Page 55 of Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée
“Not at all,” she said, thinking everyone’s reaction had been joyous with the exception of the one person in the world she wanted to be thrilled over the news.
Eli raised his glass in a toast. “Here’s to my grandchildren.” He touched her glass with his and then took a long drink before setting down his glass. She sipped hers. “Another grandchild. I am ecstatic. A grandchild is special beyond measure. A grandchild is unconditional love. Probably the only relationship on earth like that. Even on a honeymoon, there’s really no such thing as unconditional love. If I were younger, I would be dancing you around the room,” he said, and she laughed. He held up his hand. “Just a moment. This is a special occasion and calls for something special in return. I’ll be right back,” he said on his way out of the room.
They chatted with Megan until Eli returned, crossing the room to Grace. “Grace, you’ve made my life happy and I love my grandson. Now I have the joy of looking forward to another grandchild. I want you to have this to remember this night and my gratitude. It was my grandmother’s. It will go with your green eyes.”
Eli handed her a box that had a worn corner. She opened it and gasped. “Eli, this is beautiful,” she said, picking up a bracelet made of diamonds and emeralds.
“I want you to have it and I hope you like it. Thank you for Michael and for the next baby.”
Both Megan and Nick went to look at the bracelet and then Nick fastened it on her wrist.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, looking at the glittering gems.
Eli returned to his chair. The rest of the evening, Grace noticed, he had a smile on his face.
Later, on the way home in the car, she looked at the bracelet on her wrist. “Nick, this bracelet is gorgeous and should stay in your family.”
“Grace, you are in my family now. You’re my wife, mother of my child and mother of Bart’s baby. You are part of the Rafford clan.”
“I felt funny accepting this in front of Megan.”
“No need to. Megan gets a princely sum for her salary. Besides, haven’t you noticed—Megan is only fifteen years younger than my dad. They enjoy each other’s company. I suspect Megan has already received some fancy baubles herself.”
“I hadn’t noticed. Well, I suppose I have noticed they get along and your dad enjoys her company.”
“I think Megan enjoys his, too.”
They turned into the garage of the condo and she forgot about Eli and Megan.
Michael had already fallen asleep and shortly he was tucked in his crib. When she returned to their bedroom, Nick drew her into his arms to kiss her and for the night, their problems diminished.
They made love through the night and Grace was passionate, feeling as if they might not have many more nights together.
The following week Grace packed her things and Michael’s. Nick had been out of town and was due back in Dallas midafternoon. She expected him to go by the office and get home at five. She’d taken Michael to Clara’s and now waited for Nick.
She had dressed conservatively, wearing a navy jacket and slacks with a short-sleeved navy sweater, her hair tied behind her head. As she put a suitcase in her car, Nick pulled into his parking spot and climbed out.
“Don’t you do that,” he said, crossing the few yards to pick up her other suitcase and put it in the back of her car, which already held three suitcases.
“You’re going somewhere?”
Her throat knotted. “Yes, I am.”
He glanced around. “Let’s go inside,” he said, and she nodded, walking in silence beside him.
“Did you have a successful trip?”
“Yes. I acquired the land I wanted. Details will have to be worked out by my staff, but I had a good trip. Where’s Michael?”
“He’s with Aunt Clara.”
They entered the condo and Nick glanced around. “Any staff here?”
She shook her head. “We’re alone.”
“You look great,” he said. “Why the suitcases?”
“Nick, I think I should move out for a while. At least, I want to separate for a time to think things over and decide about the future.”
