Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Maddox glanced at her face. The moment he took in her emerald-green eyes, he knew who she was and opened the door. “You must be Gabby’s grandmother.”
“What gave me away?” she asked. “My good looks?”
He grinned, liking this woman already. “Your eyes. Come in.” He had no doubt Gabby would want to see her grandmother. She’d been the first person mentioned when she listed who she could trust.
But what if she wanted Gabby to return home? Would she be swayed by the woman she adored? A pang gnawed at his gut but he pushed it aside. Gabby had the right to make her own choices and he had to respect them. Even if somehow, he’d done a one-eighty and wanted her to stay.
He grasped the older woman’s free arm and led her to the kitchen. “Have a seat. Can I make you a cup of coffee?”
She lowered herself into a chair, leaning her cane against the table. “No, thank you. The doctors are worried about my blood pressure and have me cutting back on caffeine. I’d sneak it but I can’t risk dying and leaving Gabriella alone with her parents. It’s a pity my son turned into such a social climber.” She tsked. “I see those wide eyes. You’re shocked. Gabriella didn’t tell you about me? I say what I think. To anyone.”
He tried his damndest not to grin but lost the battle. “She told me you’re one of the only people she trusts. That alone made me like you but now I see where Gabby gets her easy-going personality. She’s lucky to have you, Mrs. Davenport.”
“Annabelle. Don’t make me look over my shoulder to see if my mother-in-law came back from the grave.”
He bit the inside of his cheek. “Annabelle. Gabby’s in the shower. I’m sure she’ll be out soon, and she’ll be happy you’re here.” He paused. “Why are you here? Just to see your granddaughter?” He couldn’t hold back the question plaguing him.
“I’m here to see if you’re good enough for my Gabriella.”
She’d caught him mid-swallow and he coughed. “Excuse me?”
She grinned and he saw glimpses of Gabby in her expression. “My other granddaughter, Penelope, who I love dearly but could never convince to be her own person, keeps in touch with her sister. I’m well aware Gabriella has feelings for you. So tell me, why should I approve of you?”
“Grandmother!” Gabby walked into the kitchen and strode over to Annabelle. “What are you doing here and why are you grilling the man nice enough to give me a place to stay?”
Annabelle used the table to push herself up until she stood. “I’m here because I missed seeing your face.” She hugged Gabby and Gabby squeezed her tight.
Maddox was glad she had this woman in her life.
“Besides, someone has to judge this man before you two really start living in sin.”
Before Maddox could worry she was serious, she let out a laugh and winked at him. Then she sat back down.
“Good job, Gabriella. He’s good looking and I can tell he’s got muscles.” She turned his way. “Now tell me about yourself, Maddox.”
He shot Gabby an amused look and with a resigned sigh, Gabby seated herself into the chair next to her grandmother. “Just give her the highlights,” she whispered.
“No, I want all the dirty details.” She propped her chin in her hand and smiled at him.
And at that moment, Maddox knew he already had the older woman’s approval. For reasons he’d yet to fathom, that meant something to him.
* * * *
An hour later, Gabby decided that Maddox was her grandmother’s newest best friend. Annabelle grilled him like the professional busybody she was and to Gabby’s surprise, Maddox filled her in on his entire life. No matter how many times Gabby insisted he did not have to answer, he and her grandmother ignored her, chatting like old friends. She’d even filled him in about the love story between Annabelle and Maximillian, her husband and Gabby’s grandfather.
Unlike her parents, who’d married each other for wealth and status, Annabelle and Max had been deeply in love before he died about ten years ago. Which was the reason her grandmother wanted the same for Gabby, who Annabelle thought was very much like her younger self. Watching the two people she cared about getting to know one another warmed Gabby’s heart. It told her that her instincts about Maddox were spot on. He was a good man who had patience for an older woman…because she was Gabby’s grandmother.
A honk sounded from outside and Annabelle frowned. “That’s my cue. Harold is getting impatient,” she said of her long-time driver.
Maddox rose and lifted Annabelle’s cane, then helped her to stand.
“A gentleman.” She nodded in approval and stepped over to him. “I like you, Mr. James.”
She patted his cheek and when she lowered her arm, he clasped her weathered hand in his. “I don’t know what the future holds, Annabelle, but you can trust your granddaughter with me.”