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She could almost not get out of his grip quickly enough. Was he always so… schmoozy? “Likewise,” she murmured.

“Where did you two meet?” Bryce looked between them.

“Isn’t it time for Grandfather’s meeting?” Tate asked.

“We’ve got a few minutes to get the scoop.”

Tate shook his head. “Can you recommend a place where Stephanie and Jamie can hang out while we meet? I’d like to get them settled first.”

“Uh, sure.” Bryce pointed to a wide log staircase. “I believe Grandfather reserved the first room on the right for you. I’m not sure what he’ll say about your lady friend, though. You know how he is.”

Stephanie swallowed her protest. Let Tate handle his brother.

“That’s not what’s happening here, dude. Come on, Stephanie. Let’s head up.” He put his hand on the small of her back as Jamie lunged for her. This time, Tate released the toddler to her.

Finally. She could clutch the little guy like a shield. She climbed the staircase, hyperaware of Tate’s touch on her back the whole way up. At the top, a log railing separated the hallway from the open gathering area below. Looked like a mirror situation across the space, but she didn’t have time for more than a glimpse before Tate steered her into the first room, Bryce on their heels.

The space had a king-size bed and windows with views of the treetops. Thankfully, there were also two club chairs angled beside a small, round table.

“Got everything you need?” Tate set the diaper bag down on the bed and crossed the room to open a door. “Bathroom in here. Good.” He looked around. “This isn’t bad.”

Not bad? This was the lap of luxury. “Do you have any other toys or books along for him? Because you have no idea how long you’ll be, right?”

He glanced at his watch. “Where’s the meeting, Bryce?”

“In the conference room just off the great room.”

“Give me a quick hand hauling a few things up?”

“Sure.” Bryce winked at Stephanie as he followed Tate out the door.

Stephanie listened to their hurried descent down the stairs then silence. “Well, Jamie, this is your home for the next while.” She set him down, and he darted to the other side of the bed. It was so tall she could barely see his blond fluff over the edge.

She peeked into the bathroom with its toilet, jetted tub, separate shower, and a double sink in what looked like a marble counter. A row of high windows let in more treetop views. Wouldn’t it be amazing to vacation in a place like this? She twirled in a circle, arms wide, feeling the freedom like Maria in The Sound of Music.

Jamie giggled as he mimicked her.

Her heart warmed. This kid. Of all the little people she’d known, this one had worked his magic on her in no time flat. She was going to miss him. Okay, fine, she was also going to miss his uncle.

Whoever would have thought, just yesterday morning, how quickly her life could change? She’d been feeling belligerent. Rebellious… but not rebellious enough to foster Robert’s assumptions. One moment of inattention, one incredibly understanding and sweet man, and here she was.

Tate and Bryce dropped off heavy loads of stuff and turned back for the door. “You’ve got my number, right? Text me if you need me.”

She nodded. They’d exchanged numbers last night. “Have fun at your meeting.”

“Fun?” Bryce guffawed. “You obviously haven’t met our grandfather yet.”

No. No, she had not. And she wasn’t likely to.

* * *

Tate felt like he was leaving part of himself behind as he followed Bryce down the stairs, across the great room, and into the conference room. A table stretched down the middle of the room, and Grandfather sat at one end.

First order of business: greet the patriarch. Tate strode over.

The old man rose, still nearly Tate’s height. “Tate Thomas. I’m glad you could make it. How is young James?”

“He’s fine, sir. It was a long drive for him, but we both survived.”