Page 32 of The Grump I Married
“Where do I hide my stash of secret office chocolate bars?”
“In the cupboard behind the printer paper.”
“You’re not supposed to know that.” She frowned. “What’s my favorite machine at the gym?”
“You’re always on the treadmill when I call, but that’s a trick question! You hate the gym.”
She threw her head back and laughed, powdered sugar on her lips. “I really do!”
Something in my chest roared with pride at hearing her laughter and knowing I’d caused it. I was impressed that I’d gotten even her trickier questions right, but even more proud of the way she flushed as her laughter faded.
“Guess you do pay attention,” she admitted.
“Hiya, you two!”
I stopped short as Old Jo appeared, dragging a small rolling cart behind her.
“Hello,” Lena said politely.
“Out for a wander?” the woman asked.
“Sorting some things out for the funeral,” I said.
Jo nodded, touching my arm. “The hardest parts are almost over. And after that, we’ll all figure out the best way to honor Pete at this year’s festival. Everyone’s just so chuffed you two are coming on board to spearhead the planning. Your Grandad really was the foundation of the festival, and no one on the committee could even imagine it happening with anyone but Pete’s grandson at the helm.”
Hmm. That’s not exactly the impression I’d gotten the other day.
“And his granddaughter-in-law, too, of course,” Jo added, patting Lena’s shoulder. “Anyway, I’m off to the shops.” She waved and toddled off.
“Is the festival really that big of a deal?” Lena asked, watching her go.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “It’s been the major event of the summer for as long as I can remember. And it reallydidmean a lot to Grandad. I remember being a kid, following him around with a clipboard of my own, making sure all the booths were set up properly.” I took Lena’s arm again. “When I was a little older, I’d come here every summer for Grandad’s monthlong summer Highland Adventure Camp, and all the campers would go to the festival. It’s how we celebrated the end of camp.”
Lena smiled softly. “That sounds really fun, actually.”
“Grandad was all about family and community and philanthropy,” I said, getting unexpectedly choked up. “It was important to him to carry on that legacy and pass it down to the next generation. And I never want to lose sight of that. I never want to stop following in his footsteps.” Especially since my dad couldn’t be bothered. I considered it both an honor and a privilege to do so.
“I know your grandfather would be proud,” Lena said. “He’d be impressed to see how hard you’re working to secure Lochbrae and take positive steps forward with the town. And, for what it’s worth, I’m glad I can play a small part in making sure you get to hold onto the estate.” A strange look passed over her face. “It’ll be a nice place for the next generation of Kincaids to grow up one day.”
“It will be,” I agreed, noting that her smile looked uncomfortably strained.
9
LENA
Thunk!
“You said afewfiles,” Weston complained as I dropped the stack down on the enormous dining room table in front of him. The thing was bigger than my entire kitchen back in Houston. I was still getting used to the sheer size of some of the furniture, but they fit the setting. My tiny kitchen table would look toy sized in this space.
“Thisisa few,” I insisted. “Do you know how many drawers are in your grandfather’s office? And how many files are in each of those drawers? I only brought the ones that were labeledfestival.” I plopped down in one of the tall Jacobean chairs next to him. “You’re welcome for sorting through all of those, by the way.”
Weston grimaced, sifting through the folders.
I reached for half of the cheese toastie Agnes had brought out along with a steaming cup of tea. When I’d said we should start going through some of the files I’d pulled from Pete’s office, she’d insisted on making us a snack to tide us over until dinner.
“I think it’s important for us to get a general sense of the work we’ve gotten ourselves into. And it’ll make a good impression on the town if we walk into that next festival meeting somewhat prepared.”
Weston flipped the first file open. His face fell immediately. “Fecking hell.”
