No Strings Attached

Clara was taken aback. Then she remembered the story Edwin had once told her, and her heart went out to Marian.

Marian's daughter was murdered, and her beloved granddaughter of over two decades turned out to be the child of a mistress. Seeing the hopeful look in Marian's eyes and feeling the deep longing in her heart, Clara affectionately called out, "Grandma."

At the sound of "Grandma," Marian could no longer contain her emotions. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She nodded repeatedly, her voice trembling. "My dear, I am so happy to see you. You take good care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, thank you, Grandma Marian."

well up. He knew that Marian

had cherished all his life. The thought

always be the only father-in-law I recognize. Take care of yourself. We'll need you to

patted him on the shoulder with relief.

in his hands. "Casey, this is some blueberry wine my

the most incredible blueberry wine. It was sweet and rich, and you couldn't get drunk off it easily. One time, Clara sneaked a whole jug of it and ended up sleeping for a whole day and night. Scared Reed half to death." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access

smile widened as he recalled the story. "Clara was such a mischievous child, so adorable." His eyes shifted to

instead, he raised his eyebrows proudly. "Thanks for the compliment. My wife is still quite adorable. But Casey just had surgery, and this wine might not be best for him.

so affectionately, Brodie's smile took on a deeper meaning. "Mr. Hayes, don't forget the promise you made to me to treat Clara well for a lifetime, or else, I might just