We Wish You a HappilyEver After (Ever After, #5) - Elena Aitken Page 0,5

sound of singing stopped Jeremy from knocking on the door.

He listened to the beautiful voice. It had been years since he’d heard it, but he’d know it anywhere. Only now, Bella’s voice was deeper. Richer and silkier somehow.

A woman’s voice.

She always did have a talent for singing, and it was no wonder she’d been able to make a career out of it. After Roy had mentioned it, he couldn’t stop himself from doing a quick search on social media. Sure, he probably could have just asked her what she’d been up to since they were kids, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

Not wanting to disturb the singing—and selfishly, wanting to hear it better—Jeremy very lightly knocked on the door and let himself in. Roy saw him from across the room and smiled before turning his full attention back to his granddaughter, who was lost in song.

He didn’t dare move, lest she see him and stop, so he stood as quietly as he could, his eyes glued to Bella. Her thick, dark, curly hair was pulled back into a ponytail, with strands escaping around her face. She wore a knit sweater over her jeans and even with the simple outfit, she looked glamourous.

She’d always spoken about being a professional singer one day, and from the posts and announcements Jeremy had scrolled through, it was clear she’d made her dreams come true. She was the lead singer in a jazz group, Velvet Heart. Jeremy tried not to judge it by its name, but they seemed pretty successful and Bella had even posted on her Facebook that she’d be recording an album soon.

He could see why.

Anyone who could take a simple Christmas carol and make it sound the way Bella did was pure talent.

A moment later, the song was over and, unable to help himself, he started to applaud.

Bella spun around and stared at him, her mouth open. But a moment later, she laughed. “Do you always just let yourself into my grandfather’s house?”

“Seems I do.”

“Come in, Jeremy,” Roy ordered. “Don’t just stand there lurking. Maybe Bella will sing you a song, too? What’s your favorite Christmas carol?”

Jeremy shed his jacket and boots, and walked into the room. “Do you only sing Christmas songs?”

She shrugged. “What’s your favorite?”

“Mine is ‘The Christmas Song,’” he answered without hesitation.

“A little chestnuts roasting on an open fire, hey?”

“What’s yours?”

“If I tell you, will you sing it with me?” She tilted her head and before he could answer, she said, “‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside.’”

“That’s a duet.”

She laughed. “Which is why I asked if you’d sing with me.”

He reached up and scratched at the scruff on his chin as he shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

She smiled and a shot of desire raced through his body. Did she have any idea how sexy she was when she smiled?

“How about a cup of hot chocolate then?” Bella stood. “I’ll make us all one. With extra marshmallows,” she added with a squeeze to Roy’s shoulder.

Both men watched her as she left the room.

“She’s something else, my Bella.” Roy shook his head with wonder. “I’ve sure missed her. But I guess that’s the price you pay when you move out to the mountains. Your family is far away, and they never come to visit.”

There was a longing in the old man’s voice as he spoke. It had never occurred to Jeremy that Roy might be lonely, but of course he would be. Even when you were surrounded by good friends and neighbors, there was something different about the love of a family. It was clear that Roy loved his granddaughter deeply.

“Well, she’s here now,” Jeremy said. “How nice that she came for the holidays.”

Roy’s face lit up. “Such a nice surprise. She called and said, ‘Papa. I’m coming to visit.’ And the next day, here she was.”

“That is a nice surprise.” For both of us.

“She’s going to be a star, that girl.”

Jeremy chuckled at the man’s certainty. “I don’t doubt that for a minute.” There was a crash from the kitchen, and Jeremy jumped up. “I better go make sure she’s not lighting your oven on fire again.” He laughed, but when Roy looked confused, he instantly regretted the joke. After all, there was a chance that Roy didn’t remember the events of the other day, or at least not all of them. His laughter died on his lips. “I’ll go give Bella a hand.”

“I’m really not usually this clumsy in the kitchen,” Bella said for