part0008

How did I not see my own grandmother struggling? How has it taken this beautiful, smart, and kind young woman to tell me that the woman who raised me is physically exhausted?

How fucking self-absorbed do I have to be not to see that? She’s nearly eighty for crying out loud. She should be on some luxurious island vacation, putting her feet up and enjoying her retirement. Not running around after me and the guests at Snowed Inn.

Something’s got to give.

Somehow, I have to figure out a way to get her some help. I can’t let her keep living like this. She may claim she loves it and it gives her joy, but she needs to rest. I’d rather have my grandmother around for a few more years than see her run herself into the ground.

“We need to come up with a plan of action,” Holly announces as she ties the Garland around the staircase that leads up to our rooms. She looks beautiful in her red off the shoulder sweater and leggings, and I have to remind myself she’s my kids best friend and off limits. “Gladys is stubborn. She won’t like being told to stop or slow down. I think once the initial shock has worn off, she’ll appreciate it.”

She’s got a sister in Detroit she hasn’t seen for a while, maybe I could arrange for her to have a few days there before Gabrielle’s birthday. It’s what, a two hour drive each way? I could take her tonight if I wanted to.

“I could take her to her sister’s in Detroit,” I suggest, passing her some faux berries to fix onto the garland. Holly bends a little to secure them and my eyes lower to her curvy ass. The pulse in my neck throbs. My pulse isn’t the only thing that’s throbbing. I have to look away. “They haven’t seen each other in a while because of this place, and traveling. I could drive her up there and Gabrielle could pick her up and bring her back in a couple days.”

The stunning smile that graces her beautiful face makes me feel like I’ve just won the Heisman, and shit if I don’t want to pull her close and kiss the hell out of her. “That’s perfect!” she squeals excitedly, jumping up and down, and I can’t help but chuckle. Her enthusiasm is infectious. “When should we tell her?”

I arch a brow at her use of the word we. “We?” I smirk.

Her gorgeous green eyes widen and she quickly busies herself in attaching the berries. “I... I meant nothing by it. She’s your grandma, I just...” She’s flustered and I love it.

Hell, maybe I love it too much.

“Chill, Martha . I’m teasing you.” I chuckle. “Without you, I wouldn’t have even known she needed a break.”

She’s only been in my life for two days, but in those couple of days she’s made me feel more alive than I have in the last eighteen years.

Holly takes a seat on the stairs and runs a hand through her hair. “Firstly, I’m not sure I like this new Martha thing you’ve got going on. I feel like you’re insulting me.” She’s smiling as she says it, so I know she doesn’t really mean it. “And secondly, I’ll help you tell her if you want, but I’m thinking you may need to contact her sister first.”

Lifting my arm, I check my watch.

If I leave soon, I can beat the rush and get back here in time to help Holly finish the rest of the decorations.

Standing, she descends the last few steps until she’s eye level with me. “Go. Phone her sister. Take care of your grandma. I can finish the rest of this.”

I hesitate for a moment. “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”

Holly rests a hand on my arm and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on edge. “I’ll be fine. I’ll speak to Gladys and find out if anyone’s due to check-in tonight, and I’ll whip up something light but filling for dinner.” She urges me backward. God, I love the feel of her hands in my skin. “If you’re that worried, give me your cell number and you can call me to check-in.”

“You sure you don’t mind? I feel like I’m lumbering you with everything.”

“Nicholas Joseph Clayton, stop worrying. I’ll be perfectly fine. I help run a business at home, you know.”

God, this girl. She’s absolutely perfect.

Without thinking, I press a kiss to her forehead. “You’re amazing.” Taking my phone out of my pocket, I give it to her to program her number. When she passes it back, I move around her and head up the stairs. “I won’t be gone long, okay? If you need anything, call me.”