I screwed up my nose. “Fair enough. Finn isn’t a morning person anyway.”
“We have something in common already.”
I tilted my head. “You seem okay this morning.”
His twinkling eyes met mine. “There’s a reason for that.”
Finn and I were playing chess in the library when Adam finally resurfaced. Liam was asleep, and Grayson and Josie had taken Harrison into town, leaving us to enjoy some quiet time by the fire.
My gaze flickered up to Adam’s stationary frame in the doorway, giving my heart a start. “Hey, Adam,” I said with an unexpected rasp. He looked incredible in his casual attire with his freshly washed hair slicked back. I could only imagine how good he smelled.
“I thought I’d find you here.” With hands tucked into well-worn designer jeans, Adam sheepishly edged into the room until he was standing before us. “This must be Finn.”
“Finn, this is Liam’s grandson, Adam.”
Finn stood and reached out his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
Adam’s eyebrows rose as he swamped my son’s little fingers. “Likewise.”
“Adam visits his grampa on weekends.”
“I’ll be here a little longer over Christmas, though,” he said, glancing my way.
My heartbeat quickened. “But Adam is a very busy man, so we mustn’t get in his way.”
“Relax, Cass.” Adam rolled his eyes. “It’s the holidays.”
I wrinkled my nose. “I didn’t think you took off for the holidays.”
“Well, I’m making an exception this Christmas.”
I held his gaze as I absorbed the warmth of his smile. “Liam will love that.”
Adam drew in a deep breath as he turned to Finn. “So…has your mom given you the grand tour yet?”
“I don’t want him getting lost,” I interjected. “So, I’ve only shown him a few rooms.”
“Then you haven’t seen the best parts.”
Nora appeared in the doorway, drawing my attention. “Cassidy, would you mind seeing Liam? He has a little pain in his side. I’m hoping you can help ease it.”
“Of course.” I rose to my feet. “Finn, why don’t you go back to our room and watch some TV.”
As Finn’s shoulders slumped, Adam spoke up. “I can finish the game with him, if you like?” His nonchalance confused me.Didn’t Adam hate kids?“When you get back, we can show him the best parts of Harlow Manor.”
“Are you sure?”
“Go,” he said, nodding his head toward the door. He sounded like his grandfather.
My gaze panned between my beautiful boy and the man who stood confidently before me. “Thanks,” I uttered through my bewilderment. “But don’t go easy on him. You’ll regret it.”
Adam chortled as he sat. “How good can he be?”
25
After Liam drifted back to sleep, I walked up the hall toward Finn’s distinctive laughter. When Adam’s deep-chested chuckle followed, my heart liquified. I nudged open the library door to spy Adam rubbing his jaw as he contemplated his next move, while Finn grinned ear to ear—a look I knew all too well.
“Your son is about to beat me,” Adam uttered, clearly sensing my presence.