took a few seconds, Violet relaxed and tightened her own fingers around Grammie’s. “I don’t think Trey really loves me.”
“How could he not?” Grammie asked. “You’re beautiful and dynamic. I’ve watched you bewitch your male contemporaries since before you could walk… Trey Hanover has been in love with you since you were thirteen years old.”
Violet wasn’t the only one surprised by that revelation.
“Why do you say that?” Poppy asked, the first to snap out of the shock, probably because she was most used to Grammie’s antics.
Grammie laughed. “The way he followed her around and hung on her every word.” Her eyes sparkled when they landed on Poppy. “One person in love recognizes another. He was enchanted by her.”
“So Holden has been using Trey’s feelings for Violet to control their negotiations,” Poppy said, realizing that in their discussion earlier, Grammie wasn’t so much speculating as advising her. “Do you think Daddy knows that?”
For a second, Grammie pondered the question. “I think I told him.”
Poppy couldn’t believe it. “When did you…”
“I am still his mother,” Grammie said, complete with demure confidence. “It doesn’t matter how old they get, your children sometimes need guidance.”
“You told him,” Violet whispered. “Before I told him.”
Another smile curled Grammie’s lips. “Men often need time to process. Their first reaction isn’t always the most restrained. Yes, I told him, and told him to do nothing about it until he heard the words from you. He’s a smart man, your father, and he loves you three like his own father loved him. Nothing is more important than family, than the people you love.” She looked at each of the three girls in turn. “That’s something that your grandfather and I are relying on the three of you to perpetuate with your own children.”
“Please don’t talk about dying again, Grammie,” Primrose whined.
“I know your mother believes I lost my marbles long ago and maybe I did, but the only way I can honor the man I love is by making sure the three of you find a love as true. Poppy, you’re taken care of. Primrose, you may be as well, we’ll have to wait and see on that one.” Primrose’s eyes flared when Grammie winked at her. “But Violet you have always been resistant, waiting to get hurt, waiting to be disappointed. You hold your walls up high because you’ve always believed you had to be strong, that you had to show your parents you could be as majestic as them. Stop waiting for perfection, my dear, it doesn’t exist. Flaws are what make a man, and a relationship, interesting.”
“Grammie…” Violet said, though she didn’t follow it up.
“Just ask Poppy,” Grammie declared, startling her. “The man she loved let her get a thousand miles away before waking up to their love… Trey has lost you so many times that he probably doubts you’ll ever love him… It took Turner two weeks to claim what was his, it’s taken you much longer than Poppy to admit your feelings to the man you love. Trey is your soft spot and always has been. It’s no surprise that you were drawn to him during your engagement. You feared losing him. That marrying Holden would put a final period at the end of your great love affair.”
“So she sabotaged it,” Primrose said, catching on. “Oh my God, Violet, you went with Trey because your subconscious knew you were supposed to be with him.” She yelped in excitement and hugged Violet’s shoulders. “You’re in love with Trey!”
“Okay, maybe don’t shout that,” Poppy whispered.
The glee on Grammie’s face wasn’t worried about anyone’s exuberance. Primrose was overjoyed, probably the most excited. Violet was sort of blank, no doubt in shock and wondering if Grammie could be right.
“I am so pleased I don’t have to deal with this kind of thing anymore,” Poppy murmured.
Finding Turner was more of a blessing every minute. Love and relationships were a real labyrinth. Finding her way through wasn’t always simple, but at least she didn’t have to worry about identifying the man she was supposed to navigate the twists and turns with.
TWENTY-FOUR
Everyone heard the drawing room door opening at the same time. All of the Granger women, the sisters and Grammie, turned in the direction of the sound.
Holden was the first to appear in the darkened hallway. He paused, noting the posse of women at the head of the library. Tension permeated the air. Each were poised to fight or defend, whatever the moment might call for.