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Hannah hugged her back and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “And you’re the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.”
~ ~ ~
Slade waved through the window of the gatehouse as Grady approached, and the gate swung open. He still felt weird that it must be obvious that he and Ava were staying with Hannah. He brought the car to a stop instead of driving on by and put his window down.
Slade came out. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, great. I’m just getting off work.”
“You work at Molly’s, right?”
“I do. You should come in when you’re off. Dinner’s on me.”
“Thanks.” Slade gave him a puzzled look. “Not that I don’t appreciate it, but do you mind if I ask why?”
He let out a short laugh. “Because … I dunno … I feel like we’re friends.” He laughed again. “I see more of you than I do most people. And this isn’t exactly the kind of thing I’m used to. You know, having you let me in every time I come through the gate. It’s weird to me. I’d rather we were buds. I mean, Hannah’s Hannah. But me? I’d be more comfortable working the gatehouse than driving through, letting you open it for me.”
Slade grinned at him. “I get it. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. I mean. That came out wrong. Hannah’s awesome. And Jacob is, too. But they grew up here, living this kind of life. I’m not like them, and I figured that you aren’t either.”
“No.” Grady sighed. “But she’s not like I thought someone who lived in a place like this would be, either. Even Jacob’s way more down to Earth than I would have believed.”
“Yeah. They’re good people. Xander is, too. I think you’ll like him.”
“I just hope he likes me.”
Slade laughed. “I should warn you that he might be a tougher sell. He’s a good guy, though.” He pursed his lips.
“What? You look like you have something to say.”
“I do. I was just debating whether I should.”
“Say it.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but I hope that things work out with you and Hannah. Don’t let who she is, who they are, you know, the whole money and way of life thing get in the way. She’s happier since you’ve been around than I’ve ever seen her before. She’s dated some real assholes in the past, and I figured they were a reflection of who she was. But she’s different since you and Ava have been in the picture. You’re good for her.”
Grady nodded. “She’s good for me, and for Ava. I … don’t want to screw this up, but … I figure if anything might, it’ll be the money thing. I mean, what do I have to offer her?”
“That’s what I’m saying. The guys she’s dated in the past were … I might as well say it, there’s no point us avoiding the word. She’s dated rich guys. Guys who could give her the kind of life she’s used to. But she’s never been happy. And not to put too fine a point on it, but she doesn’t need you to offer her anything in that department. She’s got it covered. To answer your question, you can offer – you and Ava have already given her – a real life. She’s getting to play mom to Ava. The three of you are already like a real little family. That’s worth more than any amount of money.” He smiled. “Especially to someone who’s never known what it’s like to not have enough money.”
Grady nodded. “You’re right. I’ve been worrying about the difference between us. But …” He shrugged. “It wouldn’t matter if I had a better job or owned my own house or anything like that. It wouldn’t make any difference.”
“Nope. She doesn’t need a man who’s rich in the same way she is. And you’re rich in a way that’s she’s always been poor. That’s what you can offer her. I shouldn’t say too much, but they never had what you’d call a warm and loving family. Hannah took off as soon as she could, doing her photography. Jacob buried himself in the business and Xander joined up.”
“How long have you worked for them?”
“I’ve been here for seven years now. But my dad had this job my whole life.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. I remember sitting right here one Christmas when I was probably the same age Ava is now. My dad brought me to work with him on Christmas Eve. The Jacobs all went out to church; when they came back Hannah waved at him through the window. She smiled and mouthedMerry Christmas. Then her mom yelled at her. Her mom didn’t like her talking to the help.”
“Shit!”
Slade shrugged. “It’s how things were back then.”
“What about now? Do you have to work on Christmas Eve?” Grady hated that idea. “I’ll bring you supper if you do.”
“Nah. The first year after their parents died, Jacob installed that.” Slade pointed to a keypad. “A few people have the code. I’m sure Hannah will give it to you. But for anyone else, there’s an intercom. We get three days off for Christmas and another three for New Year.”
