“I wish my grandmother could see this,” he murmured as they slowly walked through it. “I think she’d wanted it to be like this.”
“Maybe she can see it.” Willow smiled. “I like to think that people in heaven get sneak peeks sometimes. After all, I believe God is big enough to facilitate such things.”
“That’s an interesting theory.”
She continued to lead him through the house and, even though George had been impressed with the changes before, he felt even more impressed now. It was really extraordinary. Finally, after they’d been in every room and on every floor, they were in the conservatory, which was lit only by candles and lanterns. George felt uncomfortably close to tears.
“Willow, you’ve made this house more beautiful than I ever thought possible,” he said quietly. “And I feel so terrible about how I fought you each step of the way. I really do hope you’ve forgiven me.”
“Of course, I have.” She sighed. “Have you called any of the people who were interested in purchasing it yet?”
“No, no, not yet.” George was about to tell her that he wasn’t sure he’d be able to sell it now, but he noticed a couple of cars parking out front. “Looks like party time.” He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice.
“Let’s go greet them.” Willow kept her arm linked in his. “Just smile and be friendly, George. It’s not that hard. They’re basically good people.”
As usual, Willow understood his general discomfort with social situations, but she probably didn’t know his real reason for reluctance right now. It was simply that he wished tonight’s party had only two on the guest list.
Willow stayed close to George as guests began to arrive. But to her surprise, he acted much more at ease than she’d expected, especially as he discovered that he already knew a number of them. Besides Collin and Josie and Willow’s employees, he was happy to see several other acquaintances. He also seemed glad that she’d invited Hal and Beth. Before long, Willow felt George was managing just fine on his own. As a result, she could relax and enjoy the festivities herself. All in all, it was turning into a lovely evening—albeit bittersweet, since she knew this was the last night to enjoy the house looking so happy and loved. But hopefully it would soon be adopted by new owners eager to continue what she’d begun.
Not only was George mixing and visiting with the guests, he even refilled their drinks, playing the role of a real host enjoying his real home. Of course, she remembered, he did own this house, but she’d never felt he was truly at home here. It was nice to see him fully engaged tonight. It was like seeing a new side to him.
She grew a bit concerned when she noticed him interacting with Cliff in the conservatory. She wished she could hear their conversation, but seeing George smile with confidence was reassuring. Apparently he was not intimidated by Cliff. And when Cliff left early, Willow felt nothing but relief. She’d suspected from the start that Cliff was not the sort of man she wanted to get overly involved with. She’d sensed insincerity and was old enough to realize that an attractive exterior didn’t necessarily reflect an attractive heart. She wished him no ill but was happy to move on.
To Willow’s surprise, George had plenty to chat about with Donna and Betty. The three of them spent a fair amount of time in the den, talking and laughing as if enjoying a private party. Willow felt slightly left out but tried not to feel jealous as she went to the kitchen to pay the caterers and thank them for their efforts. Still, she was proud of George. He was making real progress. And by the end of the evening, George appeared to have many new friends.
As they stood in the foyer, Willow smiled to see George sincerely thanking their guests for coming—and thanking them again for their help with his house. He was being so friendly that she wondered if he wanted the party to stretch later. But she was tired and eager to kick off her sandals as the last of the guests slowly trickled out. Finally it was just Josie and Collin.
“I’ve got to be to work early tomorrow or I’d offer to help clean up,” Collin told Willow.
“That’s okay,” she assured him. “I think I’ll leave most of it until tomorrow.”
Now Collin turned to George. “Just one week before I head off to college,” he told him. “I can’t wait.”
“You’re going to enjoy it.” George gripped his hand. “I look forward to hearing what you think.”
“Maybe I can help you with the cleanup tomorrow,” Josie said in what seemed a halfhearted offer.
“Thanks.” Willow smiled. “I’d like that.”
Josie shook a finger at George. “I really don’t get how you can let this house go. Especially after we got it looking so awesome.”
“Thank you again for your help,” George solemnly told her. “I really appreciate it, Josie.”
“Well, I kinda owed you one.” She gave a sheepish smile. “You helped me with my apartment—and all that cool junk you gave me.”
Willow and George waved goodbye as Josie and Collin walked down the porch steps together. “It’s such a relief seeing them not tearing into each other for a change,” Willow said quietly.
“They’ve come a long way.” George closed the door.
“Haven’t we all.”
“Thank you for including me tonight,” George said with what sounded like sincere gratitude. “I actually enjoyed myself. Much more than I expected.”
“I’m so glad.” She sat down on the foyer bench. “My feet have been begging for this—I hope you don’t mind.” She pulled off her sandals and sighed.
“Not at all.”
She stood and stretched. “I just want to check on a few things and extinguish the candles before I go home.” She paused to blow out the candles in the foyer.
“I’ll help,” he offered, following her into the living room.
She paused, looking around and trying not to feel sad about leaving. “By tomorrow afternoon, the only things left here will be your grandmother’s furnishings,” she reminded him. “And then you can—”
“Not necessarily . . .”
“What do you mean?” She turned to peer curiously at him.
“I’m making an arrangement with Donna and Betty,” he explained. “To leave things in place.”
“Oh, is that so it will look nice while you’re selling it?” She nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.”
“I’m not selling it.”
“What?”
He shrugged. “For the first time in a very long time, I feel at home here, Willow. I don’t want to sell it.”
She smiled. “Oh, George. That’s so wonderful. Does that mean you’ll live here?”
He nodded. “I think so. Betty and Donna agreed to send me invoices for all their pieces. If their bills aren’t too outrageous, I’d like to keep everything just as it is. Although I can’t afford all the art you’ve brought in, I would like to keep a few pieces.” He pointed to the painting above the console. “I actually like that painting, but it’s far too expensive to even consider.”
“No, it’s not.” Willow chuckled. “I priced it like that because it’s mine. It used to hang in our home in Sausalito, and even though it’s too massive for my apartment, I haven’t been able to part with it. But it can hang here in your house for as long as you like, George.”
“Really?” He turned to her. “And would you come around to enjoy it?”
“Of course.”
“Because you’ve shown me that I need color in my life. You’ve shown me that it’s healthy to take risks . . . and that there are people around me worth knowing.” He spoke quietly but with what sounded like conviction. “I know I’m an old stick-in-the-mud and as stubborn as a mule. But I think I can change, Willow. I think I am changing.”
“Oh, George.” She went over to him, placing a hand on his cheek. “I would hate to see you change too much. I think you’re pretty wonderful already.”
“Thanks.” He grinned. “I think you’re pretty wonderful too.”
Then he kissed her . . . and
she knew this was just the beginning.
Melody Carlson is the beloved author of well over two hundred novels. She has been a finalist for or the recipient of many awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She lives in central Oregon.
MelodyCarlson.com
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Table of Contents
Cover
Endorsements
Books by Melody Carlson
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
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About the Author
Back Ads
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Courting Mr. Emerson Page 28
