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Smoothly he stepped in. “It’s still a little new to us.”
“Mmm.” Ophelia’s reply was noncommittal. “I can’t wait to hear all about the wedding.” Then she offered her cheek to her grandson for a kiss. “My Christmas is now complete. Please come in, both of you.” Then she told her pups to settle down, which they didn’t.
The foyer of the stately manor was every bit as stunning as the outside. Not a single detail had been overlooked when it came to decorating for Christmas, including the soaring, brightly lit tree that had to have been at least twenty feet tall and brushed the ceiling.
“The flowers look beautiful,” he observed, glancing at the tables as he took Kaylee’s coat and hung it from a metal rack on the wall.
“You don’t have to send me a dozen arrangements every year, you know. But I appreciate it.”
Frost had been that thoughtful?
“May I offer you an aperitif?” Ophelia suggested, leading them into a parlor, the dogs trailing behind.
This room, too, had a massive Christmas tree. How many more were there?
“Wine? Prosecco? A spritzer? Perhaps a sherry? Chef is planning to serve dinner at six.”
Chef?Kaylee glanced at her supposed husband who merely shrugged.
“In the meantime, we have appetizers.”
“Don’t eat too many of them,” he warned, “because I’m betting the meal will be something special.”
“I’d love a spritzer, thank you,” Kaylee said. “Very light on the alcohol.”
“Excellent choice. Same for me.” Ophelia smiled at Frost. “Evan, be a darling and take care of that while I give Kaylee the grand tour.” She leveled a pointed look at him, silently informing him her words were a decree, not a suggestion.
Now Kaylee knew where he’d gotten that mannerism. Watching Ophelia use her expression as a weapon against Frost made Kaylee grin.
Helplessly he shrugged. “I warned you Gran is nosy.”
“No such thing.” Ophelia waved her hand to dismiss his comment. “I simply want to ensure your new wife knows her way around so she’s more comfortable.”
“Nosy,” he affirmed, walking his fingers down Kaylee’s spine. “She wants a few minutes alone with you to ask questions.”
I can do this.“First, I have a little something for you.” She extended her meager offering. “A token of my appreciation for hosting us.”
“How very thoughtful.” Ophelia accepted the bag. “Thank you.” Instead of simply setting it down, she opened it and pulled out the candle. “Oh! Lavender.” She inhaled the aroma, then pressed the glass to her chest. “My absolute favorite. I’ll light it each night when I take my bath.”
Kaylee marveled at the woman. Her joy seemed genuine as if the small gesture truly meant something to her.
Still holding the candle, she invited Kaylee to join her.
“Good luck,” Frost mouthed as she followed his grandmother to the beautiful, polished wood staircase.
“We’ll start on the second floor.”
To get away from Frost?
As they climbed, Ophelia provided the story of the house that Kaylee had already heard, but pointed out the room she’d grown up in.
Then she pointed out her current bedroom. In the ensuite bathroom, she placed the candle on the side of her bathtub.
When they reached the third floor, Ophelia pointed out the space currently designated as an office. “But my grandmother used it as an artist’s studio. Up until the last months of her life, she loved painting. I display some of her work periodically. And as you can see, the lighting is beautiful up here.”
“It is.” Even in winter. She moved to a window. “And the view is gorgeous.”
“In fall and spring, I enjoy being on the gallery with a cup of coffee, watching the world go by.”
