Page 104 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
Jon nodded. “Bennett has earned this promotion.”
The old woman glanced around, sniffling a bit. “My, it is going to be awfully quiet around here, isn’t it?”
“For the time being, perhaps,” he agreed. “But I’d think you would enjoy the peace.”
As her thin shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug, a sheen of tears brimmed in her eyes. “A while ago, I might’ve danced a jig at the prospect of an uncluttered house. But now... now it will truly feel empty.”
“You won’t be alone for long,” he said, feeling a decidedly unexpected reluctance at the thought of leaving behind the woman who’d been his housekeeper for nearly a decade. “Macie will appreciate your help as she readies her home for her child. Once the baby arrives, she will truly require your assistance.”
“It will be pleasant to be near a babe again.” She sniffled. “And I’ll assist her with the wee lass. Perhaps I will even teach Carrie to make my lemon cake. It was always Macie’s favorite.”
“And one of mine as well.” He regarded her for a long moment. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you these last months. I do appreciate all you’ve done.”
Were his eyes deceiving him, or had the old woman actually blushed? “Ye’re a good man, like yer father.”
“Thank you. That is high praise, indeed.”
“And if I may speak my mind, ye’re a lucky man to have had this second chance with Miss Belle. She’s a good woman, she is. She never puts on airs, and no matter what, she was eager to help. It’s hard to believe she’s one of those dollar princesses.” Mrs. Gilroy planted her hands on her hips. “If ye ask me, she’s a true gem.”
“I agree,” Jon said with a smile.
“Treasure her,” Mrs. Gilroy regarded him with a solemn expression. “Just as yer father has treasured yer mum all these years. If ye do that, ye will have a happy life.”
“Believe me, I will. The question is: will she want to spend her life with me?”
“She’ll give ye the answer ye’re looking for. The lass loves ye. I’ve seen it in her eyes.”
“By thunder, I hope you’re right.”
“Ye know I am,” Mrs. Gilroy said, her smile fading as the door chimes interrupted the moment. “I should get that.”
“No need to trouble yourself,” he said. “I’m expecting Macie and Finn. I’ll see them in.”
*
“Jon, I amso very excited for you.” Perched on an overstuffed chair in the sitting room, his sister peered over the cup of tea in her hand and regarded him for a long moment. “I knew the day would come when you’d finally meet your match.”
“Is that so?” He met Macie’s warm gaze.
“She’s perfect for you,” Macie said without a single note of doubt. “Belle makes you smile—a genuine smile, at that. A rare thing, indeed.”
“Now to hope she’ll still have your dolt of a brother.”
“Ye might need to do some convincing,” Finn spoke up. He sent Macie a speaking glance. “A perhaps a bit of groveling. I know something about that myself.”
Mrs. Gilroy brought in a tray of scones. “I know how much ye like them, Miss Macie.”
“Why, thank you,” Macie said, taking a pastry from the tray. “So very thoughtful.”
“I’ll prepare a few for ye to take home. The wee lass has a fondness for them.”
“Oh, she’ll be delighted.” Macie met Mrs. Gilroy’s careworn features. “She misses you.”
“Ah, and I miss her, too. Her giggles could make Scrooge himself smile,” Mrs. Gilroy replied. “I’d best put on another pot of tea. It won’t be long before ye’ll be wanting another cup.”
As Mrs. Gilroy headed back to the kitchen, Jon cleared his throat. The conversation he needed to have might well be difficult. But he had to follow his gut. And his heart.
“I’d like to talk to the two of you... about Carrie.”
