surprise flashed through Dillon's deep gr

maintain a steady, even tone. "Unrequited passion should know when to stop. M

better to just let go," Brenna said, her tone serene and utterly clear. "Besides, affection t

of appreciation passing through his eyes. "On that

the next. There was no awkwardness in the air, nor

them. She turned her gaze to Brenna, a kind and welcoming smile in her eye

a hint of mild surprise i

?" Dillon asked, his eyes carrying a

o the side. Sensing the woman's earnest anticipation, she d

on the matriarch's face grew entirely uncontainable. She waved enthusiasticall

ever seen a woman by her grandson's side! She

rs. Blackburn," Brenna greeted g

to ear. She took Brenna's hand, patting it gently. "Good, good. Wh

a touch out of her element. However, she didn't flinch or pull away; inst

over his grandmother's lap, he smoothly and invisibly created a comfortable distance between the two w

meticulously attentive man really her emotionally detac

as sharp as they come. With a mere roll of her e

ly worried I'd make things difficult for the girl. It see

ming with maternal affection. "Good child, ho

aning scrutiny in Matilda's eyes, she instantly understood what was happening. She calmly clarified, "M

who happened t

t over Dillon witho

else sees it that way

ing a chat?" Matilda looked at Brenna, then quickly lowered her eyes, flawlessly executing the role of a pitiful, neglected elder. "This

od the nature of her relationship with Dillon, Br

d of her own aging grandfather. A touch of empathy softened her hea

heartbeat, beaming at Brenna. "Then I shall be waiting. Wh

eful hesitation in her calm eyes. "I'm af