Page 53 of Grace on the Rocks

“Thank you also for loved ones near and far, especially the return of our beloved son, brother, nephew, and uncle.GuideRyan’s”—Bryanflinched—“endeavors, wherever they may take him.Granthim the wisdom, humility, and strength to finish what he’s begun.”

Bryan’s face burned.Hecouldn’t say whether it was his father’s confidence he would fail or the smell of the beef turning his stomach.Hisfingers found his pocket, before they remembered he’d lost the worry stone, so they worried the side of his corduroys instead, as he breathed through his mouth.

“What’s thisIhear about you tearing downRobbie’shouse?”GreatAuntEilidhasked, passingBryanthe potatoes as soon as his father shut up.

“Not tearing it down,Auntie,” he mumbled, glancing atGraceand then quickly away.Badenough he had to be here at all, but with her andWesto bear witness… he might take back the bottle ofRionnagachand down the whole thing in one sitting.

“That’s whatIheard fromNellieCombedown at the shops.”

“You knowNellieCombe’sa mean old telltale,”Elspethinterceded.

“What is your plan, then?”Cameronasked, fixingBryanwith his steady gaze. “Assumingyou have one.”

“Renovation,” was all he could manage.Hefocused on scooping up potatoes and root veg.

“Pass the gravy to your uncle,” his mother whispered toSara, who handed him the dish which he immediately passed off to his aunt.

“Renovation, my eye,”Caitrionagrumbled. “Thecottage is in perfect condition.Tellme, is there a thing lacking?” she added, turning toWesleyandGrace, trying to pull them into the squabble.

“Cait,” his mother begged.

“Is there?”

“Solar power?”Wessuggested timidly.

“A tub?”Graceasked, eyes wide like a deer in headlights.

Cait’s jaw dropped. “Hashe put you to work again?Canyou all believe he put the guests to work?Ifound this one on the roof just a few days ago.Ihope your insurance covers falls,Ry.”

“Pass your uncle aWellington,” his mother beggedSam.

“I’m fine, really,”Bryansaid, and she looked at his half-empty plate in surprise.

Elspeth glanced between them, then quickly away, and his mother’s face turned stricken. “Neversay you’re still vegetarian?” she whispered.

“It’s all right,Ma.Theveg is grand.”

“You said it was a phase,” she said accusingly toCameron. “Isthat why you look so tired?”

“No.”

“You know, your hero theCrocodileHunterate meat.Ilooked it up once,” his father crowed.

“Okay,”Bryanreplied.

“You could’ve said something,Ry.Doyou want me to make you some omelet?”Caitoffered with a sheepish look for having forgotten.

“No, really, the tatties are fine,” he said.Thelast thing he wanted was to drag this meal out any longer.

“Pass him aWellington,Sam,” his father said. “Hecan eat the mushroom.”

Sam’s face instantly fell into a look of disgust, the same asBryanfelt at the thought of scraping out the layer of beef-soaked veg.

“He’ll eat the mushroom,” his mother whispered in shock.

“Omelet’s no trouble,”Caitsaid, pushing her chair back with such force that it obviouslywastrouble.

“Cait!” he snapped, freezing her in place. “Idon’t want omelet.”

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