by Jenni James
She typed the address to the home on Hidden Ridge Circle into her phone and tucked Georgia’s list into her purse. Then she followed the directions from the email to the bank on Main Street. After speaking with the teller—who Will called earlier—and showing her I.D., she was given a small manila envelope that contained his extra keys.
It took a bit longer than she thought it would to drive up the mountain to his house. Finally, she punched in the key code at the gate and went up the circular driveway, and then slammed on her brakes. Not that she was traveling fast, but—
There honestly were no words for the gorgeous building before her. None. It was the most stunning revival of a Georgian mansion she’d ever seen. In fact, with the color of the brick, multiple stories, and sprawling wings, it felt as though she had traveled to England.
Her heart caught in her throat, and her hands begin to shake. All at once, she felt incredibly overwhelmed and confused—almost as if this was some practical joke and everyone was in on it but her.
As soon as her fingers stopped shaking enough to dial, she called Will.
“Hello?”
She burst out, “What is this? Where am I?”
He seemed concerned. “What’s going on? Are you okay? Are you lost?”
She clutched the keys and slowly got out of her car. “I—I don’t know. I think so. I hope so. I swear, if this is some sort of joke, it’s not funny, Will.”
“Where are you?”
Turning around, she gasped when she saw the amazing views of the city nestled in the valley below her, and the shimmering lake beyond them. It was one of the most breathtaking sights she’d ever seen. “I don’t know. I followed the address you gave me, and now I’m at the top of a mountain at this seriously massive mansion, and I…”
He chuckled. “Yeah, it’s probably a bit much, isn’t it?”
“Shut it. This is yours? Like, really yours?”
“I wanted something that would last forever. I studied designs for two years and finally decided on that one. With the help of an incredible architect, we created this crazy big dream home.”
“Will?”
“Yeah?”
“I just . . . I don’t know—it’s . . .”
“You hate it, don’t you?”
“What? No! Definitely not. It’s overwhelming, but so, so beautiful. I would’ve never taken you for the Georgian architecture type. The brick, the grand entrance columns, the sculptured window casings—it’s like a home straight from when I visited Britain.”
“Well, that’s what I was going for. Something old worldly that I could transport here.”
She shook her head as her eyes roved over the incredible details all around her. “It’s like something from a fairy tale.”
“Go look inside. You haven’t seen anything yet. And tell me what you think of the kitchen. I know you and your kitchens.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She knew he didn’t mean to make it sound like he wanted her approval of his kitchen, but it certainly came off that way. And not that he’d ever need it. It wasn’t like she’d ever be living here.
As she walked up to the main doors, Will chatted on about the construction and brick and energy-efficient design—all the technical stuff that went into making the house. She let him talk. Her mind was racing so much over the complexity of such a place that she was only half paying attention anyway. The lock clicked open, and she pushed the French door in.
Stepping into the mansion was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. A gorgeous sweeping staircase beckoned her onto the gleaming light-colored marble floor. His taste was exquisite, like something you’d see in a magazine or TV show, not in real life. “Oh, wow!” she whispered as she closed the door and walked across the entryway.
“Did you make it in?”
“Just now. It’s so pretty, Will. Honestly, amazing.”
He seemed excited. “Okay, head to your right. Through the archway, you’ll see a hall. Do you see it?”
“Yes.”
“Follow it until it ends.”
She did, but not before marveling at the artwork, furniture, and tapestries in the rooms she passed by. One looked like a music room, another an elaborate office, and another an ornate dining room, with a long table that could seat at least twenty people. As she got to the end of the hall, she walked through the only archway there—on her left—and then nearly dropped the phone.
It was by far the most stunning gourmet kitchen she’d ever seen. “Look at that stove!” she cried as she practically flew to the large eight-burner glory, her hand gripping the phone. “I would kill to have this stove!”
“Perfect for entertaining, isn’t it?” he asked.
“I think if I had something this fun, I’d never make it in to work.”
He laughed. “Yeah, it can be hard sometimes.”
Everything was spotless. The marble countertops, the shining floors, the sinks—everything. “I’m impressed with how clean the place is. Looks like you’ve never used it.”
“Oh, I use it all right. I just have a maid who comes in and helps a few times a week.”
Of course he did. Eliza continued to snoop and pry into as many rooms as she could while Will took her on a sort of virtual phone tour. By the time she’d made it to Georgia’s room, she was almost running late. She still had to pick up her mom and then head over to the airport.
With his help, she was able to collect the things on the list, which included an old iPhone, iPod, some clothes she’d left behind. Then Eliza added some toiletries, cosmetics, and a curling iron, from the vanity in the large ensuite bathroom. She found her robe, blanket, and then about five pairs of shoes. It wasn’t on the list, but when Eliza stumbled upon a stash of European chocolates in a nightstand while searching for the old phone, she also grabbed a few of them. She then put everything in a couple of large designer beach bags she’d found in one of the closets, as well as a swimsuit she’d found near the bags.
“There. I think that’s everything.”
“Actually, could you grab one thing for me?” Will asked.
“Sure. What do you need?”
“My Kindle. I forgot it.”
She chuckled. “I should make you read the books on mine—then you’ll know what true torture is.”
“I take it you’re not into mysteries?”
“Nope. Lots of self-help and romance.”
He groaned. “You’re right. It would be torture.”
“So, where to?” She was standing in the middle of the hall with shut doors all around her.
He directed her to his room, and as she opened the door, she halted. There on a small table near his bed was a collection of greeting cards—very familiar cards. She approached and found they were the cards she had given him throughout the year with expressions of congratulations, thanks, or for the different holidays. Nothing much—just appreciation, really. It was bizarre that he’d kept them, and strangely endearing too.
“You’re awfully quiet. Did I lose you?” he asked.
Guiltily, she started, and then cleared her throat. “Sorry. Where is it?”
He must’ve realized what had happened. “Oh, um, stay away from the side tables next to the bed. It’ll be by the overstuffed chair near the floor-to-ceiling window, the one facing the fireplace.”
She decided not to tease him about the cards just yet—there’d be plenty of time to ask about them later. Instead, she walked over to the Kindle, which was still on its charger, unplugged it, and slipped it into one of his sister’s bags. “Okay. That’s everything. Can you think of anything else you need?”
“Nope. Just you.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
Eliza gave a friendly honk as she pulled up to her parents’ house and then got out. As she crossed the threshold, she saw her dad sitting on her mom’s luggage watching TV. The suitcases were standing up, smooshed together with his bum rested on top, like they were his own personal stool. “What are you doing?”
; He winked and told her to hush.
“Are you going to tease Mom forever?” she asked as she sat down in the comfy chair next to him.
“Well, she’s the one who put these here hours ago. I figure they’re our furniture now.”
She laughed.
Chuckling, he grabbed the remote from a nearby table and turned down the volume. “So, missy, you sure you’re up for this trip?”
“With Mom?” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “No. I imagine it’ll be the same as it always is.”
He nodded. “She’s pretty excited about this Darcy fellow.”
“I know. She constantly will be.”
“So, what do you think about him? Still hate his guts and want to hogtie the varmint?”
“Dad! I never said that.”
“Nope.” His eyes twinkled. “But you sure thought it a ton, though.”
“You know me so well.” Her eyebrows rose. “I’m still thinking it now, about every other day.”
“Ah, I see. He’s starting to wear you down.” He wiggled around on the top of the luggage and found a more comfortable spot. “Good. It’s about time. That boy’s as sweet on you as strawberry jam on ice cream.”
“He is?” She leaned back to get a better look at him. “And how would you know?”
“Because your mom’s nearly driven me to drinking, and you know I’ve never had a drink in my life, but that doesn’t mean I sure as heck didn’t contemplate it at least twice a day for the two years before we got married. And then about four times a day since!”
She grinned, but was a bit lost.
“I knew. I knew the second that I met that gorgeous woman, my life had been completely knocked upside down. I knew I’d never get a day’s rest, she was so darn active and constantly worried about all the silliness around her. I knew exactly what my life would be like.” He looked up toward the stairs. “But man, I couldn’t imagine a day without her brightness, and her downright nosy biddy neighbor attitude. She has kept me level-headed and chuckling every day since.”
He glanced over at Eliza, his faded blue eyes searching her wearily. “And she needed me. I’d never felt more loved or needed in my whole life until I met that darned crazy woman. Never. And I knew I’d never find another like her.”
Warmth spread through Eliza from head to toe. “I want that, Daddy. I want a man to love me just for being me.”
“You’re ornerier than a nest of hornets.”
“I know.” She smiled ruefully.
He waggled his brows. “You’re frank, you’re exact, and you’re tough.”
“Gee, Dad, nothing like making me feel good.”
“Well, that’s another of your faults—you interrupt before a person’s finished. Listen, little one. Let people talk—you’ll find out a lot more good if you did.”
He was right. She was always barging in. This time, she waited.
“You’re also caring, kind, thoughtful, and the most giving woman I know.” His eyes twinkled. “You’re better than any man I know. And only a fool wouldn’t fall for you. I tell you now, William Darcy didn’t get to be where he is because he’s a fool. Nope. He isn’t. And he loves you.”
A strange sort of calmness came over her. “Why?”
He patted his knees. “Well that’s the part you need to listen for and find out yourself. Though, may I suggest you do that when your mom’s not around?”
Eliza winced. “Oh, this is going to be so bad.”
“Ha!” He shrugged. “It’ll be good for the boy to meet his biggest fan.”
She’d never heard Will called a boy before. It made her grin. “I guess if he can survive Mom, he can survive anything.”
He hollered up the stairs. “Melissa, Eliza’s here! Were you gonna come down, or were you planning on sleeping all day?”
“What?” her mom answered. “How long’s she been here? Why doesn’t anyone tell me anything anymore?” Eliza could hear her moving around above their heads and then walking down the stairs.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Let’s get going.” Melissa brushed at her hair with her fingers. “I’ve just had a bit of a beauty rest. Now it’s time to party.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay here and celebrate with Dad?”
“Ha! And miss out on the chance of seeing my daughter elope? Heck, no.”
“Hey, now. What’s this about eloping?” Her dad winked at her. “I didn’t survive cancer just to find out about some wedding later. I’d better be walking you down the aisle, or you’d better believe your young man won’t have legs to walk around with!”
Eliza shook her head. “I’m not eloping with anyone. You two are certifiably crazy, you know that?” She stood up and gave her dad a hug.
“Yep.” He chuckled. “And remember, you’re part of our gene pool. You don’t stand a chance.”
“Besides, Dad and Jane have a weekend of chess planned without us.” Mom said as she walked over to the door and scooped her purse off the floor.
“Yep.” Dad patted his stomach. “Pizza, movies, chess, and Oreo ice cream.”
Mom wagged her finger. “You promised you wouldn’t eat too much junk food.”
He laughed. “I promise only to eat enough to truly celebrate your birthday without me.”
Suddenly, her mom gasped. “Michael Martin Bennet! Get off my luggage now! What in the world do you think you’re doing, sitting on it like it’s living room furniture?”
“Well, isn’t it?”
“Oomph.” She pushed against him. “I can’t believe this. It’s like you’re still a ten-year-old boy sometimes.”
He nearly split a gut laughing at her outraged face as he stood up.
Eliza just shook her head and began hauling the nearest suitcase out to her car. “One of these days, I’m sure I’ll need therapy.”
“Ain’t good enough upbringing if you don’t!” her dad hollered after her as he brought the other suitcase with him. He gently nudged her away and loaded them both into the trunk. Then he shut it and said seriously, “Take good care of her.”
“I will.”
He nodded and gave her a big hug. “Love you. Be safe.” Then he turned, caught his wife up, and dipped her in a movie-style kiss. One foot popped up above them both.
“Michael!” she gasped and giggled as he kept kissing her.
“What? I have to get as much as I can now to make up for all the days I can’t while you’re gone.”
Eliza got in the car and chuckled. No one could ever say that those two didn’t deserve each other. And thank goodness for that.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
Eliza’s mom chattered happily the whole way to the local airport, and while they were ushered onto the tarmac—via Will’s instructions—and onto the awaiting plane. The pilot met them at the door, introducing himself and the other crew member on board, a flight attendant who was also a certified pilot in case of an emergency.
Both men were cordial and professional and quick, and soon they were zooming thousands of feet in the air. The whole flight wasn’t expected to take more than an hour or so. After snacks had been served, and her mom satisfied, the attendant left them alone.
“Wow. This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done!” Mom gushed.
“Me too,” Eliza said with a small grin on her face.
“So now that we’re alone, tell me what happened. I thought we weren’t going because you were mad at Mr. Darcy, and then the next thing I know, we are going, and he’s sending his jet to get us. Now, where’s the rest of the story?”
Eliza chewed her lip. She wasn’t sure how much she could or should actually say. It technically wasn’t her story to tell. “An emergency came up, and Will asked me to bring some stuff for him. Then, because it was so last minute and he felt bad for disrupting my plans, he offered to fly out anyone else I’d like to bring with me.” She put her chair into a full reclining position. “I knew that if you found out I went to Vegas without you, you’d kill me. So, here we a
re. It’s just that simple.”
“No, it isn’t.” Mom gave a smug smile and reclined her chair as well. “I’m not saying that what you’re saying isn’t true—it just isn’t the whole truth. But don’t worry, I’ll get it out of you eventually. I always do.”
Actually, she didn’t. But she didn’t need to know that.
“These leather seats are so comfortable. I never knew it could be this wonderful to fly somewhere. Now I’m going to be spoiled rotten,” her mom said.
“I know what you mean. I’m almost there myself.”
Her mom sat up. “That settles it. You have to marry Will Darcy just so I can fly in the lap of luxury.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, Mom, that’s the exact reason why I’d marry Will.”
Her mom popped some chocolate-covered almonds in her mouth. “See? I’m wearing you down already. You didn’t say you wouldn’t marry him this time.”
“Only because I know it’d be useless.” Eliza closed her eyes. It was the first real moment she’d had to relax since waking up that morning.
“Do you know what I think?”
“Hmm?”
“I think you should give him a chance.”
“And why’s that? Because he’s rich?” Eliza chuckled. “Do you have any idea how shallow that sounds?”
Her mom giggled. “Yes.” Then she sighed. “No, I really don’t care deep down how wealthy he is, though it is an amazing perk—don’t get me wrong! I just want you settled down with someone who makes you feel alive.”
“And you think Will Darcy makes me feel alive? Ha! I feel more like killing someone.” Eliza looked over, caught her mom’s happy grin, and then closed her eyes again.
“No, dear, I have hope for him because as soon as you started working for Mr. Darcy, you woke up.”
She scrunched her brow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, something sparked inside you—something felt more real. For the first time, you allowed someone to get under your skin and annoy you. You felt things.”
“I felt a headache coming on,” Eliza groaned through a grin. “Kind of like now.”
