"I don't think we will. By the time we arrive, she'll either be packing or gone. Grandpapa will not tolerate her bad behavior, and she knows it."
"I think I'll wait out front for Hayden. You look like you need a moment to pull yourself together for this."
"Thanks, Pier," Margaux replied.
***
Nikalye needed to sit her down and plan out this trip. They'd already agreed to give their budding relationship a try. A trip together, especially here at the holidays would be a perfect beginning.
"I love you Margaux," he said softly as he neared her side. "Your ability to move on amazes me."
"Nothing gained by sitting here fretting what might happen. If Grandpapa's not going to be here, then I'll take charge and get us through these holidays."
"And you'll do superbly."
"Thanks," she replied, leaning into his embrace. "Oh, and let's not tell anyone about Grandpapa. I want to see if word gets out another way."
"Meaning your sister?"
"She won't be able to keep that to herself."
"No, I suspect she won't."
"Why don't we go grab a bite at the restaurant when all of this is over? Evicting Simone."
"Why don't we place an order and have it delivered to the house," Margaux said. "I have a feeling Simone is going to take her time leaving, and I'm not leaving the house until she’s out. Bag and baggage."
"Whatever you prefer," Nikalye replied, his hand on the small of her back as he opened the door and guided her to the lobby.
When she came on board some months ago she’d anticipated problems, as with any company. What she hadn't been ready for was walking into this viper’s nest of old family rivalry and feud's.
"I can hear you thinking, Margaux."
"I'm just trying to make sense of it all."
"Don't. All you'll be doing is speculating. Until you can talk with your grandfather, everything is going to be nothing but a guess."
"I know. Everything changes at the drop of a hat, doesn't it?"
"It can. You're not planning to quit are you, because I don't envision Margaux Simeon ever quitting anything."
"Never."
"I have an idea," Nikalye said as he took Margaux's coat and helped her into it.
"What's that?"
"I know your grandfather closes the winery and restaurant down a few days before Christmas and doesn't reopen until after the first of the year."
"That's right. What have you got in mind?"
"I have something I want to tell you, but showing you is going to be better."
"Nikalye, you're talking in circles. This isn't like you."
"This is quite hard for me, Margaux. I never thought I would fall in love again. You have showed me that it is possible. There is so much I want to share with you. You are an incredible woman, Margaux Simeon. I want you in my life. I don't know how we're going to make this all work, but together I'm sure we'll find a solution."
Margaux sat there, tears in her eyes. She knew this was hard for him. Nikalye did not give himself easily. He always wore a mask, never letting anyone know what he was feeling. He was letting her in. Into his private thoughts and feelings.
"I think we should table this until my prima donna sister is driving away," she replied, noting that Ellen was at the door. "Tell me Fox, just what do you have up your sleeve?"
"You obviously have no plans for Christmas so I propose a bit of a holiday. You and me."
"Go on."
"How would you feel about spending the holiday in England? Brighton Beach to be exact. With my grandmother?" He watched her face for a reaction. Seeing he wasn't getting any, he tried not to panic. "Too much too soon?"
"No not at all. I'd love to spend the holiday with you and your grandmother."
He appeared relieved. "We'll stay in London and see the sights there as well."
"I've always wanted to see London during the holidays."
"Perfect."
She looked at him as he held the door open for her. He had a smirk on his face.
"Why is it I feel you're not telling me everything?"
"Because it's Christmas. A time for surprises, joy and happiness," he replied, his eyes dancing with mirth. "You, Margaux Simeon have shown me that there is still much happiness in the world. Sometimes we simply have to wait a while for it."
"You like putting me on edge don't you?"
"I take it that's a yes?"
"Yes. The business will be closed. There's not much to be done until Grandpapa returns...but most of all I want to spend the holiday with you."
She did, too. Her previous life had withered away. Then she’d met this handsome Brit and he’d turned her world upside down. Literally. She was falling for him hard.
"Then here's to us and to what the holiday's hold. What I hope will be the first of many," he said. "You have my heart, Margaux."
"And you have mine as well, Nikalye," she replied. "Come on, let's catch up with Pier and Hayden. We have an eviction to take care of."
###THE END###
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Brighton Cove Series
Everything About You
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Tudor Rose
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Tudor Reunion Tour
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Stand Alone: Timeless Sojourn
Writing as Historical Romance Author J R Salisbury
Dealing With The Duchess
Love Changes Everything (Chateaux Ste. Margaux Book 1) Page 12
