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“I hope you don’t mind my suggestion,” she said hesitantly. “I just figured, if it’s something else you have a passion for still, why not pursue it?”

She winced, and Matthew pulled out from his thoughts. She must think he was upset with her for her suggestion. “No, I don’t mind your thoughts at all,” he quickly corrected. “I actually really appreciate them. And truth be told, I’ve considered doing the online thing, especially during the winters when we don’t hold the festival. I usually spend those months working around Foxwood, but now that Dad is more self-sufficient and I have more time, teaching would work even better. I just…” He shrugged. “I don’t know if I could actually pull it off. Or if my dad would approve of another foolhardy idea from his son that he’d later have to bail him out of.”

Winnie peered up at him, her eyes taking on a serious note. “You really think he wouldn’t support you?”

Matthew didn’t have to think for a minute. “No. He would. He always has. I guess I just don’t want to disappoint him again like I did with the festival.”

“I highly doubt you could ever be a disappointment to your dad.”

He gave her a knowing look. “Hiring a consultant to replace me sort of proves you wrong, Miss Knox.”

She smiled. “No, but really. He loves you so much. He clearly just wants to help.” She looked away, her features sobering. “Even if you were a disappointment to him, I hope you wouldn’t ever let it stop you from doing what you really wanted to do. Like I did.”

Matthew stared. Was she referring to the careers that hadn’t worked out or something else entirely?

He wanted to ask, but she turned to face the darkened display room more directly.

“Anyway,” she said. “If you ever need any help getting anything like that started up, I know of a consultant who considers herself slightly well-versed in helping businesses, whether they’re brand new or highly seasoned.”

He peered down at her with a smile. “It’s good to hear you talking about yourself in a positive light again.”

She shrugged. “I figured it was about time Winnie-Freakin’-Knox made another appearance.”

A chuckle pulled from his chest.

“Seriously though,” she continued. “I’d be more than happy to lend some advice. No pressure, though.”

“Well, I appreciate it,” Matthew said sincerely. “I’ll be sure to take you up on the offer.”

They walked to the next exhibit, but he still stared after her, just as he did while they made their way through the museum. Her whole demeanor, her whole person had altered so greatly, he could hardly comprehend it. Then again, had he not changed, too? He wasn’t being a total cretin now, criticizing her and finding fault with her at every turn. Instead, he was doing exactly as Dad had taught his entire life—something Matthew should have done from the beginning.

Giving Winnie a chance.

He was only glad he could do so before she left England for good because now, her opinion mattered to him.

It mattered to him more than he cared to admit.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

The rest of the day passed by swiftly, and soon, the two of them were headed outside of the museum.

As they left the warmth and comfort of the building, they were met with cooler temperatures, a storm having blown in to cover the sunshine and fill the city with rain. With the afternoon drawing to a close and the poorer weather creating puddles across pathways, the streets that had once been filled were swiftly deserted by tourists and residents alike, allowing Matthew and Winnie to reach the car much faster.

She thanked him for opening her door for her, then lowered herself into the vehicle, peeling off her raincoat and buckling up as Matthew got in on the other side.

He made to start the car, but unsurprisingly, Minnie struggled to meet expectations yet again, stalling for what seemed the hundredth time that trip.

“Come on, girl,” Matthew soothed, rubbing the steering wheel again.

“Do you really think that helps?” Winnie asked.

He held up a finger to silence her.

She did as she was told, but when the car stalled again, Winnie had to hide a smile. “She’s quite temperamental, isn’t she?”

“Aren’t all women?” Matthew asked. “Weren’t you just saying that she was growing on you?”

“That was before when she was actually doing what she was told.”