“Oh my, it’s so pretty,” she whispered, stepping away from the limo.
He smiled, feeling a little bit of his nerves calm. Meeting his grandfather was the real test, but the fact that she liked the house bode well.
He turned and looked at it with new eyes. It was as stereotypical southern plantation as he could imagine. Two stories with long, graceful white pillars and big porches wrapping around at perfect intervals made the house look suited to a Civil War documentary. Giant oak trees draped with Spanish moss flanked the white home.
The big center door opened, and yellow light poured out into the soft twilight as PawPaw came to greet them.
Dylan took a deep breath. It was time.
Chapter 27
Bonnie
Bonnie stood on the edge of the large front porch as Dylan embraced his grandfather. She waited politely, her hands clasped neatly in front of her as the two men greeted one another.
PawPaw was tall like his grandson. He had the same broad shoulders and lean frame, but where Dylan’s hair was black, PawPaw’s was silver. They had the same strong jaw and easy smile, but Dylan’s eyes were darker. The family resemblance between PawPaw and Dylan was strong, which meant that Dylan would be a very attractive old man in fifty years.
“And you must be Bonnie,” PawPaw said, releasing his grandson and stepping toward her. “I can’t tell you how nice it is to meet you.”
The man spoke with a soft southern drawl that Bonnie found incredibly endearing. She shook his hand, and he grinned at her.
“It’s very nice to meet you, sir,” she told him. “Thank you for having us.”
“Of course! Please come inside,” he replied. “Would you like some lemonade? Milly makes the best lemonade I’ve ever had.”
He offered her his arm like a true southern gentleman to escort her inside. Bonnie grinned and looked back at Dylan.
“Milly really does make the best lemonade in the whole city,” Dylan told her. “I’ll get the bags.”
She took PawPaw’s arm, and he led her inside the house. It was just as cozy on the inside as it was beautiful on the outside. She walked across a beautiful marble entrance, feeling like she should be wearing a hoop skirt and big southern bonnet. The marble gave way to wood floors and simple, yet elegant furniture. It felt grand and welcoming at the same time.
They made their way to the kitchen. Black and white tiled floors and white appliances dominated the space, and there was a large wooden table next to a big window overlooking a garden. It was possibly the most beautiful kitchen Bonnie had ever seen.
Mr. Abbott dropped her off at the kitchen table, pulling out a wooden chair for her to sit on before going to the refrigerator and taking out a glass pitcher. He carefully poured two glasses and joined her at the table.
“So, you’re the woman who has stolen my grandson’s heart,” he said, handing her a glass.
“What?” She was glad she hadn’t tasted her drink yet because she nearly choked on her own breath. “What makes you say that?”
She did like the way it made her heart swell to hear it. Dylan had certainly stolen her heart, but she wasn’t sure she had his. He was, after all, a billionaire that could have anyone.
Mr. Abbott chuckled. “You’re the first girl he’s brought here,” the man told her.
“I can’t be the first girl he’s brought,” Bonnie replied, shaking her head. She had a hard time believing she was that special.
Mr. Abbott just sipped his lemonade and shrugged.
“Really?” she asked.
Mr. Abbot chuckled and reached across the table to pat her hand. “He tells me you’re a teacher,” he said, changing the subject to something she was more comfortable with.
“Yes, yes I am,” she replied. She suddenly felt very nervous. She hoped she could live up to PawPaw’s expectations. She wanted to make Dylan proud. “I’m a special education teacher.”
“That means you have patience and can deal with his stubbornness,” he replied. He motioned to her untouched glass. “Try the lemonade.”
“Oh, of course.” She quickly took a sip. The sour of lemon and the sweetness of sugar hit her tongue in perfect harmony. “Oh, my. This is amazing.”
“Milly won’t tell me the recipe, but I think she uses honey and sugar.” He took a long sip and smacked his lips. His eyes went to hers. They were a lighter than Dylan’s but had the same dark warmth that she found intriguing. “Do you love him?”