“Yes. Yes. Of course. We’ll take very good care of you, Lukas. You’ll be fit in no time.” Grandma pats my chest, and I squirm under her affection. “Jasper, can you check with the doctors when we can move Lukas to Cherrywood? Now that he’s here, he should be at home. With his family. With his wife.”

Autumn’s eyes widen. She’s standing behind her grandparents, who are seated next to my bed.

“That’s not at all necessary. I have friends and colleagues who can look out for me if I need anything. I also can’t leave St. Peppers at the drop of a hat.”

“You aren’t well enough to work. This has to stay for a few days at least, doesn’t it?” Grandma cocks her head toward my arm in the sling. “But if you’re still so determined to live here, we’ll bring Autumn’s stuff to your place.”

“Grandma!” Autumn’s protest is immediately cut off by her grandmother’s sharp gaze.

“Your husband is injured, Autumn. You need to be there for him. You are his family. His wife.” Grandma quiets everyone with her remark.

Autumn fumes with anger, her cheeks scarlet. She runs her hands over her arms, and I hate that she’s once again cornered because of me. “I’ll move to Cherrywood…until I’m fit.”

“That’s wonderful!” Grandma claps before she throws a discreet wink to her husband.

These two are trouble for me and experts at getting what they want.

“Then we’ll let you rest. We have to arrange the house and prepare the guest room for the both of you.” Grandma is already getting up to leave.

“I’m not moving back to the house.” Autumn’s hands are curled into fists, resting by her side.

I know she moved into one of the suites at the inn only a few months back. She even sent me pictures of her and her best friend, Chiara, having a housewarming dinner.

“Autumn, your husband needs you.”

And as much as I want to stop my brain, I can’t help but imagine Autumn fussing over me, taking care of me.

“I can move to the inn if there’s a room available,” I provide.

“Not at all. You are husband and wife. You need to live together.” Grandma stands up and plants her fists firmly on her waist.

“If you don’t mind, Lukas, you can move into Autumn’s suite,” Jasper says. He presses his lips into a thin line. I’m sure he isn’t pleased with this development, but it’s not an easy task to convince the grandparents when it comes to this promise.

Laura’s eyebrows furrow. “But there’s not even a kitchen there.”

“If I really care about my husband, it’s better that I don’t cook for him.”