“Gramps,” Janine began anxiously, unwilling to discuss the subject that had brought such contention, “Zach and I have already settled that issue. We understand why you did it and…and we’ve laid it to rest, so there’s no need to apologize.”

“I’m afraid there is,” Gramps insisted. “Don’t worry, Burt pointed out the error of my ways. Haven’t got any new tricks up my sleeve.” He rose to bring Zach the signed papers, then sat wearily in the chair across from them. He’d never looked so fragile, so old and beaten.

“Janine’s a wonderful woman,” Zach said unexpectedly. “I want you to know I realize that.”

“She’s got her faults,” Gramps responded, pulling a cigar from his pocket, “but she’s pretty enough to compensate.”

“Thank you very much,” Janine whispered sarcastically and was rewarded with a grin from Zach. Gramps didn’t seem to hear her; if he had, he was ignoring her comment.

“I only want the best for my granddaughter, but when I approached her about marrying you, she made a big fuss. Fact is, it would’ve been easier to pluck a live chicken. She said she needed romance.” Gramps pronounced the word as if it evoked instant amusement.

“There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t need romance,” she wailed, defending herself.

“I’m from the old country,” Gramps continued. “Romance wasn’t something I knew about from personal experience, and when I asked Janine to explain, she had some trouble defining it herself. Said it was a tryst on the moors and a bunch of other hogwash. That’s the reason I sent you both to Scotland.”

“We figured that out soon enough,” Zach said dryly.

“As you’ll recall,” Janine found herself saying, “that definition was off the top of my head. Romance isn’t easy to explain, especially to a man who scoffs at the entire idea.”

Anton chuckled, moving the cigar to the side of his mouth. “It’s unfortunate the two of you caught on to me so soon. I was looking forward to arranging the desperate passion part.”

“Desperate passion?” Zach echoed.

“Yes. Janine said that was part of romance, too. I may be over seventy, but I know about passion. Oh, yes, Anna and I learned about that together.” His blue eyes took on a faraway look and his lips curved in the gentlest of smiles. He glanced at Janine and his smile widened.

“I’m glad you find this so funny,” Janine snapped.

Gramps dismissed her anger with a flick of his hand and turned to Zach. “I suppose you’ve discovered she’s got something of a temper?”

“From the start!” Zach declared.

“It may come as a surprise to you, Zachary Thomas,” Janine said, “but you’re not exactly Mr. Perfect.”

“No,” Zach countered smoothly. “I suspect your grandfather was thinking more along the lines of Mr. Right.”

“Oh, brother!”

“Now, children, I don’t see that arguing will do any good. I’ve willingly accepted defeat. Trying to interest you in each other was an old man’s way of setting his world right before he passes on.”