Chapter 21
Natalie
Tip #21: The best defense against an overly charming grandparent is a well-timed compliment about their TV subscriptions.
A s I stepped into Estelle Warner’s opulent mansion, the inviting warmth of the foyer was a welcome contrast to the chilly winter air outside. Carefully, I removed my boots and set them aside, feeling out of place in my fleece leggings and blue-and-green flannel shirt.
“Thank you for coming, Natalie.” Estelle patted her steel-blond hair, perfectly styled in an elegant updo. “I’m so pleased to see you again.”
“Thank you, Estelle,” I said. “I’m sorry I arrived earlier than planned. I gave myself extra driving time in case I got lost, and I shockingly didn’t.”
“Any and all apologies are quite unnecessary, my dear,” Estelle said, her voice as refined as her appearance. “We shall soon be family, after all. Now, come here.” To my surprise, she pulled me into a gentle hug. “I simply cannot wait to call you my daughter-in-law. I am elated for you and Samuel.”
“Thank you.”
Guilt stabbed my gut. This poor woman was so happy, and Sam and I were lying to her.
Walter shuffled into the foyer, his silver hair neatly combed back and his thick eyebrows low over his gray eyes. “Good evening, Natalie. Once again, allow me to say welcome to the family. We’re happy to have you,” he said. “I’m especially happy for Samuel. It seems all that pining has finally paid off.”
I paused in the middle of fixing one of my socks. “Pining?” Before I could ask for clarification, my phone chirped with an incoming text message.
“Sorry, just one second.” I dug my phone out of my jeans pocket and saw that the message was from Samuel.
Dreamboat
Leaving the office now. Sorry I’m late. Give me a five-minute head start before you leave so I can get to Mother’s before you.
“It’s Samuel,” I announced for Estelle and Walter. “He says he’s leaving the office now.”
I tapped out a quick reply.
I’m already at your mom’s.
Dreamboat
DO NOT GO IN THE HOUSE WITHOUT ME
Too late! I’m inside, chatting with her and Walter.
I waited for a moment, but Samuel didn’t reply. I shrugged it off, assuming he was preoccupied with driving. “He’s on his way,” I informed Estelle and Walter.
“Typical Samuel to leave work late,” Estelle mused. “At least he’s thoughtful enough to let you know he’s running behind. It gives me hope that he’ll work less once you two are married. He works too much; it’s not healthy. Unfortunately, being a workaholic is a Warner trait.” Estelle cast a sidelong glance at Walter, who looked affronted.
“I’ll have you know I have plenty of hobbies as a retiree!”
Estelle raised an elegant eyebrow. “You have one hobby, and that is sitting on the couch watching television. You need more variety in your life, Walter.”
Before Walter could muster a reply, a small, furry blob scurried into the room. It was Chuck, wearing a tuxedo bandanna complete with a black bow tie. His underbite and snaggletooth combined with his wiry hair made him look a little wild, and I grinned as he trotted up to me, his nails clicking on the tiled floor.
“Hello there, Chuck!” I squatted down to pet the happy dog. He wagged his stubby tail, dancing from side to side.
“Chuck got a bath today so he would look his best to greet you,” Estelle said, her voice dripping with love as she planted her hands over her heart.
Walter squinted at Estelle and looked a little disturbed. He leaned closer to me and spoke in a stage whisper. “If I were you, I’d make it clear real soon that Chuck there will not be your ring bearer. If you wait too long, Estelle will get her heart set on it.”
“Nonsense.” Estelle frowned at Walter. “I would never presume to direct any aspect of Samuel and Natalie’s wedding. It’s their special day!”
“Lucky,” Walter muttered.
I laughed nervously. “It’s a little early to be talking about wedding plans.” Anxiety had a stranglehold on my esophagus—I needed to redirect the conversation.
“Don’t say that, dear.” Estelle gently scooped Chuck up and patted him on his back like a baby. “You’ll want to get started planning as quickly as possible or the wait will feel intolerable.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I muttered.
Estelle—involved with loudly kissing her little dog on the head—and Walter—expressing disgust over the display of affection—were too distracted to hear me, especially once Estelle handed Chuck off to Walter, who took the dog with a long-suffering look on his face.
“It’s amazing that Chuck isn’t the shape of a sausage roll, given you are convinced he shouldn’t have to walk a step in his life, Estelle,” Walter grumbled.
“Chuck gets sad if he isn’t included in conversations,” Estelle primly said.
I laughed while Walter almost pushed his lips up to his nose in an exaggerated scowl.
“Shall we retire to the den?” Estelle suggested, gesturing down the hallway. “Dinner is still in the oven, and it seems we have some time before Samuel arrives.”
“Sounds great.” I petted Chuck, who despite Walter’s disdain nestled comfortably in the older man’s arms.
“If you’ll follow me this way.” Estelle started down the hallway, her strides long and smooth.
“Who else will be joining us for dinner tonight?” I asked.
“It is just us, Samuel, and Isaac,” Estelle replied. “A small affair.”
“It sounds great,” I said. “I’m looking forward to another amazing meal!”
Walter shifted his hold on Chuck. “I think it’s amazing you didn’t get indigestion eating here the first time—with the generation-long feud and all.”
Estelle shot him a disapproving look. “Really, Walter?”
“What? Natalie is a Mann. Those fearsome hillbillies appreciate being spoken to straight.”
Estelle made a strangled noise of despair, but I laughed. “Walter is right. We Manns are very straightforward.”
“I knew it!” Walter declared as Estelle led us into the den.
The room had surround-sound speakers, low lighting that cast a golden glow on everything, a gas fireplace that danced with a fire, and wood-paneled walls. The plush leather furniture seemed to beckon for me to sink into its cushiony embrace, and the smart TV that hung on the wall was big and assumedly pricey.
Walter set Chuck down on one of the leather couches. The pooch immediately made himself at home, wagging his fat tail as he settled in. Plopping down next to him, Walter turned on the TV and began scrolling through the various streaming services.
“Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Discovery+, Hallmark+... what’s your pleasure, Natalie?” Walter peered up at me. “Or if you’d prefer something British, we’ve got Acorn TV. And if none of those strike your fancy, I’ve got plenty more!”
“Wow.” I took a seat in one of the leather armchairs as Estelle gracefully sat on the end of the couch opposite Walter. “I didn’t even know there were this many streaming services!”
Estelle gave a small, elegant shrug. “I don’t watch much television myself, but my father-in-law here is quite the TV junkie. I keep all these subscriptions to lure Walter out of his condo so he will come spend time with the family.”
“Guilty as charged.” Walter grinned sheepishly as he absently petted Chuck. “Don’t worry, Natalie. I’ll let you hide in here with me before and after family meals. We’ll have plenty of fun.”
My leather armchair squeaked as I shifted in it, and I laughed when Walter winked at me.
I really liked Walter and Estelle. Estelle was gracious and unbelievably welcoming, while Walter, with his sharp sense of humor, was exactly my kind of person. He was the kind of guy Grandpa Mann would love to hang out with.
I was really glad Samuel and I had done this, and I was more than a little ashamed of everything I’d assumed about his family prior to our scheme.
The Warners were nice people. Sure, we were bound to keep on disagreeing over things—the old middle school building was proof of that. But you could be friends and still disagree about things. In fact, it was better if you had friendships with all kinds of people, including those who didn’t see things the way you did.
Hopefully, Estelle and Walter would still welcome me after Samuel and I broke up. I knew the odds weren’t with me, but I would really regret it if I couldn’t talk with them so easily anymore.
“Now, Natalie. What would you like to watch?” Walter held two remotes, like a cowboy from an old Western movie holding his pistols.
Grateful for the distraction, I rested my hands atop my knees. “I’m a fan of comedies and mysteries. Are there any of your favorite shows you’d recommend that combine both?”
Walter craned his neck, trying to see past Chuck, who had planted his front paws on the older man’s shoulders so he could try to lick Walter’s face. “A woman after my own heart. I love a good laugh, so I’ve got plenty of options for you.”
Walter made a face when Chuck finally managed to lick his chin, wrinkling his nose in disgust. “Estelle, you need to brush Chuck’s teeth. His breath smells terrible.”
“Thank you for your input, Walter,” Estelle tartly said. She then turned to me, her expression softening. “Now, Natalie. Before Samuel arrives, allow me to say we’re both so excited to have you here tonight and to welcome you to the family. Samuel made an excellent choice in dating you.”
Walter smiled at me. “When Samuel asked for my wife’s ring to propose to you, I was unbelievably happy. You two deserve it all.”
My heart swelled with gratitude even as another pang of guilt coursed through me. Glancing down at the diamond engagement ring adorned with small emeralds, I nibbled on my lower lip. “Are you sure it’s OK for me to be the one to wear this family heirloom?”
I was going to give it back once this was over, obviously, but even just wearing it made me feel bad.
“Of course,” Walter said.
Estelle pressed her hand to her cheek and tilted her head, looking like a movie star from the golden age of Hollywood. “Isaac and all of Samuel’s cousins weighed in before Samuel even approached the family with the request. They unanimously agreed that Samuel should be the one to have it.”
“Really?” I asked, curiosity piqued. “Why?”
Estelle’s lips—perfectly shaped with red lipstick—curved in a smile.
Walter, however, snorted. “All of my grandchildren agreed Samuel has suffered and waited long enough. He deserved the ring.”
I furrowed my eyebrows, confused by the cryptic explanation. “What do you mean?—”
A loud crash echoed in the hallway, cutting me off.
“Good heavens! What was that?” Estelle exclaimed as we all whipped our heads toward the den entrance.
A moment later, Samuel burst into the room, clutching a briefcase and still wearing his work suit and wool winter coat, which made a stark contrast with his stocking feet.
He skidded across the polished floor as he entered, tossing his briefcase to the ground.
“Sam!” Estelle beamed.
Walter snickered. “Who stuck a bee in your trousers?”
Samuel scowled at his grandfather and turned to face me. The look in his eyes made my heart skip a beat, but I quickly laughed off my nerves.
“That was some entrance.” I scraped myself off the armchair and crossed the den to greet him.
“I was in a rush. Hello.” Samuel’s voice was so low and rumbly it unexpectedly made my nerves jitter as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
Taking his cue, I wound my arms around his neck. “Hello yourself.” The joke wasn’t funny, but it was the best I could do as I tried to ignore his arms on my waist and his proximity.
Samuel didn’t seem to mind. “I missed you. I hope my mother and grandfather didn’t say anything potentially embarrassing.” He leaned in and buried his face in my wavy hair, which thankfully wasn’t a frizzy mess today.
“Not at all,” I said, casually. (At least I hoped it sounded casual.) “We had fun.”
“That’s not reassuring. You’d have the time of your life listening to all the greatest hits of my most embarrassing moments,” Samuel said, his face still in my hair.
I laughed and hoped it didn’t sound canned. “That’s not true, boo.”
Samuel chuckled, bending down slightly so his lips grazed my neck. It was a soft, fleeting touch, but it felt like I’d been kissed by fire.
“Samuel, perhaps you could peel yourself off your love long enough to say hello to your grandfather and me?” Estelle suggested.
Embarrassed, I backed away from Samuel, busting out of his hug.
Samuel frowned at his mother in a look-what-you-made-her-do kind of way.
Walter, who’d gone back to petting Chuck, waved Estelle’s comment off with a waggle of his fingers. “There’s no harm in it, Estelle. They’re young, in love, and newly engaged.”
Samuel strode across the den to greet her. He bent over and hugged Estelle, who beamed with motherly pride.
“Since this is the first time I’ve seen you two together since your engagement, congratulations. You are a lovely match, and I’m sure you’ll have a happy life together.” Estelle’s face softened as she looked at us. “Also, I like my new daughter-in-law very much.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Samuel said, “but remember, I’m marrying Natalie because I’m in love with her, not because you need another friend.”
Estelle huffed, but there was a sparkle in her eye that said she wasn’t really offended.
I settled back into the leather armchair I’d vacated, and Samuel shook hands with his grandfather.
“Sam,” Walter said, “how was work?”
“Good,” Samuel said. “And quite productive. Logan looked into zoning for the old middle school, and it’s appropriate for condos.”
My smile faltered. The old school had the potential to be another point of conflict between the two families. It would be a new fight if we didn’t navigate the issue carefully.
Estelle seemed to notice my mood shift and quickly interjected. “Samuel, let’s not discuss work now. You’re home, it’s time to relax.”
Samuel gave in way more easily than I expected, obediently nodding his head. “Yes, Mother.”
Samuel sauntered up to my chair and dropped his coat on the floor. “Up,” he said.
“Up what?” I asked, confused.
“Stand up for a moment.”
I rose from my seat only to have him claim it for himself.
Chuck hopped off Walter’s lap and waddled over to Sam’s discarded coat, nestling atop it and shedding white hairs everywhere. Samuel rolled his eyes at the dog but didn’t shoo him away.
I, on the other hand, was left to scowl down at my fake fiancé. “Is this your assigned chair or something?”
“Nope,” Samuel said. “But it was the most convenient spot since this is your chair. Now, sit down.” He slapped his thighs in invitation.
“Really, Sam?”
“Really.”
“I’m not going to sit on your lap, especially not in front of your family.”
“I’m just being thoughtful.” Samuel gave me a wounded look. “I know how much you love to cuddle.”
“Samuel!” Estelle scolded, her glare withering. She turned to me, a hint of apology in her eyes. “I apologize, Natalie. I thought I raised him with more decorum and respect than that.”
“Believe me, I’m used to it,” I said, not even joking as I thought of all the annoying games he’d played on me over the years.
“Mother, you can’t blame me.” Samuel playfully winked at me. “Natalie’s so beautiful, she’s hard to resist.”
“Samuel Warner, I hope Chuck pees on your coat!” Estelle declared.
“Mother!” Samuel gasped, feigning shock. “Such crass language! What kind of manners are you displaying to your future daughter-in-law?”
Estelle turned to Walter for support, but he shrugged and said, “You did want him happy and in love, didn’t you?”
“True.” Estelle’s expression softened, and she patted her hand over her heart.
Samuel’s gray eyes were so bright they were almost blue as he smirked up at me from my stolen seat. “Well, Natalie, since my mother has so graciously provided her blessing, won’t you please join me?” He patted his lap again, that charming grin of his never leaving his face.
“Nice try, Romeo,” I said, “but we’re too old for that.”
Samuel mockingly raised his eyebrows at me, which made me want to pick up Chuck and put him on Samuel’s lap in hopes that the dog would get white hair all over him, ruining his annoyingly perfect image.
Samuel had put me in a pickle. With all our PDAs, I couldn’t just sit across the room. But I would die before I sat in Sam’s lap.
Not because he was a Warner, but because then he’d win !
Win what, I didn’t know. But whatever it was, I didn’t want him winning.
The moment was stretching on too long. I could feel Walter’s thoughtful gaze on my back.
Thinking fast, I plopped down on the armrest of the chair he’d stolen from me.
With my legs tucked on either side of the armrest, my knee was pushed against Samuel’s.
He blinked in surprise at my seat choice, then smirked like the Cheshire Cat. “It’s not my first choice, but I guess you sitting here will do.”
He nudged my leg with his, then slipped his hand up my side, resting it directly above my knee.
The touch left a trail of awareness on my leg, but I still had the smug feeling I’d won whatever it was we were competing over.
“Are we all quite comfortable now?” Estelle acidly asked.
“Yes, Mother, though not quite in the way I’d like,” Samuel said.
“Natalie,” Estelle continued, ignoring her son, “I’d like to invite you to join us—the Warner family, that is—at a charity gala in Milwaukee next week.”
I paused, balancing on the chair’s arm. “Oh. Um. I’m honored, but a gala isn’t really my scene.”
“Mine either,” Walter mouthed to me.
“I understand,” Estelle said. “They can be quite trying depending on the crowd.” She shook her head in dismay.
“She means sometimes attendees can be petty and arrogant,” Samuel interpreted for me.
“Quite intolerable.” Estelle straightened her already perfect posture. “However. As you are going to become a Warner, I’m afraid you’ll have to learn the ins and outs of socializing with boors. You will be called upon to attend more business dinners and functions as Samuel’s wife.”
Oh boy. We were really going too far with this fake engagement thing. Why did Samuel break under pressure and propose!?
“Don’t worry.” Walter picked up on my anxiety but mistook its source. “Most of those dinners will be with clients or Warner Print employees, who are much more fun. We only socialize with the snobs of Wisconsin when we can’t avoid it.”
Estelle rested her fingers on her temples. “The two of you are doing a terrible job of selling this to Natalie. You’ll scare her away!”
“Natalie has too much spine for that.” Samuel squeezed my thigh. “You’ll come, won’t you? I’ll die of boredom and heartbreak if you don’t.”
I smiled widely and clenched my teeth. “Honey boo, don’t you think you’re being a tad dramatic?”
Samuel leaned closer, sliding his arm off my thigh and placing it around my waist. “Come on, it’ll be fun. I’ll buy you a dress, and we can camp out at the open bar.”
Whether it was because of everything we’d been through the past few weeks or the fact that I could feel the heat from his hand on my hip, I gave in. “Fine, fine. I’ll come.”
“Wonderful!” Estelle clapped her hands in glee. “I am so looking forward to this! I have always wanted a daughter-in-law to do these kinds of things with.”
Samuel gave Estelle a pained look. “Again. Mother, I’m not marrying Natalie for your convenience.”
Walter snorted as he went back to scrolling through streaming services. “Don’t worry, Sam. There’s not a single Warner who would think that after all of this.”
I opened my mouth to ask Walter what he meant by that, but Samuel abruptly stood up, almost knocking me over. “Now that we have that squared away, why don’t we go check on dinner? I’m sure Isaac is here by now.” Samuel twined his fingers through mine and tugged me along, pulling me behind him.
“You left your briefcase and jacket,” I said.
“Forget them,” Samuel said. “They’re Chuck’s now.”
Once we left the den Samuel slowed down enough so I could match his stride. “Are you really OK with attending the gala?”
Ahh, that was the reason for the abrupt exit. He wanted to double-check with me, which was kind of touching. A couple months ago I would have laughed myself sick at the idea of Samuel’s being concerned if I was bored.
“It’ll be fine,” I said. “I’ll just consider it a life experience.”
“Good.” Samuel flashed me a smile. “Then when should we go dress shopping?”
“You don’t have to come with. I can pay for my own dress.”
“Nonsense. This is my family’s function, and you’ll need a new cocktail dress for it. I’m coming.”
“No,” I said firmly.
Samuel raised his eyebrows.
“Not happening,” I said.
Silly, silly me.