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“Of course,” Asher said, rising and retrieving the decanter of whiskey from the sideboard. “She’s at a spa getting a bit of needed rejuvenation. She’s booked for the spring and summer.”
“And Aare International? Still dazzling the world of high-end luggage?”
Asher glowered. “What is this? Twenty questions? Of course, everything is well. I came to New Orleans because my older sister has henpecked me until—”
“You finally came,” Ellen said from the doorway, a huge smile on her face even though she’d caught her brother complaining about her.
Asher swiveled his head. “Ah, she squawks.”
Ellen leaned over the chair, wrapping her arms around her brother, bussing him on the cheek with a kiss. “Yes, I’m squawking. Can’t believe you finally came home. I’ve missed you so much.”
Asher returned the hug, smiling at his sister. “In the flesh.”
She pinched him.
“Ow!”
“Just making sure you’re real,” Ellen said before brushing an air kiss near Malcolm’s cheek. He patted her hand, enjoying the pleasure she took in seeing the brother who was nearly twelve years her junior. The girl had virtually raised the boy until she’d gone off to college. The relationship was more maternal in nature, and Ellen had never seen beyond the drooling toddler she’d taught to walk to the man he’d become.
Ellen sat, beaming as bright as the Victorian tree Ernestine and Gator had put up that week. “Evening, Brennan.”
Brennan nodded at his cousin. “Saw the article in theTimesabout the success of the campaign, Ellen. Congratulations.”
“You should congratulate yourself. You and Mary Paige have caused a sensation. Saw another picture of you two at Celebration in the Oaks a few days ago. I hadn’t realized you’d decided to go the fake romance route.”
Brennan’s expression shuttered. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with Mary Paige. Once we got past our philosophical differences, of course.”
“I’ve noticed you’ve been less grumpy,” Ellen teased.
Much to Malcolm’s surprise, Brennan didn’t seem to mind the gibe in the least. Interesting.
“Didn’t you love that one story about the pregnant lady on the bus and the man who helped her, only to figure out she was a friend he hadn’t seen in over a decade?” Ellen asked Malcolm. “The writer did a great job of creating anawmoment. This Spirit stuff really is sweeping the city. And, as we’d predicted, Henry’s bottom line isn’t suffering a bit by the giveaways.”
“Brilliant suggestion you had about letting our employees award the gifts rather than hire that out. Wish I had your marketing mind,” Brennan said, his expression sincere.
“I’m surprised at this about-face from you, Brennan,” Malcolm said as Ernestine brought in the pork roast, fingerling potatoes, and Creole green beans.
Brennan stood and helped the woman with the dishes, something Malcolm was certain he’d never seen the boy do. Hmm…
“I can admit when I’m wrong. The entire Spirit of Christmas campaign has been successful on so many levels,” his grandson said, setting the bowl of beans beside his plate. “This looks fabulous, Ernestine. Thank you.”
The woman sent a disbelieving look at Malcolm then smiled. “You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy it.”
“What’s this Spirit stuff?” Asher asked.
Ellen gave him a brief rundown of the campaign, adding in the way the media had spun a romance between Mary Paige and Brennan.
“You’refaking this?” Asher asked.
“No,” Brennan said, regarding his cousin over the rim of his wineglass. “Just not quashing any rumors.”
Asher made no further comment, instead contemplated the chandelier, and sucked at the highball glass.
Malcolm regarded the dynamics of this small family gathering. Ellen seemed pleased to have her brother here, while Asher acted as though he’d done them a favor to sit down with them for a meal. Brennan ate and occasionally stared off with a half-smile on his face. What would his Judy think of them and how would she handle what was left of the Henry family?
What was left.
My, how he wished for new life in the family.
