Page 40 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
“It was a white-knuckle drive over,” Naomi said. “Thank goodness Morgan was able to use her SUV’s four-wheel drive to get us here, although I must admit barreling up Dead Man’s Drop was a nail-biter.”
“I’m sure. I’m glad you made it.” Elizabeth hugged Morgan before turning to face her adversary, a woman who, for years, had bashed and trashed the Eastons.
Naomi, who had once been engaged to Garrett Easton, Morgan’s grandfather, held nothing but animosity and contempt for the entire family, Elizabeth in particular, claiming she’dstolen Garrett from her. Which couldn’t have been further from the truth.
According to Elizabeth, Naomi cheated on him. After they broke up, Garrett and Morgan’s grandmother started dating, and the rest was history—a rich history which included the couple building the Easton family dynasty.
“Hello, Naomi.”
“Hello, Elizabeth.” She forced a small smile. “Thank you for inviting me to stay here. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.”
“Morgan mentioned the roads to the airport have already drifted shut.”
“They have. My power went out. I was an idiot and waited too long before deciding to leave. When I saw Morgan’s vehicle at Looking Glass Cottage I stopped, hoping she had an extra room at Locke Pointe.”
“From what I’ve been told, a good deal of the island is without power.”
“I was going to ride it out in my car or try to get back home, but Morgan convinced me it wasn’t a good idea,” Naomi said.
“You could have run out of gas, gotten carbon monoxide poisoning,” Elizabeth said. “I asked Jane to have one of the estate’s staff members prepare an extra bedroom. It should be ready by now.”
Naomi hung her head. “I don’t deserve your generosity, but thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Elizabeth extended her hand. “It’s Christmas Eve. I suggest you and I bury the hatchet, at least until you’re able to return home.”
“A ceasefire.” Naomi grasped her hand.
Morgan held her breath, watching as the two longtime adversaries agreed to a temporary truce. Naomi Renaud and Elizabeth Easton standing in the same room, not only standing in the same room, but standing in Easton Estate’s library, shaking hands. It was a Christmas miracle of epic proportions.
“Dinner will be served at seven on the dot.” Elizabeth began making her way toward the door. “Priscilla is upstairs resting. I haven’t told her you were coming. I’ve placed you in the guest room next to her.”
Jax appeared in the doorway, his arms filled with boxes and bags. “I have the special-order items, gifts I picked up at Captain Davey’s last night, the ones that came over on the ferry.”
“Thank you, Jax. Please put them upstairs in my apartment. I’ll deal with them later.”
His eyes flickered with surprise when he noticed Naomi standing there. He quickly recovered. “I’ll set them inside the door.”
“You have your hands full, Grandmother. Let me show Naomi to her room. After I’m done, I’ll wrap the presents.”
“Thank you, Morgan. Wrapping the gifts would help me out immensely.” Elizabeth pulled her granddaughter aside, filling her in on what she’d purchased. “Quinn is upstairs with Brett. Perhaps you can enlist her help.”
“I will. I’m sure she won’t mind. Does she…has she talked to Brett?” Morgan asked.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure when he planned to address the issue at hand.”
“No worries.” Morgan held a finger to her lips. “Mum’s the word.”
“I figured as much. You’re an Easton through and through,” Elizabeth said proudly. “I believe this may go down in the books as one of the most interesting Christmases we’ve had in decades.”
“You could be right.” Morgan pivoted, noticing Naomi was quietly listening to their conversation.
With any luck, the Eastons could keep Jeff’s and Tristan’s identities on the down low until Brett confirmed exactly who Tristan Blakely was.
As far as Quinn was concerned, Morgan was certain her friend would be equally shocked.
“Shall we?” Morgan made small talk, leading Naomi up the center staircase to the guest room adjacent to the one Prissy occupied. She eased the door open, checking to make sure it was empty. “It looks like the room is ready.”
Naomi followed her inside. “It’s beautiful.”
