I laughed and shook my head. “Hardly. Your daughter did me a great service accompanying me to solve a tricky situation. The least I could do was get her home for an event that meant so much to her.”
He regarded me for a moment, tilting his head. There was a frown pulling at his lips. I hastened to add. “She talked a lot on the drive to keep me awake.” I indicated the festive room around us. “It made me curious to see the winery, and she graciously extended me the invitation.” I smiled in what I hoped was a sincere expression. “A good meal and some company other than my own seemed like too good a prospect to refuse.”
He inclined his head. “Of course. Grace is very thoughtful.”
He sat beside his wife, his arm going around her. I sat as well, unsure how to proceed.
Grace’s mother leaned in. “You live alone, Mr. Richards?”
“Jaxson, please. And yes, Mrs. VanRyan. Just me. I have no family. At all,” I added, not sure why I let that tidbit fall from my mouth.
Her eyes widened. “None?”
I shook my head.
She laid a hand on my arm. “It’s Katy. And I’m glad you’re here with us tonight. I hope you’re prepared for this family.”
I had to chuckle. “I’ve heard a lot about them.”
Her father’s gaze cut to me again. “Oh?”
I lied smoothly. “Michael, my PA, and Grace talk a lot. Plus, the car ride.”
“Right.”
“You must be very proud. Grace will be an amazing lawyer. Her mind is sharp, and she is focused and intelligent. It’s been a pleasure having her in the office and watching her learn. One of the best articling students I have ever worked with.” I offered another grin. “I think my PA wishes she’d stay so he could go work for her. She is far more pleasant, he tells me.”
“It sounds as if your assistant keeps you in line,” Katy said with a grin, looking at her husband.
“He does. The right PA makes all the difference.”
Grace’s father laughed and pressed a kiss to Katy’s head. “That they do.”
I had a feeling there was a story there. I would have to ask Grace about it.
I took a sip of my scotch, savoring it.
“Great scotch.”
Richard lifted his glass. “One of my favorites. Bent’s too. Addi made sure the bar was well stocked.”
“Excellent taste, Mr. VanRyan.” Remembering Jen’s warning, I was careful not to seem too forward.
He eyed me for a moment, then lifted his own glass. “It’s Richard.” He surprised me by winking. “That should be easy for you to remember, Mr. Richards.”
We all laughed, and I relaxed. So far, so good.
Chapter 23
Jaxson
Grace’s family was loud. Boisterous. Demonstrative. By the end of the meal, I had been slapped on the back, hugged, and exclaimed over far too much. The food was excellent, as were the spirits, the speeches mercifully short and amusing, and finally, I was able to walk around the room and try to find my wife.
I had chosen a good chair to sit in. It gave me an unobstructed view of Grace. She sat beside the bride, glowing in her gold gown, looking more beautiful than anything I had ever seen in my life. It was hard not to stare at her, but luckily, most everyone’s attention was on the head table, so my gaze directed that way caused no suspicion. She, on the other hand, looked away every time our eyes met. I knew she wasn’t happy about my being here, but I couldn’t stay away. Not anymore. I’d made that mistake once. We’d both suffered.
Grace’s mom, Katy, was warmth personified. She spoke with me a lot, pointing out people, sharing funny stories. More than once, she asked about my personal life, and I answered as best I could without lying or giving away too much. She seemed very upset over the fact that I would be alone at Christmas, although I assured her it didn’t bother me in the slightest.
“But Christmas is a time for family and being close, Jaxson,” she insisted in her soft voice.
“When one has never had a family, then it’s a moot point,” I replied, trying to keep my voice even.
“You’ve never had a family Christmas?”
“No.”
I was shocked to see the glimmer of tears in her eyes. She turned to her husband, who pulled her close and kissed her head. “The holidays are important to my wife,” he said.
I could only smile in silence. I had nothing to offer in the way of a reply.
Much to my surprise, I found I liked everyone. They were all friendly, welcoming, and real. Despite the wealth that surrounded them, they were down-to-earth, and the love that enveloped them caused a strange yearning inside me. One I couldn’t explain.
Long after dinner, I was standing in the corner, trying to find Grace. I was tired and I knew I had to leave, but I didn’t want to do so without seeing her. She had been very successful at avoiding me. She danced with her cousins, father, and brothers, yet magically disappeared every time I approached. I searched the room for the flash of gold, just as her mother stepped in front of me.