“When is he coming?” This was all happening too fast for Paula. She was not an impulsive person. She liked to process and digest information before making a decision. Especially a decision this big.

“He’ll be here a week from Monday. He just has to wrap up his current engagement.”

“Okay. When do you need a decision by? I need to think about this. Maybe you should call Elaine and give her a heads up, just in case.”

Her grandfather patted her arm. “I know this seems sudden and maybe a bit overwhelming. But I have every confidence that you will do a marvelous job. But I figured you’d need to sleep on it. Today’s Friday. Why don’t you take the weekend, make your pros and cons list or whatever you do and then let’s talk Monday morning. If you really don’t want this, I’ll call Elaine then. But I know you can do it.”

“Thank you. I’m flattered that you have so much confidence in me. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.”

Her grandfather lifted his glass and tapped it against hers. “I don’t think that’s possible. Unless you say no.” He grinned. “I hope we’ll have something to celebrate on Monday.”

Chapter 2

Paula didn’t stay for the whole wine dinner. She sat with her grandfather and, once the main meal was served, they were both ready to go. He was tired and she was eager to get home and spend the weekend trying to process what had just happened.

She walked home after saying goodbye to her grandfather. Her house was a small cottage on the outskirts of the hotel property. It was an area that was considered too far from the main property to be attractive to visitors, especially as it lacked the stunning views from the main hotel.

There were very distant views, especially from the second floor and all of the grandchildren had been granted a plot of land when they were young. He’d given all of his children land and it was understood that eventually, the hotel itself and all of his other properties would go to his children and grandchildren. Her grandfather occasionally wanted to talk about his will or even his funeral and Paula would never allow it.

“I don’t want to think about a time when you’re not here.”

“Well, I don’t plan on going any time soon, but I like to plan these things. To make sure everything is taken care of. I just told your father that no one will have to worry about my funeral.”

“What do you mean?”

“I stopped by the funeral home today and paid for it, picked out my music and everything. There will be no crying at my funeral, no sad music. Just happy memories.” He had looked very pleased with himself.