Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Liz
"Babe, you’re very thoughtful, but you didn't have to do it," Declan said two weeks later, the morning that Gran and Reese were flying to London.
"Of course I did," I said, glancing into the bag at the box of goodies I’d carefully prepped as we walked past Millennium Park, heading to his office. It was very early in the morning. I’d never been out and about at this time.
"You're amazing, you know that?"
"Look, this is going to be a tough time for Gran. Some comfort food will do her good, and Reese always appreciates my treats."
He kissed the side of my neck and then drew in a deep breath, like he couldn't get enough of me. I loved this man so, so much.
"Besides, she's making a huge thing out of saying goodbye to all of you, which I think is a sign that she's bracing herself."
"I think you're right," Declan said. “I fucking love it that you’ve finally hired another baking assistant.”
I grinned. “So do I.”
I caved in last week when I reached a record of being at the bakery for sixteen hours in one day. It meant I could take a breather—like the one I was taking now.
We went up in the elevator, and once we stepped out, I said, “Let’s see where the gang is.”
"Oh, everyone's here already," he said as we heard Gran’s distinctive voice as well as Reese’s.
They were all in a small kitchen area, where there was a coffee machine and a round table with chairs.
"Hey, everyone," I said, holding up the bag.
Travis, Luke, and Tate were here too. Tate was taking Gran and Reese to the airport.
"You brought goodies," Travis said.
I chuckled. "I did, but they're not for you."
He jerked his head back. "You’re flinging them under my nose and they're not even for me? Why are you so cruel?"
"You can always come back with me to the bakery afterward and have your fill.” Turning to Gran and Reese, I said, “I've made cookies for your trip. They're going to last for a couple days, so it's okay if you don’t eat them all at once."
"Sounds good," Reese said, excitedly rubbing her palms.
Gran beamed from ear to ear. "Declan, you found yourself a good woman."
"That I have," Declan said, keeping a hand on the small of my back. I liked being connected to him like this.
"Liz, you shouldn't have," Gran said.
"Of course I did. These are goodbye cookies."
"Thank you, dear."
"You didn't have to stop by, Gran," Declan said. "You could have just told us all to come to your house."
"Nonsense. In my time, before one left on a trip, they went out to meet and bid goodbye to friends and family. It’s easier to catch up with you all here at the office than dropping by your houses.
I’m sorry I left it to the last minute, but I had so many things to do to prepare for the trip.
I already spoke to your parents and to John. "
"Who's John?" Luke asked.
Travis stopped pacing the room. Tate cocked a brow. Reese pressed her lips together, but she looked curiously at Gran.
"Oh, he's a very good friend of mine. You could say he's a companion."
Luke’s jaw dropped. "Wait, what do you mean, companion? You're dating him?"
"At my age, you don't call it that. You just call it going out for coffee."
The brothers all looked at each other.
Tate cleared his throat. "Good for you, Gran."
Poor guy, he sounded stunned.
"Why didn't you tell us about him?" Travis asked.
"It's none of you boys' business,” she admonished. “Besides, I'm not sure yet if I’ll introduce him to the family."
"Oh, come on, Gran. You've been going out for coffees for a few months, right?" Reese asked.
Gran frowned at her. "How do you know that?"
"Um…."
She waved dismissively. "It doesn't matter.”
“We should get going,” Tate said.
Gran nodded. “Okay. It’s good to see you boys. Behave while I'm gone."
"Will do, Gran," they all chorused.
"And wish me luck," she murmured.
"It's going to be fine," Reese said. "We're going to have fun in London, and you're going to meet your youngest granddaughter. I’m going to meet my half sister. I'm very excited."
"Bye, group. I'll catch up with you later,” Tate said.
Reese kissed my cheek, taking the box of goodies. "Thanks for giving these to us. We’re going to need some of your magic treats right before Gran and Dad meet."
"Have fun," I told her with a meaningful glance.
Things had gotten really crazy for her after the interview.
She was constantly fielding requests for more interviews.
The good part was that no one had heard a single thing from Malcolm.
But it was good for Reese to spend a few weeks in London, getting away from all this.
The room was silent for a few seconds after they left, and then Travis cleared his throat. "Anyone else stunned speechless? No, just me?"
Declan put an arm around my shoulders. "Hey, I want Gran to be happy."
"Yeah, me too," Travis explained. "I didn't expect this. And why wouldn’t she want us to meet him? What do you think?" he asked, glancing at Luke, who shrugged.
"I have a long day ahead of me, and I want my head clear."
"Oh, come on, dude. You can always indulge in some Maxwell gossip," Travis said.
"I suppose I have a few minutes," Luke replied.
Just then, Greta poked her head in. "I’ve got a Miss Holmes here, Luke. Says she’s supposed to meet your head of HR. Want me to tell her to wait, or do you want to talk to her?”
"I'm coming," he said.
"Great." Greta took a step back, and I could see Miss Holmes from where I stood. We all could. She was pacing the entrance area.
"Fuck," Luke exclaimed.
I jerked my head in his direction. "What's wrong? Do you know her?"
All eyes were on Luke now. "You could say that. I won't go into detail right now."
Travis cocked a brow.
Declan stepped closer to Luke. "Act professionally. What happened before you met can't be held against you in a court of law."
Luke ran a hand through his hair. "Thanks, brother. That concern wasn't even on my radar. I have other things to worry about." He did look tense. "I'll tell you everything later. I don't want to keep her waiting."
As he stepped out, I took a good look at the woman. Her eyes widened, shock evident on every inch of her face.
"This will be fun,” Travis said.
Declan chuckled. “Definitely looks like that.”