Read Online Holiday Homecoming by Cheryl Douglas - Free Book Online

but I’m
startin’ to re-think that. What better time to tell her than the
night we welcome our first grandchild into the world? Talk about
startin’ a new chapter, right?”
    “You got that
right.” Luc closed his eyes and sighed. “Ah, Trey, how the hell did
we get here? It seems like just yesterday we were startin’ out,
workin’ our asses off to make it in this business, now here we are,
thinkin’ about retirin’ and movin’ on. I don’t feel old enough to
be retired, if you want to know the truth.”
    Trey laughed.
“Trust me, you are.”
    Luc kicked his
friend’s knee with the toe of his cowboy boot as he hid his smile
behind his hand. “I see my kids makin’ some of the same mistakes I
made, and it kills me. I just wanna grab them and shake them
sometimes.”
    “What do mean?
Your kids seem to be doin’ well. Evan took over for you like he was
born to the job, and all the talent thinks Ryan’s cooler than you
ever were.” He winked. “Trust an insider, I know what they say when
you’re not around.”
    “Shut up. Who
the hell asked you?” Luc laughed when Trey gave him the finger.
“Seriously, I see Ev throwin’ himself into the company, tryin’ to
prove himself to everybody…”
    “What’s wrong
with that? He’s driven, determined, just like his old man.”
    “Yeah, but
Erika’s not like Marisa.”
    “What do you
mean?”
    “Marisa worked
in the industry, hell, she’s your sister. She saw how much you
sacrificed to make it to the top. I don’t think Erika wants this
lifestyle. She’s gonna be a vet soon, join her father’s practice.”
Luc sighed as he set his drink down on the table beside him. “I
think she wants the simple life. She wants to get married, settle
down, have a couple of kids, a dog…”
    “And Evan’s
not there yet?”
    Luc rolled his
eyes. “How can he make that kind of commitment? His assistant tells
me he doesn’t have time to eat most days.”
    “They’ll work
it out, don’t worry.”
    “I’m not so
sure.” Luc linked his hands in front of him and leaned forward. “I
was watchin’ her tonight, watchin’ them. I’m thinkin’ this might be
the end of the road for them.”
    “Come on, man.
They’ve been together, what, five years? That’s a lifetime when
you’re their age.”
    “I know. She’s
a great girl. Marisa and I think the world of her, but I just don’t
think my son can make her happy anymore.” He placed his hands
behind his head. “I can’t help but feel responsible. If it wasn’t
for the business…”
    “Hey, you
can’t blame yourself. Evan loves that company as much as you did.
You couldn’t have kept him out even if you wanted to. It’s in his
blood.”
    “Yeah, I
know.” Luc chuckled. “I’ve got one son who refuses to leave the
office and another who rarely remembers to come in. What’s up with
that?”
    Trey laughed.
“Don’t sell Ryan short. He’s damn good at what he does. The talent
loves him.” Trey smirked. “Especially the ladies, from what I
hear.”
    “Yeah, I know.
That’s part of the problem. Makes me wonder if that one’s ever
gonna settle down and get his act together.”
    Trey masked a
laugh behind a cough as he fisted his hand in front of his mouth.
“This comin’ from the guy who made datin’ an Olympic sport when he
was single.”
    “Don’t remind
me.”
    “Good thing
you came to your senses when you married my sister. You ever
cheated on her and I’d have kicked your ass.”
    Luc looked at
the platinum and diamond wedding band that had been on his left
hand for the past three decades. “Marisa’s the only woman in the
world for me, Trey. You gotta know that.”
    “I do. Hey,
don’t worry. Your sons will find that special one, too. The girl
they can’t live without.”
    “Yeah, I just
hope it’s sooner rather than later.” He pointed to the silver
streaks in his black hair. “I’ve got enough gray hair already.”
     
     
    Sierra peeked
into the study and found Trey