Unveiled(83)

“Here,” he mutters impatiently, removing the kettle from her hands and slamming it down before taking possession of Nan. “You will sit, Mrs. Taylor.” He guides a bewildered Nan past a stunned George and Gregory and sits her in a chair. She’s looking up at Miller from her seated position with wary eyes as he towers over her, daring her to defy him. She’s speechless, her mouth dropped open in shock. Miller drags in a long, calming pull of breath, hitches up his trousers slightly at the thighs, then lowers to his haunches before her. Nan’s eyes follow him down until they’re level. She remains silent, and so do the rest of us.

“You will do as you’re told,” Miller begins, quickly raising a hand and placing a finger over her lips when she inhales, ready to fire back some sass. “Nuh-uh-uh,” Miller cuts in firmly. I might not be able to see his face, but I can see the slight warning cock of his head, and I know for sure she’s also being held in place with equally warning eyes. Miller slowly, carefully removes his finger, and she immediately purses her lips indignantly.

“Quite the bossy man, aren’t you?”

“You have no idea, Mrs. Taylor.”

Nan’s eyes flip to mine, searching for… I don’t know what, but I know I’m giving her something, even if I’m trying my hardest not to. My cheeks are flushing furiously. I damn them to hell for letting me down and shift under her curious gaze.

“Mrs. Taylor,” Miller says quietly, saving me from further probing eyes when she returns her attention to him. “I’m quite familiar with the Taylor sass.” He jabs a thumb over his shoulder in my general direction, making me want to announce that it’s only utilized in special circumstances. But I refrain. Wisely. “I’ve become quite accustomed to it, in fact.”

“Bully for you,” Nan mutters, raising her nose in the air insolently. “What you gonna do? Spank me?”

I cough to conceal my laugh, as do George and Gregory. She’s a gem!

“Not my style,” Miller replies flippantly, not biting at her sass. It spikes only more huffiness from Nan and snickering to the point of tears from the rest of us. This is just priceless, and I desperately avoid George’s and Gregory’s eyes, knowing they’ll have me doubling over should I catch a glimpse of their own amusement.

“Do you know how much I love your granddaughter, Josephine?”

That soon brings all of the uncontrollable tittering to a rapid halt, and Nan’s face softens in an instant. “I have a good idea,” she says quietly.

“Well, let me confirm it for you,” Miller says formally. “It hurts like hell.” I freeze and watch Nan’s face over Miller’s shoulder practically burst with happiness. “Right here.” He takes her hand and lays it over his suit jacket. “My sweet girl has shown me how to love, and that just makes me love her all the more. She’s everything to me. Seeing her hurt or sad, it cripples me, Josephine.”

I remain quiet in the background, just like Gregory and George. He’s speaking to her as though they’re alone. I don’t know what this has to do with Nan being obedient, but he seems to be in his stride, and I trust it has some relevance.

“I know that feeling,” Nan murmurs, forcing a sad smile. I could cry. “I’ve felt that before.”

Miller nods and reaches up to brush a stray gray curl from her forehead. “Olivia is besotted with you, dear lady. And I’m quite fond of you, too.”

Nan gives Miller a shy smile and claims his hand. I’ve no doubt she’s squeezing it hard. “You ain’t so bad yourself.”

“I’m glad we’ve cleared that up.”

“And you have good buns!”

“So I’m told.” He laughs, leaning in and kissing her cheek. I crumble on the inside with happiness, when I should probably be rolling on the floor with laughter as a result of her cheeky remark.

Miller’s never had anyone. Now he not only has me, but he has my nan as well. And the extent of his appreciation is suddenly so palpable. He loves Nan, too. On a different level, of course, but his feelings for her are strong. Very strong, and he’s proved it in every word and action since we’ve returned from New York.

“Now”—he stands, leaving Nan seated, looking all content and dreamy—“Olivia is going to tuck you into bed. I’ll help Gregory make tea, and George is going to deliver it to your room.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.” Miller looks across to me, giving me an interested look when he catches my watery eyes. “Chop-chop.”