go say goodnight and see if he needs anything,” I told Ethan.

He smiled softly at me.

“Sure. I’ll make sure Bernie’s water bowl is filled and turn out the lights.”

“Thanks. The guest bedroom is upstairs.”

Ethan shook his head at me, making me frown in confusion.

“I know, Pippa. It hasn’t been that long since I’ve been here. I remember where it is.”

Feeling slightly embarrassed that I’d implied that, I nodded once.

“Oh, right, of course.” I pulled my hair free of the hair-tie and shook my head as I let out a small sigh n relief. I quirked my lips at Ethan.

“I won’t be long.”

“See you soon.”

Quickly, I went to the very back of the house where the old library-slash-Gramps’-bedroom was. The door was ajar, letting out a soft glow from his bedside lamp, and I knocked softly.

“Come on in, girl,” Gramps’ tired voice called out.

I pushed the door and quickly scanned the room, checking to see if he had everything he needed, and walked closer. He was sitting up in his bed, pillows tucked behind him, that was in the middle of the room. He held a book in his hands, and his legs out before him. It was my favorite room of the house, and when he’d first wanted to move down here when taking the stairs had become too much for him, I’d done what I could to make sure he’d feel right at home.

The old, wooden desk had been moved to the side, old maps littered on the surface, and I knew the drawers held countless journals of his travels because he’d let me read them whenever I came to visit as a child. His globe sat on top of the desk, free of dust, because that’s how I liked it. I liked order, but I didn’t dare tidying the desk too much, not wanting to overstep Gramps’ boundaries.

I moved my eyes to him. Seeing him in his usual pinstriped pajamas comforted me, albeit it filled me with a twinge of regret, too. I remembered a time not that long ago when he’d still been able to walk briskly, holding my hand as he tried to persuade me to take over the Montgomery vineyard when I got older. Even then, I knew that the family business wasn’t for me, and I’d told him over and over until he finally believed me. I still wasn’t sure where I fit in the world, but maybe I’d have the answer after the year was over.

“I just wanted to see if there’s anything you need before I head to bed?” I took his hand as I sat down on the chair next to his bed. I smiled fondly at him. Gramps might be getting on in years – he had just turned eighty-five years old – but he could still get himself dressed despite the problems with his knees. Old age and arthritis were hell on a man who’d been used to exercise every day.

He removed his reading glasses and shook his head.

“I’m fine. Ethan’s staying the night?”

“Yeah.” I looked down at his weathered hand in mine.

“And you’re okay with that?”

I raised my eyes and tilted my head at him.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Gramps chuckled as he squeezed my hand.

“You can’t fool me, girl, but I’ll respect your privacy.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

He sighed. “You’re as hard-headed as your dad. Always have been.”