Chapter 1 #2
“That this has to do with the photographs Lydia has? I don’t know.” He crossed his arms as he leaned back against the desk again.
The clock on the mantel chimed the hour, and Julia glanced at it. “Well, I guess we’ll find out soon enough. We’d better get going. If we’re late, we’ll be the ones Sierra kills.”
Grant grabbed his glass and downed the rest of the bourbon, letting the burn in his throat take the edge off whatever news Sierra was waiting to spring. Maybe she was starting a shoe line for Lydia’s charity, too.
He wrapped an arm around Julia’s shoulders as she stood, and they headed to the living room.
Sierra paced back and forth, the characteristic clopping of her designer shoes echoing in the large room. “Oh, good, you’re here. Finally . Even Kyle was on time.”
“What’s this about, Sierra?” Grant asked.
“Sit down, and I’ll tell you.” Sierra poked a pen at the couch as she tugged a folder closer to her chest.
Grant’s stomach flip-flopped as he wondered about the contents. They crossed to the couch and settled onto it next to Kyle. “Where’s your mother?”
“Who cares?” Sierra asked.
“I thought this was a family meeting?” Grant asked.
“Yeah. You, Julia, me. And a side order of Kyle since he kind of counts, and he’s a doctor so if anyone has any health concerns, he can handle it. Mom is not family.”
Grant furrowed his brow as he tried to figure out what announcement was coming that required a medical professional next to them as she made it.
“Kind of?” Kyle asked. “I’m your half-brother.”
“Yeah,” Sierra said. “And you’re half not my brother. Just be happy I picked the half that is.”
Grant heaved a sigh, his muscles tensing. They relaxed slightly as Julia slid a hand onto his knee. “Sierra, what is this all about?”
Sierra let her arms drop to her sides, still clutching the folder as she began to pace the floor again. “This family has been through far too much in the past year.”
“You can say that again,” Grant said, his nerves still on edge.
“Don’t interrupt.”
Grant flicked his gaze to Julia with a sigh before he waved a hand for her to proceed.
“And as such, I have taken it upon myself to rectify this situation.”
Grant’s eyebrows rose toward his hairline. “Oh? How’s that?”
Sierra whipped around to face them, waving the folder in the air. “I have planned a family vacation. We are all going to go on it. And we are all going to have a wonderful time.”
“A vacation?”
“Yes,” Sierra said with a grin as she raised her chin. “I have taken care of all the details. I rented a beautiful house. I’ve arranged everything with the staff, even the packing.
“Daddy, you are not going to work. Julia, you are not going to write. Kyle, you are not going to do crazy things.”
Her brother screwed up his face at her.
“Don’t interrupt,” she shot back before he could say anything.
“Sierra…” Grant began.
“I said don’t interrupt ,” she repeated through clenched teeth.
“Now, we leave tomorrow afternoon. And fly to our…as yet untold destination where we will spend ten whole days together as a family.” She grinned at them. “Okay, someone say something now.”
“Sierra, I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Grant said.
She stared at him, her features incredulous. “I meant say something like, ‘Wow, Sierra, this is so wonderful of you. Thank you so much.’”
She waited for a breath before she flung her arms out. “Hello? Not even Julia? I can’t even depend on my loving step-mommy to support my fabulous idea?”
“I think it’s very nice, Sierra, but–”
“But what? I even invited Kyle so he didn’t feel left out. Will someone give me some credit?”
Grant shrugged. “Sierra, I just think that given some of the events of the past year, maybe we should stick closer to home.”
Sierra heaved a sigh. “Daddy, I have taken care of everything . I talked to the security team, and I even coordinated with the local police so they know that we need extra special care. I’ve literally covered every base.”
She scoffed after a second. “Is no one going to thank me?”
“Thank you, Sierra. This is super great,” Kyle said, his tone mocking.
“I should have left you off the list.”
“Well, maybe it will be nice,” Julia said with a smile. “We’ve all been through a lot. It’ll be nice to have some time away from all the drama. Where are we going?”
Sierra offered her a coy smile. “Uh-uh-uh. It’s a surprise.”
“Why?” Kyle asked.
“Because I don’t want anyone looking this place up and picking it apart or trying to foil my plans. I’ve taken care of it all.” She poked a finger at the folder. “I’ve got everything right here. We are going to have so much fun, it’ll hurt.”
Grant crinkled his brow at the words.
“So, everybody get ready. The Harrington jet flies at one tomorrow.” Sierra grinned at them. “Now, I’ve got to run and take care of some last-minute details. See you all tomorrow.”
She raced from the room as silence stretched between the rest of them.
“Is this really happening?” Grant asked.
“I think so,” Julia said as she snapped her gaze to him. She offered him a shrug of one shoulder. “Maybe it’ll be nice.”
Grant imagined Sierra’s lavish tastes. Images of a villa perched on a white sand beach with crystal blue waters lapping it filled his mind.
Julia stood in a breezy dress on a large balcony, the wind picking up her hair as she grinned at him.
His mind conjured the image of him pulling out the velvet ring box he’d been keeping. Maybe this trip would be nice.
He smiled at her. “Maybe you’re right. I guess we’ll find out.”
She nodded as she rose. “Well, with a ban on writing starting tomorrow, I’d like to get something done.”
“I have a few things I need to take care of at Harrington Global if I’m going to be away.”
“I’ll just be here, not being crazy,” Kyle called as they strode from the room.
“Hey,” Grant said after they were out of his earshot. “You sure you’re okay with this?”
“Sure,” she said with a shrug. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. We could all use a break.”
He smiled at her. “Okay. And I agree. I may actually be looking forward to this.”
They parted ways with her heading up the stairs as he hovered in the doorway to his office. Instead of stepping inside, he headed towards the stairs and made his way through the lavish halls to his room. He tugged the drawer of his nightstand open and pulled out the velvet box.
With a grin, he snapped it open and stared at his grandmother’s diamond ring. A chime of his cell phone pulled his attention away as he imagined slipping it onto Julia’s finger.
He dug his phone from his pocket and glanced at the display. A text awaited him from Sierra. You’re welcome, Daddy. I expect you to use this relaxing opportunity to do what needs to be done with Julia .
He smiled at the message, then shifted his gaze back to the ring. Each sparkle reminded him of a moment he and Julia had shared. This wasn’t just a ring, but a promise. A promise of a beautiful life together.
He pictured Julia’s eyes lighting up as he slid it onto her finger. A pang of doubt had him questioning if it was the right time, but he shoved it aside. It had to be now. In a quiet moment amidst all their chaos, this would be the anchor to cling to.
He closed the ring box and tucked it into his pocket, feeling its weight as a tangible symbol of his commitment. He took a deep breath, a mix of resolve and anticipation coursing through him.
This trip was going to be life-changing.