“I know my son, Julia. And I know he’s head over heels in love with you. He’ll try his damndest to make you happy, and make your family work.”

Yep, definitely crying now.

“I’d do the same,” I say. “Honestly, Eliza. We’re just…different.”

“Talk to him. I’m sure he’s working on this, same as you are right now. And once you’ve talked, keep talking. Make it a habit. Show you can change, same as him, while still remaining true to who you are. The woman he fell in love with.”

I don’t know what else to do. I reach across the table and pull Eliza in for the awkwardest, sweetest hug.

Who knows what will happen next. If Grey and I can work things out. If we can’t.

But I do know I feel better just talking to Eliza. Being with her.

“I really appreciate the words of wisdom,” I say. “I miss my parents like crazy. But y’all have welcomed me like a daughter, and that means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

She kisses my cheek. “I’d be lucky to call you a daughter, Julia. Not only did you bring my son back from the dead. You also have excellent taste in literature.”

That makes me laugh, even as my eyes flood with a fresh round of tears.

“Men in kilts,” she continues. “Men in suits. They’re not so different, are they? They have their uniform, and they’re confident enough to rock the hell out of it.”

“They have sexy accents,” I add. “At least our men in suits do.”

“They’re the ultimate alphas. But the taller they are…”

I grin. “The harder they fall.”

“Exactly.” Eliza meets my eyes. “Believe it or not, Monty was the tall guy in the power suit when we first met. As cocky and self-important as they come. Now look at him. He bakes cakes from scratch for his granddaughter’s birthday parties. He loves Outlander as much as I do. He’s still Monty. Still the man I married.”

“He’s still who he is. You’ve just rubbed off on him.”

She grins. This sly, almost secret thing.

“I have.” She motions for the check. “Now you go rub off on Grey. And let him rub up on you.”

I laugh. Blush. Cry.

I hope Greyson and I have as happy an ending as Eliza and Monty’s.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Greyson

I make a million calls. My employees. My partners.

I call Olivia. Gracie, too.

The West Ashley location of Hello Baby. The downtown location of Rainbow Row Books, Charleston’s most well-known Indie bookstore. I somehow, through a combination of shameless flattery and even more shameless desperation, convince the owner, Louise, to open the store for me this morning so I can check out a few things and pick her brain.

Once I have that shit somewhat settled, I take a deep breath and call Julia last. I bring my phone to my ear. Heart thumping inside my chest.

She doesn’t answer. I check my watch. She told me a few days ago that she was meeting my mom for lunch today. I was hoping they’d have wrapped it up by now.