While Liam was happy and engaged, I took the opportunity to head down to Betty’s garden to gather a bouquet of fresh flowers for his room. Although we were on the cusp of winter, there were still many varieties to choose from: daphnes, snowdrops, geraniums…even a few daffodils. If only it was the season for freesias. Liam’s would love that.
As I returned to the house some time later, I overheard Grayson and Josie talking in the drawing room. After promising Amy I’d keep an eye on Josie, I peeked through the crack of the closed French doors to make sure she was okay.
“I told Dad to get rid of Craig, but he wouldn’t listen.” Grayson paced the room. “Now Adam has to clean up the mess.”
Josie sighed from the armchair where she was feeding Harrison. “How bad is it?”
“The whole Ferguson deal is screwed. Adam’s had to sack everyone he hired for the project.”
Josie gasped. “Right before Thanksgiving?! That’s awful.”
“Normally, he’d wait until after the holidays and phase them out over time, but he’s so furious right now he can’t see reason.”
“He must have a lot of emotion bottled up. With work and Gramps’ condition…”
“He says it has nothing to do with Gramps, but I don’t know.” Grayson lowered his head as he scuffed the Persian rug with his foot. “I guess I haven’t been in his life too much lately to know what’s going on in his head.”
“Or who,” Josie added with a chuckle.
Grayson’s eyes shot up. “What?”
“You haven’t noticed the way he looks at Cassidy?” Josie smiled. “How he was with her at the wedding?”
My heart pounded in my chest. I should’ve left, but my feet were frozen in place.
“Yeah, I noticed,” he grumbled before crossing his arms. “But he also slept with Staci the night before.”
My stomach roiled at the reminder.
“You don’t know that.” Josie shook her head. “I think he’s changing.”
“Yeah, well, I told him to stay away from her anyway.”
“You what?”
“She’s here to look after Gramps, Jos. She doesn’t need my womanizing brother sniffing around.”
“Well, I don’t think you should be getting involved.”
“After what you said she’s been through, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Maybe not, but I know what I saw on Saturday night, and I wish I’d captured it on my camera.”
Grayson sighed. “Fine, I’ll stay out of it.” He peered down at his son and smiled. “Has he finished already?”
“Yep! Milk drunk and ready for another round of Grampa cuddles,” Josie said, lifting Harrison onto her shoulder.
As she stood, my flight reflex kicked in, and I bolted up the stairs, dipping into my bedroom moments before they ambled up the hallway.
“When’s everyone else getting here?” Josie asked as they made their way to Liam’s room.
“The helicopter’s bringing Adam over now, and Mom and Dad are arriving in the morning.”
“Oh, in that case, why don’t you take your brother out tonight? Try and get him to open up over a few drinks.”
I peeked out as they passed my doorway to see Grayson stop and turn to his wife. “Josie, I’m not leaving you for one second over this holiday.”
“It’s going to be different this year, I promise.” She clutched his bicep while carrying Harrison in her other arm. “I finally have something to be thankful for. My own little family.”