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She narrows her eyes, unmoved. “You need to tell me a lot more than ‘she’s trying to turn her grandmother destitute.’”
“That’s enough,” I say firmly, then soften my tone. “What would you do if someone was trying to take everything from Dad?” I ask, trying a different angle.
Knightly slams her spoon on the counter. “Neither of us would do that,” she snaps.
Obviously not. We’re all extremely protective of Dad. If anything, my siblings and I compete over who gets to care for him as he ages. Not that he needs us—at seventy, he’s still strong and healthy.
“Well, remember how Genie looked after us when we were young?” I ask. Knightly’s expression softens slightly at the memory. “It’s our duty to look after her now,” I press on urgently.
After Mom died, the whole town rallied around Dad to help care for us three young kids. Knightly was just a baby, Damian was five, and I was barely three years old. Now it’s our turn to make sure Genie is cared for.
Knightly sighs, shoulders slumping in resignation. “Fine, but don’t be an asshole.”
I hold up my hands innocently. “Wouldn’t dream of it, but I’ll do it if she forces me.”
After a few moments, Knightly’s phone buzzes. She glances at the screen and winces. “McKay’s already at the bakery with Genie.”
I throw my hands up in frustration. “This could’ve been avoided if you hadn’t—”
“I only gave her Genie’s home address,” Knightly interrupts, glaring at me. “McKay seemed nice. A little shy but pleasant.”
I let out a derisive laugh. “You obviously don’t know her.”
Knightly plants her fists on her hips in challenge. “And you do?”
I meet her gaze. “Better than you.”
McKay isn’t shy at all, but I guess she likes to come off that way to people who haven’t dealt with her before. Well, I’m ready to expose who she really is and get her out of this town for good.
“Thank you for your help,” I call over my shoulder as I hurry out the door. I’m tempted to grab one of Knightly’s freshly baked cookies but stop myself. I know Genie will have homemade pumpkin cookies at her bakery.
I jump into my truck and peel out of the B&B’s gravel driveway, tires spitting stones as I speed toward the town square. I spot McKay’s car parked in front of Genie’s bakery. Clenching my jaw, I slam my truck door and stride inside.
Genie looks up from behind the counter and smiles warmly. “Bishop. I’m so glad you could meet my granddaughter, McKay.” She gestures to the woman sitting at a table with a cup of tea. “Isn’t she just lovely?”
I level a cold stare at McKay. “She needs to leave. Now.”
Genie’s smile falters as she glances between us worriedly. “Hopefully, she can stay for a little while …”
McKay sets down her cup gently, meeting my glare with a sly smile. “I was just telling Grandma here about my job back in Boston. I’d love to hear more about this charming little town of yours. She mentioned something about the Fall Festival.”
I clench my fists, struggling to contain my anger. How dare she act so sweet and innocent? I know exactly why she’s here, and I won’t let her manipulate Genie.
I cross my arms defiantly. “So, she’s told you all about her job, has she?”
Genie’s face falls, disappointment weighing down her features. “Can you believe my own son fired her?” She shakes her head sadly. “I wish I could say I raised Ulysses better than that, but unfortunately, I can’t.”
McKay turns to Genie, brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”
Genie gives her a mournful smile. “It was a long time ago. When my husband Linus died, his parents fought for custody and won. They knew all the right people and took Ulysses from me.” Her voice catches. “I don’t think he ever forgave me for losing him, but I didn’t have the same financial resources. They didn’t let me call him. I wrote so many letters trying to stay in touch, but he never responded.”
“I’m so sorry,” McKay says gently. “He’s never talked about his childhood or parents at all. I know you exist from the gifts and occasional calls, but that’s it.”
“He’s never called me himself,” Genie says sadly. “Only his assistant reaches out once a year to make sure I got the Christmas gift.”
McKay scoffs in disgust. “That sounds just like him.”
Genie grasps McKay’s hands warmly. “I’m so glad I finally got to meet you. How long can you stay in town?”
