Finding Forever by Melody Anne Read Free Book Online

grandson’s reaction. But he continued. “Because I held on to that anger, I lost out on the best years of my son’s life, and I also didn’t get to know I had two beautiful grandchildren until now. It’s something I will regret to my dying day. But if you allow me to get to know you, it will make everything better.”
    “My father never spoke once of you,” Brayden said testily. “He said his family was all gone.”
    Liam had to fight not to step in and stop this.
    “Do you think you can forgive an old man for mistakes he’s made in the past?” Frederick asked.
    “That depends,” Brayden said. “How do you plan to make it up to us?”
    Whitney threw the boy a look that guaranteed that he’d be getting talked to later. Liam felt grateful the look wasn’t directed at him.
    “Ah, Brayden, you’re a treat, and very wise. I think we’ll get along just fine,” Frederick said, much to Liam’s surprise.
    They finished the rest of their meal in relative silence, and Liam could see the look of relief on Whitney’s face when the ordeal came to an end.
    “Thank you so much for a wonderful dinner,” she said, “but Ally is barely able to stay awake. I’ll go ahead and get her tucked into bed.” Whitney rose from her chair.
    Liam stared at her, as did the staff. No one ever left the table before his father — it was simply basic etiquette. Anyone should know that. But the woman was obviously unaware that she’d done anything wrong. Good grief.
    She gathered Ally into her arms and walked from the room. Liam let his eyes trail after her as she left, and he liked watching her departure — nice view from the rear! — almost as much as he’d liked her arrival.
    “I’m gonna catch some z ’s too. Thanks for dinner,” Brayden said, and quickly followed his aunt and sister.
    “Some people simply don’t have any manners,” Liam finally said as he tossed down his napkin with some vehemence.
    His father made a valiant effort to look serious and then his lips twitched before he burst into laughter.
    “I’m sorry, son, but I think you need to lighten up. They’re a delight, and you wanted them here as much as I did, so you’re just going to have to deal with it.”
    “I don’t think I like their effect on you,” Liam said in the very tightest of voices.
    “Well, you’d better get used to it, son, because I’m hoping and praying that they don’t push to leave right away.”
    Liam didn’t respond to that. What would have been the point? His father was obviously amused by the rustic behavior they’d both witnessed, so what good would it do to say anything more?
    The funny thing was that as he and his father sipped on their after-dinner cognac, Liam’s gaze kept returning to the open doorway. He wanted to hunt down a certain woman and see what she planned to do next.
    That was a dangerous road, and he knew he should stay as far away from it as possible. But he suspected that he might miss some of the warning signs.

Chapter Seven
    W hitney tucked Ally beneath her beautiful pink satin coverlet and sat there while the child said her prayers. Bedtime was special, the part of the day she enjoyed with the kids the most. She loved the intimate time with her innocent niece, and Brayden also seemed to let his guard down just the tiniest bit, sometimes even enough to allow his aunt to kiss him on the forehead.
    “Please bless Mommy and Daddy, and watch over them. And please take care of my new family, especially my grandpa. Oh, and please keep Aunt Whitney safe, too. Amen.” Ally’s words made Whitney choke up.
    “That was a beautiful prayer, my sweet angel.”
    “I love you, Aunt Whitney,” Ally mumbled sleepily, and she rubbed her eyes.
    “I love you, too.” Whitney read Ally her favorite princess story, “Snow White,” and, after giving her niece a goodnight kiss, she went to find her nephew. He was sitting in his room, listening to music, and, as usual, he refused to acknowledge her.
    “Oh,