Chapter 38
Chapter Thirty-Eight
ELLA
2 months later
I walked around the three work trucks and hurried into the house. I was getting used to being greeted by the sounds of hammers and saws. Rhett had finally found a contractor who considered saving an old gem like Grimstone Manor an honor. Lionel was a great guy with a big gray mustache that hung down both sides of his mouth. I could hear his rumbling laughter through the tool noise. I heard Rhett’s laugh in response. I followed the sound and found both men standing in the library—“the place where it all began,” as I’d named it. I almost felt a touch of heartbreak thinking they’d soon remodel the entire room. I’d even asked Rhett if he’d consider leaving just the one room untouched, but that was a hard no.
House plans were rolled out on the desk, and the two men stared down at the blueprints. Rhett spotted me first. “Oh, good, Ella, you’re here. I’m thinking about keeping the bookshelves.”
Lionel spun around and smiled. The mustache was so big I could only sense that it was a smile because his cheeks rounded. “Morning, Ella.”
“Morning, Lionel.” I turned to Rhett. “I think that’s a fabulous idea … and thank you.” I winked at him because I knew I’d had something to do with the decision.
“Well, I better go see how they’re getting on with that new heating system.” Lionel nodded at me as he walked out.
Rhett rolled up the plans and stepped out from behind the desk. I hurried right into his arms. “My articles about the curse were such a success my editor is letting me have more input on my assignment choices.”
“That’s amazing, Ella.” He kissed me. “I’ve got a pot of coffee on.”
We headed to the kitchen. Rhett had already let me know that he expected me to give a lot of input on the kitchen design. For now, it remained a mostly empty space.
“Did you hear any more about—” I crinkled my nose because it was a subject of great distaste.
“She plead guilty to get the sentencing reduced to assault. That’s all right, isn’t it?”
“Yes, I didn’t look forward to a long court trial. I just want the whole thing behind us.”
Rhett poured us cups of coffee and we sat at the kitchen table. He was always incredibly handsome, but having the nightmare with his ex-wife finished and getting someone to start on the house had added more color and brightness to his face.
I picked up my cup. “Here’s to looking a curse right in its mean face and laughing it into oblivion,” I said.
He tapped my cup. “Amen to that.”