“You gave it to me, Mom,” Colleen replied. “And my husband loved to read it. Then, when Connor and Sadie tied in the mayoral election, I gave it to him. It’s quite a collection of lessons on how a man should live. Do you want it back, Evie?”
“Oh, no. We have one in the museum room. We’ll have it on display for the Founder’s Day event. Are you still planning to come over and get some dresses for that party?” she asked.
“We are,” Colleen assured her.
“And what about the possibility of you staying in Bitter Bark?” Yiayia asked, clearly not willing to let the conversation go to the party and off the match they were so busy making.
“Well, I have a pretty great job in Raleigh,” Evie said.
“NC State is one of the best veterinary programs in the country,” Colleen added, getting a grateful smile from Evie.
“There are things I really love about my job.”
“But there are also things you could love about Bitter Bark,” Yiayia said, her sledgehammer out in full force.
“There certainly could be.” Evie lifted her gaze to meet her dark Greek eyes. “I promise you’ll be about the second or third to know if I decide to stay.”
The older women laughed, but Colleen asked, “Will you keep Gloriana House as yours?”
Tension fluttered through her at the question. Not because it was a little personal, but mostly because…history. If Declan had to work to be comfortable with Gloriana House, then the subject couldn’t be easy for Colleen.
“It’s hard to say what we’ll do with the house,” she replied.
Colleen’s eyes filled for a moment, the unexpected tears making Evie draw back.
“Oh, Colleen, I’m sorry…”
“No, you have nothing to be sorry about.” She dabbed under her eye. “I’m emotional these days.”
Evie swallowed. “It’s never an easy topic.”
“That’s not why I’m emotional.” Colleen put two hands around one of Evie’s. “We’ve all let it go and come to terms with the past, dear. Well, all but one of us.” She looked past Evie to the yard. “And today, I see a boy I remember like I remember you. Laughing, lighthearted, optimistic. No matter what happens, you’ve given me a gift simply by showing up and opening your heart to Declan. Thank you. I know he didn’t make it easy these past few decades.”
“Oh.” The word slipped out of a knotted throat. “Mrs.…Colleen.” She laughed, her own eyes filling up. “I love your family. I always have.”
Colleen reached over and gave her a tight, long hug before easing back, still holding Evie, to say, “And we love you. And your family home is aptly named…it’s glorious. You should always be proud of it and all of its history. The good, the bad, the happy, and the sad. It’s what makes a house a home.”
The words were so simple and heartfelt that Evie had to close her eyes and hug Colleen a little tighter, realizing only at that moment how much she’d needed this conversation.
“And one more thing, lass,” Gramma Finnie whispered as Colleen and Evie parted.
“Not sure I can take it,” Evie admitted, blinking back tears.
“Play that piano. Tonight.”
“Oh…okay.” Evie frowned, puzzled by the suggestion, but then Declan came up the stairs, wearing that smile that made her knees weak, and she forgot all about it.
Chapter Eighteen
Evie and Declan left Waterford right after the game, laden with leftovers for her grandfather. Before Declan drove her home, they zipped by Vestal Valley to check on Judah, who was off his IV and quite alert. He seemed happy to see them and even was able to get out of his pen and take a short stroll around, so Evie confirmed she could take him home the next day.
On the way to Gloriana House, Declan rooted for a way to drag this perfect day out a little longer. But when he pulled his truck into the drive, Evie reached over and took his hand, her cheeks flushed from the sun and active day.
“Stay for a while,” she said simply.
He exhaled and laughed. “So I don’t have to manufacture a reason?”
She lifted his hand to her lips, holding his gaze. “I want you to. Is that reason enough?”
The words gave him a kick and the incentive to lean across the console and give her a kiss on the lips. “More than enough. Come on. Max’s linner is officially dinner now.”
She cupped his cheek, smiling into his eyes. “I love that you know that. And care.”
After one more quick kiss, they took the food in, prepared a tray, and Declan put everything away while Evie went upstairs to spend some time with her grandfather. While waiting for her, he wandered around the downstairs for a minute, checking on his newel, testing a few of the windows, and admiring how clean the chandelier was.
After a moment, he stopped in the monstrous dining room, imagining all the dinners that had taken place over the years at the table that could easily sit eighteen people, maybe more.
They sure could have a Sunday dinner there, he mused, leaning against the doorjamb. What would it be like to see this room lit and lively again? He’d never noticed the details as a kid, but now he could really see the craftsmanship in the wainscoting and the beauty of the coffered ceiling.
“Looking for things to fix?” Evie came up behind him, sliding her arms around his waist and pressing against his back.
“Imagining this place full.”
“You can see it for yourself at the Founder’s Day event.”
He placed his hands over hers to prevent her from slipping away, because even against his back, she felt good. “I bet there were some unbelievable dinners here.”
“Two governors of North Carolina have dined in this room,” she said.
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
“Family history says Amelia Bushrod went into labor with Evangeline in here, and Thad Jr. put her on the table until the doctor came and they
