“They are rather lovely and adorable,” Grayson said, smiling as he thought of them. “I’m going to New York next weekend to see them, and we’ll go from there.”

“If you feel something special for this woman, son, and I can already tell that you do, don’t let her get away. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

His grandfather’s blunt statement struck Grayson square in the chest, leaving his heart aching. “I feel… almost desperate to hold on to her. I’ve never felt that before.”

A big smile stretched across Elmer’s face. “You’re falling in love with her. If you haven’t already fallen.”

“That can’t happen in four days.”

Elmer laughed. “You don’t think so? I’m here to tell you that I took one look at your grandmother, who was dating my cousin at the time, and saw my entire future laid out before me with her by my side. One look, Gray. That was all it took.”

Grayson felt light-headed and despondent at realizing his grandfather was right. He was falling hard for her—and her daughter. But what did he do about it? “She has a life in the city that works for her and Simone, a support network, a job with insurance that she needs… Her dad is there.”

“Okay…”

“What does that mean? Okay to what?”

“So she isn’t willing to uproot a life that makes her feel safe and secure. The way I see it, you have two options—one, go there and be part of her safe, secure life in the city. Or offer her the same safety and security here, and see if it appeals to her.”

“Why does it sound so simple coming from you when it’s anything but to me?”

“Because it is simple, Grayson. You’ve found a woman and a little girl you could make a life with.”

“It’s too soon for talking about making a life together.”

“Is it? You’re thirty-six years old. If not now, when?”

“Is it normal to feel like you’re having a heart attack when you realize you might be in love with someone you met a week ago?”

Elmer roared with laughter. “I assure you it’s entirely normal. This is a good thing, the best thing that’ll ever happen to you. No matter what, don’t let her get away.”

“The thought of her leaving today makes me sick.”

“Make sure you tell her that. Don’t let her leave without knowing you’re serious about her—and her daughter. Including Simone will matter to her.”

“Of course she’s included. I think I fell for her the first time I ever talked to her and she told me I was silly for asking if she likes scotch.” He smiled at the memory of her sassy comebacks.