Page 111 of The Last Goodbye

I snorted. “That’s an understatement. I can’t imagine what the first time coming here must have been like for you. Were you nervous?”

“Very. I’d actually met Denton for coffee first, and then I met my father for lunch in the city before he brought me out to the house. I did end up spending a lot of time here when I was in law school. I’d take long weekends, and every break I had, I came here. Tabitha spends a lot of time at their place in the city as well as going on monthlong trips to Europe, so I would come when I knew she wasn’t here.”

I shook my head. “Damn, Magpie. That had to be culture shock. Do you ever feel like you don’t belong here?”

“Oddly, I only feel that way when my family’s here. When I come alone, I have the best time. And I really love everyone who works out here.”

“Peter definitely likes you being here.” I shoved my tongue in my cheek and pursed my lips.

She sighed. “I love a jealous McGrumpy.”

Yeah, I love you too, Magpie.

twenty-six

​. . .​

Briar

We strolled toward the parlor while classical music played through hidden speakers in the house. I heard the voices of my brother and father in the distance.

“Here we go,” I whispered under my breath as we walked into the room, my hand tucked into Bass’s hand.

I was grateful he was here. I hadn’t realized how much better it would be to have him here with me. Facing this group alone was intimidating otherwise.

But having someone in your corner—it made a big difference.

“There she is,” my father said as he stood. He set his scotch down on the table in front of the couch and moved toward me. “Hello, sweetheart. You look lovely.”

“Thank you. Happy early birthday. I’m happy to be here to celebrate with you,” I said, turning toward the man beside me. “You’ve heard a lot about Bass, but now you can formally meet in person. Bass, this is my father, William Winchester.”

“Hello, Mr. Bennett.” My father’s voice was chilly, but that wasn’t abnormal for him.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Winchester.”

I could tell Bass wasn’t intimidated by my father like most people were. Bass was the kind of man who didn’t care how much money you had. He judged people by how they treated others, how they spoke to him—sort of the way most people did. But he was less impressed by money than most.

He’d worked hard for his, and he didn’t seem to care about what other people had.

He held himself to his own standards and goals, and comparison didn’t seem to be something he got hung up on. It was one of the reasons I figured he’d do okay here. He wouldn’t get caught up in all the hoopla, and he wouldn’t be intimidated by someone just because of their net worth.

My mother had been very much the same way.

Once I’d found out who my father was, it had always surprised me that she hadn’t gone after him for child support, which she would have legally been entitled to.

But she was proud, and she would never beg someone for help.

It wasn’t her style. And it certainly wasn’t Bass’s style, either.

Denton walked over and said, “Hey, sis, welcome home.” He pulled me in for a hug as my father made small talk with Bass about the restaurant, but it was very general. Nothing too deep.

William Winchester never went too deep.

He was all business.

I was actually excited to introduce Denton to Bass, which I did. His fiancée, Jessica, then walked over and gave me a hug. I liked her a lot, and I was grateful my brother had such a kind and supportive partner.

Thankfully, Denton and Bass seemed to hit it off, and my father turned his attention to the ice queen entering the room.