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Nothing had ever seemed as right to her. But she was worried about what it meant to Finlay. His inviting her to meet his mum and dad today was sending a million reassuring go faster signals through her body.
She snaked her arms around his neck. ‘I’d love to meet your mum and dad. And your sister. Do you think they’ll be okay about meeting me?’
He gave a gentle laugh. ‘Oh, I think my mum will measure you for a pair of family slippers.’ He dropped a kiss on her lips. ‘Don’t worry, my family will love you.’
It was easy to respond to his kisses. Even though her brain was focusing on the family-loving-her part. Everything about this Christmas was turning out to be perfect.
* * *
The expression on his mother’s face when she opened the door was priceless. She flung her arms around his neck while the whole time she stared at Grace.
‘This is Grace,’ he said quickly as he slid his hand into hers for reassurance. ‘We met at work and she came up for Christmas at the castle with me.’
His mother’s chin bounced off the floor. ‘Fraser!’ she shouted at the top of her voice. ‘Aileen!’ He imagined his father pushing himself out of his chair at the pitch of his mum’s voice. ‘You spent yesterday at the castle? Why? You could have come here.’
He glanced at Grace and gave her a smile. Yesterday had been better than he could ever have imagined. Nothing could have matched that. He edged around his mother, who was still standing in the doorway in shock. ‘You knew I was coming today. That seemed enough.’
His father walked through from the living room and only took a few seconds to hide his shock. He greeted Finlay, then Grace with a huge bear hug. He wasn’t even discreet about the whisper in Grace’s ear. ‘Watch out for Aileen, she’s pregnant, cranky and will ask a million questions.’
* * *
For Grace it was a wonderful day. The love between the family members was clear. It reminded her of the relationship she’d shared with her grandmother. Aileen didn’t hide in the least the fact she was quizzing Grace. But it was all good-natured.
The family shot occasional glances between each other. But all of them were of warmth, of relief. It was obvious they were delighted that Finlay had brought someone to meet them. They obviously wanted him to be happy. Anna was mentioned on occasion. But it wasn’t like a trip down memory lane. It was only ever in passing, in an occasional sentence. And she was glad; she didn’t want them to tiptoe around her. Not if there was any chance that this relationship could go somewhere.
The board games were fiercely competitive. She paired up with Finlay’s dad and managed to trounce him on more than one occasion. When it got late, Finlay’s mum, Fran, gave her a little nod, gesturing her through to the kitchen where she was making a pot of tea. ‘I’ve made up Finlay’s room for you both. No need to go back to the castle. We usually drink tea, then move on to wine or port and some Christmas cake.’
Grace smiled. She liked the way Fran said it. It was like a warm welcome blanket. Letting her know she was welcome to stay, as well as introducing their family traditions. She picked up the tray with the teapot and cups. ‘Thanks, Fran, will I just take these through?’
Fran picked up the port bottle and tray with Christmas and Madeira cake and gave Grace a nudge. ‘Let’s go.’
Finlay met her at the door; he opened his mouth to speak but his mother cut him off.
‘I was just letting Grace know the sleeping arrangements. Now, we’re going to have a drink.’ She raised her eyebrows at Finlay. ‘I believe there was some cheating going on at that last game. I mean to get my revenge.’
Finlay slung his arm around Grace’s shoulder. ‘Are you okay with this?’
She knocked him with her hip as she smiled back. ‘Oh, I’m fine. I mean to defend my winner’s crown by all means necessary.’ She leaned forward and laughed. ‘Brace yourself, Mr Armstrong. You haven’t even seen my winning streak yet.’
* * *
Firsts. These last few days had been full of them.
It woke him in the middle of the night.
First time since Anna had died that he’d allowed the hotel to be decorated. First time he’d brought someone else to the castle. First time he’d kissed another woman and actually felt something. First time he’d introduced his family to someone. First time in five years he’d actually enjoyed a Christmas instead of working straight through.
First time he’d woken up in his mother’s house with someone who wasn’t his wife.
What was completely obvious was how much his family had relished having Grace there. He could almost see the relief flooding from his mum and dad that he might actually have met someone, and he might actually be ready to move on.
