Then Came You (The Wilde Sisters #2) (19 page)

He needed to get a life.

And she needed to figure out hers.

***

Grayson

He had no life. Thirty-two and he still let his grandmother make decisions for him. As soon as Thyme walked out the door, Grayson fell back into the polished, sophisticated robot Sophia had trained him to be. He kept his polite smile on all night, said the appropriate things at the right time, and looked to all like he always did. Not like he was thoroughly enjoying himself, but that he had no problem fulfilling the family duty. He spoke with the people Sophia brought over to him and treated Gina like the pampered princess she was.

It was nearly midnight when he got home but he waited until morning to talk with Thyme, figuring they both needed some time to process. Gina was a fine date, graciously accepting his refusal to let her stay over, using Maddie as an excuse. She didn’t ask about her; that would mean Gina had some sort of interest in children or in Grayson’s life. No, Gina wasn’t selfish, but rather honest about not being interested in anything but herself. It never bothered Grayson before since he wasn’t looking for a commitment of any sort. They suited each other perfectly, scratching the occasional itch that arose, no emotions, no feelings, no strings attached. Her overnight bag wasn’t a sign of anything more than not wanting to leave in the same gown she arrived in. Some cosmetics and hair accessories so she would look presentable the next morning. No more. No less.

Grayson had been a fool. Thyme always acted tough, like she didn’t have any emotions tied to their relationship, but he saw through her act tonight. He’d crushed her, hurt her feelings, and embarrassed her in front of his mother.

He got in around midnight and figured he’d let Thyme sleep. After six hours of tossing and turning, he crept into Maddie’s room to wake her, only to discover his mother sleeping on the air mattress.

Eva opened her eyes, squinting at the light from the hall. She rolled over and checked on Maddie before pulling on her robe and joining him, gently closing the bedroom door behind her.

“Where’s Thyme?”

Eva placed her hand on Grayson’s arm and he knew the news she had wasn’t good. “She’s gone.”

“What do you mean she’s gone? You let her take off in the middle of the night?”

“Honey,” Eva soothed as she led him to the kitchen. “There was no
letting.
She had her mind made up.”

“Do you have any idea how dangerous New York is in the middle of the night? Hell, people get mugged in broad daylight.”

“Grayson, quiet down. You’ll wake Maddie.”

“She could be in some alley right now.”

“You’ve never been one for melodrama.” Eva poured them both a cup of coffee but he left his untouched. “Besides, she’s perfectly safe.”

“And you know this how?”

“I had my driver take her to a hotel.”

Finally, some good news. Grayson picked up his cell phone. “Which one?”

Eva sipped her coffee and nodded. “I’m sorry, Grayson, but I can’t tell you.”

“You can’t or you won’t?”

She looked at him with such sad eyes. An expression that he’d never seen from his mother before. “She’s hurting and needs some time.”

“How much time?” He paced his kitchen and glanced at his watch.

“I don’t know. She doesn’t know. The heart doesn’t work like a clock.”

“What do you know about…I’m sorry, Mother. That was rude. I’m being insensitive—”

“Oh honey.” Eva set down her coffee and wrapped him in a hug. First the endearment she’d never used on him, then a hug. Something that was becoming more frequent since Maddie and Thyme entered his life. “Don’t apologize. You have every right to be upset. To be hurting. But so does she. Don’t hold your feelings back or you’ll end up…like me.”

“Mother.” Grayson held her at arm’s length and studied her face. A face he’d been looking at for over thirty years and was just now learning. “You’ve held it together for too many years. Why do you put up with her?” He knew his mother would catch on to the change of subject.

“The same reason you do.”

“No.” Grayson finally picked up his coffee and sipped. “I put up with her bullying because I don’t want her to take it out on you. I needed to be the grandson she wanted or she’d blame my faults on you.”

Eva smiled and patted Grayson’s cheek. “And I put up with her crap because I don’t want her to take it out on you. Or your father. Sit. I think it’s time I tell you how it all started.”

And so his mother opened up, telling Grayson intimate, ugly details of her past that a proper woman should never reveal to anyone.

Eva wanted to have a houseful of children. She loved them, but Sophia told her pregnancy would ruin her figure and Eva Buchanan’s figure was what sold Buchanan designs. Until pregnancy ruined that image. Sophia let that slip more than once over the years. If his mother hadn’t gotten pregnant with him, she would have been the Cindy Crawford of the decade. But no, she married Richard Montgomery, an architect, and got pregnant within a year.

Sophia meddled in their life, ran their life. Worried more about public appearance than her daughter’s happiness. She selected Eva’s doctor, a man Eva didn’t care for. The doctor scheduled a C-section as early as possible and gave her a hysterectomy at the same time. Eva didn’t find out about that until a nurse mentioned it at a doctor’s appointment a few years later.

“I wish I had the courage to stand up to her. To leave New York and start fresh with your father. He wanted to leave, to say something to Sophia. But I held him back, afraid she’d take you away from me, and he loves me enough to put up with it all.”

“How could she take me away from you?”

“I don’t know. She had connections to everyone. Look what she convinced my doctor to do.”

“You know that’s illegal. You could sue—”

“Your father said the same thing, but I didn’t have the energy. It was easier to please her than fight her. I’m just sorry she’s managed to control your life as well. Once the economy started improving and Buchanan Designs started bringing in the millions again, she backed off. A little.”

The Buchanan fashion empire took a dip in sales and it was nearly a decade before it became a frontrunner once again. During that time Sophia encouraged—or rather pushed—Richard into the more lucrative path of building skyscrapers and billion-dollar buildings rather than the family homes he’d been designing right out of college.

Thankfully Grayson didn’t cave and join the fashion industry; Sophia could see from an early age that Grayson had no eye for fashion, but he was good with numbers and lines and angles. Sophia made sure Grayson’s education was the best, and that if he wasn’t going into the fashion industry, he’d at least become something reputable. So building impersonal hotels and medical buildings became his career.

He made money. He was respected. He fulfilled his family obligations by attending the godawful Fashion Week in February and September, usually with Gina, and the other charity events Sophia or Eva asked—told—him to attend. Granted, his mother never forced or conned him into anything. She asked and Grayson would do. He loved his mother and knew she always had his best interest in heart. Unfortunately Sophia had a hold over her as well.

Grayson grabbed his mother’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Quite the pair of martyrs we are. And we only ended up hurting ourselves. And those we love.” He sipped his coffee again and smiled at his mother over his mug. “I’m going to tell her about Maddie. Think she’ll disown me?”

Eva laughed. “Only after she disowns
me.
I’m sure she’ll scold me for my reckless teen years and blame me for passing on my wicked ways to you.”

“You? Wicked ways?”

Eva laughed again and sat down on a barstool. “Oh honey, how much time do we have?”

“Seriously?”

“Let me just put it this way. Your father and I were already married before our wedding day.”

“Come again?”

“We ran off to Vegas and eloped three months before I told Sophia. When we broke the news to her I was already pregnant, so she planned a whirlwind wedding with five hundred guests in less than a month. We didn’t announce your arrival until you were three months old. She kept me hidden until she deemed it appropriate to show my face. Of course I had to diet and exercise religiously throughout the pregnancy. She was not pleased that I gained fifteen pounds while pregnant. Which is not nearly enough, by the way.”

“And father has put up with this the entire time?”

“Only because he loves me so much.” She beamed. “He’s thrilled that you have a child out of wedlock. A kind of slap in the face to Sophia. He’d really like a front row seat when you tell her.”

“Thrilled? He knows?”

Eva picked up her coffee mug and lowered her gaze. “I don’t keep secrets from him. I’m so proud of Maddie—of you—that I broke down the day after I returned from Aruba and told him. He’s waiting for you to talk to him. Your father is proud of you for stepping up, but it’s killing him waiting to see Sophia’s reaction.”

Grayson tipped his head back and laughed. “Mother.”

“Please. Can we stop with the pretentious crap now too? Call me Mom. Ma. Mommy. Anything but Mother. We sound so stuck up.”

“I think I’m too big for Mommy, but Mom sounds good. Call…Dad and tell him to come over. I’d like him to be here as well when we tell Maddie. Then we’ll plan something good for…Grandma.”

And after that Grayson would put the finishing touches on The Plan. He’d win Thyme back if it was the last thing he did. Before he could mend her, he needed to right things in his own life.

And then he’d ask Thyme to marry him.

Chapter Eleven

Thyme

“It’s been over two months. You’ve got to move on.”

“What are you talking about?” Thyme sipped her margarita and dipped another chip in the bowl of mango salsa. “I’ve totally moved on. I registered for those college classes online and should have my degree by the end of the summer. I only needed two courses.”

“And I think it’s great that you’ll be licensed to open your own preschool and daycare, but are you sure this is the career path you want to take?” Rayne shifted her son to the other hip and handed him a bowl of goldfish.

“I’m great with kids.” Thyme put down her drink and reached for her nephew. “Who’s your favorite aunty? Hmm? It’s Aunty Thyme, isn’t it?” She blew raspberries on Owen’s cheeks until he giggled.

“Oh, cut the baby talk. You sound like an idiot,” Sage growled.

“You’re just jealous because Owen loves me better.”

“He loves anyone with boobs and food. Get over yourself.”

“Yeah well, at least I have boobs.”

“Enough, you two,” Rayne scolded. “We’re here to talk about Thyme. So, are you going to Maddie’s preschool graduation?”

“I want to. Maddie wants me to. But I don’t know if I can handle seeing Grayson. He makes me…weak.”

“And that’s something new?”

“Shut up, Sage.”

“Stop it, you two. Thyme, what is it you’re afraid of if you see him again?”

“That he’ll convince me to stay. Live with them. Pretend we’re a family.”

“But he won’t advertise that Maddie is his and won’t admit his feelings for you.”

“Exactly.”

“It’s a roof over your head and sex. What’s not to like?”

“Sage, you’re not helping,” Rayne scolded again. “It’s been two months. Maybe Maddie knows he’s her dad.”

Thyme shrugged. “I know he needs me. He works a lot and he trusts me with Maddie. He needs me to help. But I want him to want me. Like the way Trent looks at you like you’re his crème brule.”

“Actually, it’s blackberry sauce. He likes to drizzle it on…never mind.” Rayne blushed and shoved a chip in her mouth. “But anyway,” she said around the chip, “you need to decide if you’re strong enough to face him.”

“I think I can now, because I have a career path. A goal. And I don’t need him to make it work.”

“Her latest and greatest. Until the next one,” Sage mumbled.

“This is it. I really found my calling. Rayne, I’ve always loved babysitting, even in high school, and Owen made me remember that the second he was born. He’s the reason I answered that ad for the Davenports to begin with. And Maddie…” Thyme trailed off. God, she missed her. Her preschool graduation invitation hung on the fridge with a personalized note from Maddie:

I’ll give you two kisses on the cheek and a bear hug if you come
,

She wasn’t sure if she could face Grayson again.

Rayne handed Thyme a sippy cup to give to baby Owen. “You’re wonderful with kids and you have a great deal of patience.” Sage snorted and Rayne ignored her. “And I think you’d make a wonderful preschool teacher. And from a selfish standpoint, I’m thrilled that you’re the one to care for my kids.”

“Kids? As in plural? Is there something you’re not telling us?”

Rayne nodded and Thyme teared up. She kissed her nephew again and breathed in his baby scent. Maddie smelled the same. A few months ago Thyme had actually started imagining her and Grayson’s babies. Would they be tall and lanky or short and curvy? Would their little boy have corkscrew curls like she had as a baby or bright green eyes like Grayson’s?

No, those dreams were over. But she’d be happy for her sister and brother-in-law. They were the perfect couple. The perfect family. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in ages.” She sniffed.

“Seriously? You’re crying? This shouldn’t be surprising. They’re horny as hell and can’t keep their hands off each other,” Sage growled but still gave Rayne a congratulatory one-armed hug.

Sage appeared gruff on the exterior, but the oldest sister had more to carry. She had to be the responsible one while Thyme got off using the baby-of-the-family excuse her whole life. Well, no longer. She’d no longer wait for her sisters to dig her out of her messes. Thyme could take care of herself.

“I’m so, so, so happy for you, Rayne. You’re an amazing mother and sister and friend and wife. You’re perfect and I hope to be just like you one day.”

“Oh, sweetie.” They hugged while Sage made gagging noises behind their backs. Thyme laughed and handed Owen to Sage. “Your turn. He just filled his diaper. It smells like a good one.”

Feeling revived after an evening with her sisters, and confident her life was on track, Thyme got up before the sun the next morning and took the early morning train to Boston. Which would then bring her to New York. She arrived at the auditorium ten minutes early and discovered only a few seats in the back that were still available. The hoity-toity preschools sure did know how to pack a house.

The little girls donned tiny white graduation robes and caps while the boys stood out in blue. They were so stinking cute, but the ceremony was a bit too stuffy and a bit too long. The children were restless yet made a wonderful attempt to sit prim and proper on stage in front of a crowd of over a few hundred.

Thyme took mental notes. Her preschool would offer a more casual graduation. A quick presentation of awards and flowers. The girls definitely beamed when they were handed flowers, as any girl would. Not that Thyme would know; her experience was limited to the one time Grayson gave her an exotic bouquet in Aruba.

After the names were read, parents and family members swarmed around the graduates. She didn’t want to converse with the Montgomerys but couldn’t leave without seeing Maddie.

Facing her fears and insecurities, Thyme inched her way closer to the front of the auditorium. She’d never be able to make out Maddie in a sea of little white angels, but Grayson’s tall, blond head stood out like a beacon. Her eyes locked on him, she edged closer to his small cluster. Maddie spotted her first.

“Thyme! You came! Do you like my hat?”

“You are the most beautiful preschool graduate I’ve ever seen!” Thyme crouched down and scooped Maddie into a twirling hug. “I’m so proud of you. And next is kindergarten. My goodness, you’ve aged quite a bit since I’ve been gone.”

She still felt guilty about leaving Maddie in the middle of the night. Even though Thyme mailed care packages regularly and talked to her on Eva’s phone, she still couldn’t believe the changes in the little princess. Thyme used the excuse that she had to go back to work in Maine and she hoped they remained friends forever. When Maddie started talking about Grayson, Thyme would quickly change the subject to princesses or the latest Disney movie.

“Do you like my flowers?” Maddie showed off her bouquet of lilies and roses and snapdragons. A bouquet finer than any bride could hope for.

“They’re almost as beautiful as you.”

“Thyme. It’s…nice to see you again.” Grayson sounded like his old stuffed-shirt self. Not the Grayson she fell in love with in Aruba. Or the one she made love to in Maine. Or the Grayson she teased and laughed with in New York.

“Grayson.” She stood and nodded politely.

“I thought that was you. I’d recognize those curls anywhere.”

Thyme turned around and flew into the arms of Eva. “Oh, Eva.” She sniffed back the tears that threatened to fall.

“We’ve all missed you. You look healthy and well. Maine suits you, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it really does. I’m happy there.” She forced a smile. It wasn’t a complete lie. Thyme was happy in Maine. But she’d be happier if Grayson and Maddie were there with her.

“I don’t think you’ve met my husband. This is Richard. Richard, the lovely Thyme Wilde whom you’ve heard so much about.”

An impeccably dressed, tall, handsome man with Paul Newman eyes and a charming smile took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure, Miss Wilde. And my wife is correct. She and my granddaughter don’t have enough wonderful things to say about you.”

“Will you join us for lunch?” Grayson made his way back into the conversation and she avoided looking at him as much as possible.

“Can you come? Please? Will you sit next to me and Grandma Eva? Please?”

Grandma?
Grayson told Maddie the truth. Before Thyme could get a look at him, Maddie had taken her hand and dragged her toward the door. “We have a limo so we can all be together. There’s room in there for you too. Can you sit next to me? I like to sit going backwards. It’s fun. But I’m not allowed to stick my head out the window or sunroof. Grandma Eva said.”

Thyme had no choice in the matter and was quickly whisked into a waiting limo by the hand of a five-year-old.

During the drive to the restaurant the adults were quiet, Maddie filling the car with constant chatter. She asked about her friends in Maine. If her bedroom looked the same. If the ocean was warm enough to swim in.

“Almost. It’s early June. A few more weeks and the tourists will be flocking the beaches.”

“What’s a tourist?”

“It’s someone who visits during vacation.”

“So when I go back to Maine, am I a tourist since I live in New York with my new dad?”

Thyme felt Grayson’s eyes on her but she avoided his gaze. “You’ll always have a home in Maine, Maddie.” She’d been staying at the Davenports’s house while looking for an apartment, keeping the plants watered, the furniture dusted and cleaned, and had contacted Frank Summers a few weeks ago asking if there was someone to care for it until Grayson sold it. The attorney returned her email with a note saying Mr. Montgomery had asked if she could continue keeping up with general cleaning until he could see to matters.

If he planned on bringing Maddie during the summer she’d need to pack her things and hightail it out of there soon. She didn’t have time to process the news of the announcement—that Maddie knew he was her dad and Eva and Richard her grandparents—when the limo slowed to a stop and Grayson quickly got out before the chauffer could open the door. He helped his father and mother out first, and then leaned in for Maddie.

Maddie turned to Thyme before getting out. “Can I have an ice cream sundae for dessert? I’ll give you a kiss on the nose.”

“Let’s start with lunch, princess. Then we’ll figure out if you have room for dessert.”

Maddie’s pale pink dress fluttered away, leaving Grayson’s strong hand outstretched for her. Thyme lifted her hand to his and he gracefully pulled her out of the car. He drew her close so they were standing chest to chest with only inches in between them.

“I’ve missed you.” His eyes held so much. Mystery, humor, sensuality. Trust. Could she trust him? Yes, Grayson was an honorable man, but it was where his honor lay that made Thyme unsure of her status.

“It’s nice to see Maddie again.”

“Just Maddie?”

“And your mother.” She forced a scowl even though her lips wanted to turn up into a grin.

“And?”

“Well, I never got to know your father, but he seems smitten with Maddie.”

“Yes, we all are.”

“Including Sophia?”

Grayson’s teasing manner dissipated and the proper gentleman face reappeared. “Sophia is taking things in stride.”

“Meaning? Never mind. It’s none of my business.”

“She couldn’t make the graduation but will be joining us for lunch.”

Great. Her first meeting with the devil. Would Sophia refuse to sit with a lowly unemployed nanny and force her to sit at the kiddie table?

“Are you two coming? Our table is ready,” Richard Montgomery called from behind them.

“Thanks, Dad. We’re coming.”

Dad?
Next thing she knew Grayson would be talking slang and wearing board shorts to work.

The restaurant was opulent, but not too stuffy. The maître d’ escorted the five of them to a table set for six. A woman with a perfect, smooth, blonde coif wearing pearls and a stylish black suit sat stiff as a board at the head of the table. Money and stature practically oozed from her manicured hands and enormous green emerald ring as she sipped from her crystal champagne flute. The family resemblance was too obvious to give her any doubt of the woman’s identity.

Sophia. Thyme figured the old broad had to be pushing eighty but didn’t look a day over fifty. Not a wrinkle in sight. Not on her face, her hair, her clothes. Thyme looked down at her navy tank dress and felt completely out of place.

“Eva. Richard. It’s about time. Our reservation was for one. It’s nearly ten past. I ordered champagne and I didn’t want it to go flat so Gina and I started without you.”

Thyme hadn’t even noticed the other woman sitting next to her until now. The woman’s back was to them and a familiar uncomfortable anchor returned in her gut.

“Maddie’s graduation was adorable. She did such a wonderful job on stage and was given the Most Enthusiastic Learner Award,” Eva said as she greeted her mother with a kiss to the cheek.