Page 121 of The Matchmaker Club
“I can’t ask you to give this up for me.”
She raised a brow at me. “There ain’t no way in hell I am going to let William Freeman buy off my granddaughter, and Lainey feels the same way. We have a lot more dignity and pride than those rumors about us suggest.”
I wrapped my arms around her. “I love you.”
She hugged me closer. “Your mother would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
I closed my eyes, taking in the scent of gardenias and the sound of a breeze brushing against the leaves of the oak trees. Chills prickled across my skin as the cool wind washed over us, cutting through the humidity. Even though I didn’t remember her, I could feel my mother with us.
We went back inside and I sat on the couch next to Lainey. She held my hand and smiled down at me. My grandmother picked up the contract off the table and handed it back to Jack.
“You tell William Freeman that he can shove his offer right where the sun don’t shine. My granddaughter ain’t for sale.”
Jack grinned. “It would be my pleasure.”
“How is he?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Not so well… but hopefully, this news will change that.”
“You’re welcome to stay for dinner,” Grandma said.
Jack closed his briefcase and stood up. “I’d love to, but I have a message to deliver.” His smile was sincere and genuine. “It was a pleasure meeting all of you.”
“You too,” I said, and I meant it.
Lucas loved me, that I did believe.
What I didn’t know is whether love would be enough.
