The Milburn Big Box Set

by Nancy McGovern

  “Oh, my goodness! Are you serious? Yes! Of course!” Grace gave a little squeal.

  “I love you.” He placed the ring on her finger and the doors burst open. Grace gave an even louder squeal as their friends and family streamed into the hall. Music began playing again and there were cheers as people crowded around the couple to congratulate them.

  “You knew?!” Grace exclaimed, as she caught sight of her mother and father. She ran to them and gave them a tight hug. “How did you manage to keep it a secret?”

  “He told us last week that he was planning to propose…though this is a bit more than your average proposal! Hang on to this guy, Grace!” Nora kissed Grace on both her cheeks and wiped away a tear. “Congratulations, honey. I’m so proud and happy. My little girl’s all grown up.”

  “Congratulations, sweetheart.” Harvey’s voice was a little hoarse. He bent to kiss Grace on both cheeks.

  “Congratulations, Sis!” Hazel bumped her way forward and gave Grace a bone-breaking hug. “And congratulations, Jacob! She’s all yours now, bucko!”

  “Thanks, Hazel!” Jacob said. “I couldn’t be happier about that!”

  Kaylee suddenly burst through the crowd and wrapped her arms around Jacob. He lifted her into his arms. “I didn’t even have to dance for her, Uncle Jacob!” she said. “Aunt Grace must really like you!”

  “Huh?” Hazel wrinkled her brow.

  “Shush, Kaylee. Never mind that.” Jacob blushed.

  “Well, then come on over and check out this cake Mom made.” Hazel pulled Grace over to the table where a three-tiered yellow cake sat. “Pineapple and butterscotch…your favorite flavors!”

  “I can’t believe this is happening!” Grace said, admiring the gorgeous cake.

  “I can’t believe you said yes!” Jacob kissed her on the cheek.

  “Of course I said yes, you big galoot! I’ve been waiting for ages.” Grace bit her lip. “I mean…we’ve been dating for ages. What took you so long to pop the question?”

  Jacob looked uncomfortable. He didn’t answer her question, instead asking, “But you like everything, right? I didn’t mess anything up?”

  “Like it? I love it! What girl gets a full-fledged party as part of her proposal? This is amazing!”

  “Well, I wanted it to be special.” Jacob smiled. “Your mom and sister helped a lot, too. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

  “Nonsense,” Nora said. “It was all Jacob’s idea. I can’t tell you how happy I am. You two make such a lovely couple.”

  “And you’ll make a lovely grandma soon enough, huh? Huh? How’s that feel?!” Hazel nudged her mother playfully and gave Grace a mischievous grin.

  “A grandma...” Nora had repeated, seemingly dazed by the thought.

  “Oh, don’t you start.” Grace groaned. “We’re not even married yet and you already want a nephew? You’ll have to wait on that!”

  “Or a niece,” Hazel said. “Either will do.”

  Kaylee, who was in Jacob’s arms, suddenly burst into tears.

  “Oh, hey...” Jacob stroked her hair as she buried her face in his shirt. Murmuring to Kaylee, he held up a finger to tell the others they’d be right back and headed toward the exit.

  “What? Did I say something wrong?” Hazel asked, staring after Jacob. She looked at Grace. “What am I missing?”

  “Well, I’m not exactly sure but I can guess based on the subject matter. You know Jacob’s sister died three years ago and Kaylee’s been raised by her grandma, Viola, ever since. She’s also very close with Jacob and I think that maybe your talk about him having his own kids made her question whether he’ll still want her around when that happens.”

  “Jeez, what are you, the kid whisperer?” Hazel asked. “How could you get all that just from her starting to cry?”

  “Well, there’s been more than that,” Grace said. “Things she’s said or reactions she’s had in the past that make me pretty sure I’m right.”

  Hazel bit her lip. “Well, you know I didn’t mean to upset the kid.”

  “I know. I’m going to go see if she’s ok,” Grace said. “Just no more talk of babies around her, okay Hazel?”

  “Sure. Whatever.” Hazel looked crestfallen.

  “It’s not your fault,” Nora said as Grace left the hall after Jacob. “You couldn’t have known.”

  “We still don’t know that’s what it was. But if it was, then I feel bad,” Hazel said. “I don’t want to ruin the night for anyone.”

  “Nonsense,” Nora said. “They’ll be back in here and be dancing up a storm in ten minutes. No one will even remember this happened.”

  Sure enough, ten minutes later, the music was playing even louder and Grace and Jacob were dancing amidst a big group of their friends while Kaylee showed off her ballet moves. Nora smiled from a corner of the room where she sipped from a glass of white wine while Grace’s future mother-in-law, Viola, outlined her grand plans for the wedding.

  “First things first, you’re coming over this Thanksgiving,” Viola said. “Our whole family will be there and, now that you’re a part of it, you should be there, too.”

  “Well, actually, we were all planning on traveling to Laramie this year,” Hazel said. “My friend is playing a concert at—”

  Viola cut her off with a steely gaze. “I’m talking to your mother, dear.” Then, turning back to Nora, she said, “You will come, won’t you?”

  “Well, we do have other plans. Maybe next year?” Nora spoke sheepishly, as if she may get in trouble for her answer.

  Viola stared down at her. “That’s your choice. But, of course, now that Grace is going to be a Giordano, she has to come. I’d have thought you’d like to come, too. If only to support her.”

  Nora looked over at Grace. She’d thrown her head back and was laughing while Kaylee and Jacob did a ridiculously exaggerated chicken dance, their faces puckered and their heads bobbing.

  “After all, imagine how alone Grace will feel,” Viola said.

  “I’ll talk to Harvey,” Nora said, taking a deep breath and marveling at this woman’s mind games. She didn’t like feeling pressured this way, but neither did she want to start off Grace’s new life like this. She supposed it was a small sacrifice to make. Hazel would be disappointed by the change in plans but she’d surely understand.

  “Good,” Viola said, taking it for granted that the answer was now yes. “I’m sure we’ll all have a an absolutely delightful time.”

  If only they’d known.

  *****

  Chapter 3

  The Younger Brother

  Anybody who hasn’t lived in Wyoming can’t quite understand what “windy” means, Nora thought, looking through her diner’s front window. Outside, the wind was howling like a wounded animal as it passed through town, making the line of cypress trees along the road bow and dance. Inside, Nora shivered a little and pulled her cashmere cardigan closer to herself.

  It was twilight and the diner was mostly empty. A few regulars sat at the counter and gossiped with Tina while, in one booth, Jacob and Grace were bent over an iPad, discussing flower arrangements. Nora’s mouth curled up in an involuntary smile as she saw Jacob’s eyes glaze over with boredom while Grace excitedly rattled on about daisies versus lilies. Jacob shifted and put his arms around Grace, drawing her closer.

  Nora walked over to them and cleared her throat.

  “Care for a refill?” She inclined her head towards their empty coffee cups. Grace shook her head. “Not for me, thanks. This stuff hits you like a bullet.”

  “I’ll have some.” Jacob smiled gratefully. “Nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a day like this.”

  “Actually, what I’d really like is your opinion,” Grace said, gesturing to the seat in front of her. “Look at these adorable centerpieces, Mom. What do you think?”

  Jacob sighed and Grace turned to him. “What?”

  “It’s just… I feel like the money’s better spent on food,” Jacob said. “Nobody cares abou
t flowers, you know? The guests aren’t really going to remember.”

  “Well, I’ll remember and that’s what matters,” Grace said. “You can’t have a wedding without flowers, Jacob. And we haven’t even started thinking about the bouquets yet.”

  “It’s just...” Jacob hesitated. “I mean, it’s just ridiculous to pay thousands of dollars for flowers that wilt and die a day later, you know? At least the food—”

  Grace glared at him, her chin in the air. “We discussed a budget for these already. You—”

  Nora coughed.

  Both Grace and Jacob looked a little embarrassed.

  “Well, never mind for now,” Grace said. “How are you, Mom?”

  “I’m well,” Nora said. “The two of you look stressed, though.”

  “Well, I just never realized how much work goes into a wedding,” Grace admitted. “Plus, we’re looking for a decent place to rent in Cheyenne for when we move in together afterwards.”

  Jacob nodded. “We’re trying hard, but everything is so overpriced right now. You’d think the houses were sitting on beds of diamonds.”

  “We’ll figure it out though,” Grace said, leaning her head on Jacob’s shoulder. “Eventually.”

  Jacob just squeezed her arm and smiled down at her. “Absolutely. Meanwhile, this weekend is Thanksgiving, so I’m looking forward to a break and some family time.”

  “Will Hazel be able to make it?” Grace asked.

  “No, sorry,” Nora said. “She made plans to spend the weekend with some friends in Laramie.”

  “Ahh, she’s missing out on a proper Giordano Thanksgiving.” Jacob grinned. “You folks are in for a treat. Our house is going to be full of family and food and laughter. I can’t wait.”

  “Are a lot of people coming?” Nora asked.

  “Not too many.” Jacob counted them off on his fingers. “There’s Aunt Eugenie and her husband, Uncle Dave, who always starts a fight about politics by dessert time. Plus you three, me, Mom and Kaylee, so…ten. I think Mom’s also inviting my dad’s younger brother, Uncle Finley, but I’m not sure he’ll make it.” Jacob hesitated, then added, “I guess he feels alone now that the rest of his family is gone so I hope he comes.”

  “That’s very kind of your mother to invite him, then,” Nora said.

  “That’s Mom.” Jacob smiled. “She takes time to warm up to people but, once she accepts you, she’s loyal forever.”

  “Well, I hope she warms up to me a little faster.” Grace grinned. “Three years and I still feel frost on my fingertips when we shake hands.”

  “Hey, even ovens take time to heat up.” Jacob grinned, pinching her nose and shaking it gently. “Take it easy, will you? We’ve got 100 years to go.”

  “That’s what I love about you.” Grace looked up at him with shining eyes. “Ever the optimist.”

  “Thanks.” Jacob smiled. “Oh, I forgot, Aunt Sophia and her daughter, Ramona, will be there, too.”

  Grace’s brows knitted together. “Jacob, your mom said the event was family-only.”

  “Well, they aren’t related to us, but Aunt Sophia has been Mom’s best friend since they were little kids, so they’re like family.”

  “Ramona Fisher-Ainsworth is not like family,” Grace said. “She likes you, Jacob. Is this really a good idea? Inviting her?”

  Jacob frowned. “I mean, she’s already been invited. We can hardly dis-invite her now, can we? That would be so rude.”

  “I’m really not comfortable...” Grace murmured.

  “Oh, come on.” Jacob nuzzled her cheek. “You trust me, don’t you? You’re the only woman I have eyes for. Ramona’s just a friend. I promise, she’ll be on her best behavior.”

  “Promise?”

  “Sure, and—” The bell above the door tinkled as someone walked in and Jacob’s entire face drained of color.

  Nora swung around to look and saw a young man walk in. Muscle-bound with a small gold earring hanging off his left lobe, the man instantly had every head swinging his way. Ignoring the looks he was getting, he waved a hand at Jacob and gave him a shiny, upside-down triangle of a smile.

  Jacob stood up, towering over the shorter man, and yet, with his hunching shoulders, was clearly far less confident.

  “Hey, big brother. Heard you went and got engaged!” The man smacked Jacob hard on the arm and then grabbed him in a bear hug.

  Still a little slow, Jacob stuttered. “What are you doing here, Lucas?”

  “I was driving home and I checked your Instagram. Whaddaya know, you’re tagged in a location just an hour away from me. So I thought I’d come say ‘hi’.”

  “Driving home?” Jacob’s eyes narrowed. “You live in Seattle. What do you mean home?”

  “Aw, come on, bro. I may have lived in Seattle a while, but you know Greenfield is my home.”

  “Hard to say, you haven’t been here in years.”

  Ignoring Jacob, Lucas turned his smile on Grace. “And you must be the lovely Grace! Good job, Jacob!”

  “Hi.” Grace gave Jacob a questioning look then slipped her hand into Lucas’ outstretched palm. He raised it to his lips and gave her a dramatic smack on the back of her hand. “Lovely to meet you.” He smiled.

  “Uh…thanks.” Grace looked at Jacob again. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Grace, Nora…I’d like to introduce you to my younger brother. This is Lucas.”

  Lucas gave Nora a brief, upward nod before turning his attention back to the other two.

  “I haven’t seen Lucas in five years,” Jacob said. “So excuse me for being a little confused when he just waltzed in.”

  “Yeah, it’s been too long.” Lucas looked a little irritated, even though his smile remained as flashy as ever. “But when I heard Jacob was getting married, well, I knew I had to rush up here. Plus it’s Thanksgiving — time for family.”

  “Does Mom know you’re here?” Jacob asked.

  “I thought I’d give her a little surprise.” Lucas shifted a bit. “You know, it’s not entirely my fault we haven’t seen each other in five years. I mean, Mom came down to Seattle several times. You should have, too.”

  “I don’t think a surprise is a very good idea,” Jacob said. “You should call her. She needs to get a room ready for you. We’ve got guests this weekend and she’s going to get stressed if you just show up.”

  Lucas scowled. “Well, hopefully she’ll throw me a better reception than you, brother. Heck, I almost feel like you aren’t glad to see me at all.”

  “No it’s not that. It’s just… a surprise,” Jacob clarified.

  Trying to make peace, Grace butted in. “Lucas, why don’t you sit down?”

  “Can I get you some coffee?” Nora asked him. She slid out of the booth and gestured at him to sit. “I’m the co-owner of the diner,” she added when Lucas looked confused.

  “Ah. Nice.” Lucas checked out the menu that was splayed on the table and said. “Hey, think you can get me some scrambled eggs and toast, too? Egg whites only.”

  “Sure,” Nora said. “Coming right up, on the house.”

  “No, please. I’ll pay. I insist.” Jacob protested, looking embarrassed for his little brother.

  “Rubbish. Family eats free at the Madness Diner,” Nora said. “I’ll be back.”

  “So, Lucas…” Grace smiled and tried to be a good host, even though half of her was still focused on how uncomfortable Jacob clearly felt. “I’m really happy to meet you. I didn’t even know Jacob had a younger brother.”

  “Yeah, he wishes he didn’t, I think.”

  “Hey, come on, Lucas—”

  “Just kidding, bro. Can’t take a joke, can ya?” Lucas grinned. “Yeah, I’ve spent the last five years in Seattle. So I’ve been a little out of it, ya know? But I’m back now. Had enough of the big city life. Time to settle down.”

  “I thought you were committed to running your own gym?” Jacob said. “What happened to that?”

  “You know, there comes a time in your life when
you ask yourself what you really want,” Lucas explained. “Turns out, I really wanted to come back home. So here I am.”

  Jacob narrowed his eyes a little, but didn’t comment.

  “So, you’re moving back?” Grace asked. “That’s great news. Have you got a job lined up here?”

  “Well, not yet. But…” Lucas flexed his biceps. “I won’t have much trouble finding one. Gyms are always looking. Or I can even go freelance. You know, training people. Or life coaching. Heck, Jacob, you could do with a little personal training yourself. What do you say? Get ripped before the wedding?”

  “I’m good,” Jacob said. “Where are you planning to stay?”

  “Home, of course,” Lucas said. “Mom’s getting older, I’m sure she’ll appreciate having a man around the house.”

  “Mom’s only 65,” Jacob said. “And I drop by once a week to see her.”

  “Yeah, but you live like an hour away, right?” Lucas asked.

  “We’ll be moving closer once we get married,” Jacob said.

  “Cool. More chance for us to be buds again.” Lucas winked at Grace. “I can tell you a lot of stories about this big guy right here. He was one fat kid growing up! We used to call him Lardie. Then one day he shot up into the sky like Jack’s beanstalk and he’s been lanky ever since.”

  “I’ve seen his childhood photos and he was adorable,” Grace said.

  “Aww. Well, that’s love for you — totally blind.”

  “Look, you can’t just move into the house without asking Mom first,” Jacob said.

  “What’s she gonna do? Say no? I’m her son, bro.” Lucas shrugged. “Anyway, hey, let’s talk bachelor parties. I’m going to throw you one epic—”

  “No,” Jacob said flatly.

  “What?” Lucas stared at him. “I’m your best man, bro. How can—”

  “You are not my best man. As of now, I’m not even sure you’re going to stick around for the wedding,” Jacob said. “You’re like that wind out there. Sometimes you make a lot of noise and shake things up. Then, just as quickly, you vanish into nothingness. Plus, I have a best man already.”