Unable to stand it any longer, I looked over at Cathy. “Have you seen Max?”
“He’s already gone.” Cathy cocked her head to the side. “I thought he told you he was going early to make sure there were no problems.”
“Oh.” Relief flooded my body. He wasn’t avoiding me. He was doing what he said he was going to do. Trying to help me. “No, he didn’t mention it.”
Or maybe he had? I’d almost fallen asleep last night while watching the water. I remembered him talking to me, but his deep voice had all but lulled me to sleep. I just remembered being content and relaxed before finally making our way back to the house. He had kissed my head before I went in my room and I had passed out easily on the giant bed. It had been the best sleep I’d had in years.
I let them lead us to one of the black limousines out front, not really paying attention to who all climbed into the car with me and Marty. Instead I took my phone out of my purse and looked up Max’s number to send him a text message.
You didn’t have to go without me.
I closed my phone and looked out the window. When my phone beeped I clicked on the message.
You didn’t need to worry about everything.
I shook my head. What was it with him wanting to take care of everything for me? Pretty soon he was going to insist he wash my socks or help me bathe. That last thought brought heat to my cheeks. I’m not sure I’d mind letting him help me in the shower.
Thank you.
There, nice and simple. No talk of bathing each other. That was probably for the best. Probably.
Welcome.
Our ride to Thysmer was relatively quiet, except for Cathy and Marty. She had brought a handheld video game and currently was talking Marty through a level with tomato zombies. I was scared to even look at the game. The squishing sounds were bad enough.
The closer we came to the church, the more my nerves began to bubble and froth in my stomach. I’d chosen a song to sing that I’d heard a while ago on the radio in England. The lyrics were beautiful and summed up the feelings of loss. It was something I’d fallen in love with the second I’d heard it. I knew the song by heart, so it wouldn’t be something I’d be focused on getting right. I could just sing it and hopefully touch the people who had known my grandfather.
As we drove through Thysmer I noticed that flags had been lowered to half-staff. When the church came in to view it was surrounded by cars and people mingling outside. The media was a respectful distance away, which relieved me to no end. The last thing I wanted was to wade through people asking questions or wanting pictures. I wondered if that had been Max’s doing.
As our limo pulled up, Max made his way out of the church, followed by Rachel, and headed straight for the car. He adjusted his suit jacket before opening the door. Cathy motioned for me and Marty to go out first.
Max held his hand out to help me, his fingers squeezing mine gently, before letting go to help Marty and his sister out of the car.
“My lady.” Rachel bobbed a quick curtsy before moving to my side. Leaning close, she lowered her voice. “How are you?”
“We’re fine.” I nodded my head. “Is everything ready?”
“Yes, ma’am.” She bobbed her head at someone she knew. “Everything is as you wished.”
“Thank you. I should have come earlier to help.”
“Not at all.” She looked at me with wise eyes. “Your father is already here. He’s been here for a while. Asked to see his father before the ceremony.”
“Really?” I frowned. I hadn’t thought he would care to see my granddad’s body. I hadn’t really thought he cared about any of it, to be truthful. “Has he said anything?”
“He’s been quiet.” She patted my arm. “I don’t think you’re going to have much to worry about today.”
“Thank you.” I couldn’t explain how much I hoped she was right. “How’d my father get here? Did he drive?”
“Prince Maxwell has been a big help this morning.” She offered me a smile. “He rode with a car to get your father. Said that he wanted to help escort the duke to the funeral.”
“He did what?” I stopped and blinked at her. Marty grabbed my hand and waited with me. I could hear Cathy talking quietly with someone behind me. Surprise had me looking around the area for Max. He must’ve gotten up before dawn to manage everything. When my eyes landed on his, I felt my heart thump loudly in my chest. He was watching me with soft eyes as Cathy talked quietly.
“Prince Maxwell brought your father to the funeral. He felt it best that someone ride with him.” She put her hand on my elbow and gently steered me toward the doors. I looked back to the church and took a deep breath.
My mind rushed through all of the scenarios that could have happened. Had he gone to make sure that my father came to the funeral? Honestly, I hadn’t been sure he would attend.
“Mere!” An older man waved at me from near the door. “Marty!”
“Patrick!” I picked up my pace and walked toward my granddad’s oldest friend. He was wearing a worn, dark suit and wire-rimmed glasses. As soon as I got to him, I wrapped my arms around him. “I’m so glad you were able to make it.”
“Of course, love. I’m so sorry about your granddad.” He squeezed me back before leaning down and hugging Marty. “He was a good man.”
“Thank you.” My eyes began to water and I wiped at my cheeks with my fingers. Seeing Patrick was like seeing my granddad’s ghost. It cemented the awful truth of his death.