Jonathan had already hauled all the groceries she’d bought out of the trunk.
“Let me do it,” Niamh said, stepping up beside him and reaching for the bags.
For the three years they’d been married, she’d always done the shopping herself–no matter how much she bought, she carried it all on her own.
Jonathan glanced at her but ignored the offer.
They walked side by side into the manor. Out in the garden, Clifford was watering the vegetables he’d planted.
When Clifford saw Jonathan and Niamh coming together–Jonathan even carrying the groceries for her–a pleased smile spread across his face.
Niamh greeted Clifford cheerfully, and when she caught the look on his face, she instantly understood why Jonathan was suddenly acting so considerate.
It was all a show for his grandfather’s benefit.
The two of them sat with Clifford for a while, chatting about this and that, before Niamh excused herself to head into the kitchen.
There was a lot to prepare for the birthday feast–so many dishes, so many courses–but with the household staff and chef here to lend a hand, it was actually easier than when she cooked alone at home.
Of course, that place wasn’t really her home anymore.
While Niamh kept busy in the kitchen, Jonathan stayed with Clifford, playing chess. “That’s more like it,” Clifford said, nodding toward the kitchen. “You treat Nia well, Jonathan. Girls as good as her are hard to find these days.”
Jonathan let his grandfather win a piece and replied mildly, “Mm.”
Niamh worked in the kitchen until nearly ten at night, finally finishing all the
preparations for tomorrow’s party.
When she stepped out, she was surprised to find Clifford still awake, playing ess with Jonathan.
“Grandpa, did you take your medicine?” Niamh reminded him gently.
The nurse standing nearby looked troubled.
1107
One glance told Niamh everything–Clifford had refused his pills again.
Besides his heart condition, Clifford had all the usual issues that come with age; the doctors insisted on a pile of medications every day. But the older he got, the more stubborn he became–he was convinced that taking so many pills would only shorten his life, so he’d often refuse.
No amount of coaxing from the rest of the Thomas family ever worked.
But for Niamh, he’d usually listen.
“Let me play a game with you, Grandpa,” she said with a smile.
Clifford immediately waved Jonathan away. “Go on, go on. Let Nia play–Jonathan’s hopeless at this game.”
Niamh couldn’t help but laugh. She knew Jonathan always went easy on his grandfather.
“Grandpa, I’ll play chess with you, but if you lose, you have to promise me something.”
“Of course, Nia. Whatever you say,” Clifford agreed cheerfully–just as cheerfully as
he lost.
Niamh never held back when playing with him, though Clifford, while not as skilled as Jonathan, still put up a good fight.
Jonathan looked genuinely surprised–not only could Niamh play chess, she was actually pretty good.
“I lost,” Clifford sighed. “Nia, you don’t even let your grandpa win a little.”
He pretended to complain, but Niamh could tell he was secretly delighted. He’d never liked people going easy on him.
True to their deal, Clifford obediently took his medicine and went to bed.
Niamh’s face softened with relief. If there was anywhere in the Thomas family where she still felt at ease, it was with Clifford.
The clock was inching toward midnight. Niamh knew she needed to get so or she’d never make it through tomorrow.
sleep
She’d always spent the night in the old house alone–until tonight.
Tonight, Jonathan was there too.
They were, after all, sharing a bedroom.
Chapter 76
The room had its own walk–in closet and a private bath.
“You go ahead and shower first,” Jonathan said, glancing up from his laptop.
