Page 55 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
“It’s not for your bed or bath.”
“Is it food?”
Morgan shook her head.
“I give up.” Grace reached for the ribbon.
“Hang on.” Morgan grabbed the box cutter sitting on the table and handed it to her. “You’ll need this.”
“Thanks.”
She held her breath, watching as her friend sliced through the tape sealing the top of the box. She flipped the flaps, revealing a miniature shingled roof. “It’s a roof.”
“You’ll need to cut through the tape. We’ll tape it back up when you’re done.”
Following Morgan’s instructions, Grace expertly sliced through the tape and smoothed the sides of the box flat. “This is…”
“A replica of Lilac Inn,” Morgan finished her sentence. “I ordered the kit and put it together myself…piece by piece. I’ve been working on it for months.”
Grace dropped to her knees, examining every intricate detail of her beloved inn. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” she whispered.
“Pretty cool, huh? I mounted it on a board and even added fake grass. I figured you could put it on a table near the door to show it off.”
She lowered her head and peered in the windows. “Even the pictures on the wall are replicas. Morgan Easton, this is the most perfect gift.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Morgan pressed her hand to her chest. “You’re a good friend, Grace. A great friend who has helped me in so many ways. I wanted to give you something extra special.”
“Made with your own two hands in your free time, of which you have about as much as I do.” Using the tip of her finger, Grace traced the Lilac Inn sign hanging from the porch. “I’ll treasure it forever.”
“Looking back, I should have bought you the display case to go with it.”
“Absolutely not. I’ll order one, and as soon as it comes in, this special gift is going right in the lobby for everyone to admire. How on earth did you find such a thing?”
“Online. The company is called Custom Creations. You submit photos of the house you want to replicate, including pictures of the inside. It takes a couple of months for them to ship it. Then the real work begins,” Morgan joked.
“I couldn’t love a gift more.” Grace hugged her tightly. “You’re the best, Morgan Easton.”
“And so are you, Grace Coates.”
Tink.Morgan’s cell phone chimed. She glanced at the screen. It was a text from Brett, letting her know the DNA results had arrived and the family was meeting in the library at half past to go over the findings.
“The DNA results came in. The family is meeting at Easton Estate.”
“I hope it goes smoothly.” Grace grabbed the tape gun. With Morgan’s help, they began taping the box back together to keep Lilac Inn protected. “These types of family issues can go one of two ways…smooth as butter.”
“Or completely sideways,” Morgan sighed. “Let’s hope it’s the former and not the latter.”
Chapter 23
As soon as Morgan arrived at Easton Estate, she tracked down her grandmother and Brett, who were waiting for her in the downstairs office. “Grace and I were exchanging gifts. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”
“You’re right on time. Grandmother and I were tossing around some different scenarios about what should happen if the results are positive and confirm Tristan is my son.”
“Which they will,” Elizabeth said confidently.
“You haven’t looked at them yet?”
“No. We were waiting for you.”
