“Okay,” she said, taking his hand. “Thank you, Grayson.”

“You’re very welcome.”

He left them browsing the extensive toy department and dashed up the back stairs to the offices, eager to get back to them as soon as possible. It was ridiculous, really, how gone over the two of them he was. “Hi, Mary,” he said to the family’s longtime administrative assistant.

“Hey, Grayson. How’s it going?”

“Very good. Uncle Linc told me you had the letter from Sheehan’s lawyer.”

“Right here.” She handed him the packet. “Hope you can make that go away.”

“That’s the plan.”

“I hear you’re moving home. Your mom must be thrilled.”

“She is. It’s nice to be home, but I’m actually heading to New York for a week or so.”

“That sounds fun. I’m hoping to get down there myself in the next few weeks.”

“Have you been before?”

“Yes, I have,” she said, blushing.

“To visit anyone we know?”

“A friend.”

“A friend, huh? Does this friend happen to be related to my cousin Will’s wife, Cameron?” Rumor had it that Mary was seeing Cameron’s dad, Patrick Murphy, the billionaire businessman.

“Possibly,” Mary said, blushing madly.

Grayson laughed. “All these New Yorkers invading our tranquil little town.”

“I know! It’s so wrong.”

“Actually, it’s feeling kind of right to me.”

“I might’ve heard you’ve been hanging out with Emma.”

“I forget how the information pipeline works in this town.”

“It’s more about how it works in your family.”

Grayson laughed at that, knowing it was true. “I’ve gotta run to Burlington.” He handed her a business card. “If you hear any more from Sheehan’s attorney, let me know.”

“I will, thank you. Have fun in New York, and Happy New Year.”

“That’s the plan, and same to you.” Grayson waved and headed down the stairs, rejoining Emma and Simone at a huge display of doll clothes. “What’s the verdict, Simone?”

She held up a dark blue gown on a tiny hanger. “I think this dress would look nice on Ashley. Do you?”

Grayson gave the dress a careful examination. “I agree. That color would complement her eyes.”

Emma coughed, and when Grayson glanced at her, he saw that she was covering a laugh.

“Don’t you agree, Emma?” he asked.

“Absolutely.” She rubbed her hand over her lips, clearly trying not to lose it laughing.

“I would say she needs at least two more outfits to complete her wardrobe. What about this one?” He held up a suit with five different pieces as well as two pairs of shoes.

“I like that,” Simone said, eyeing it carefully. “Are you sure? One is fine.”

Could she be any sweeter? “I’m sure. Get that one and another one. Anything you want.”