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?”

He luckily asked the question after she finished swallowing her sip of lemonade. As it was, she still had to set her glass down and take a moment to compose herself.

“I think I do,” she replied honestly, her eyes on her glass of lemonade. “We haven’t known each other for very long, but he makes me very happy. I’ve never met anyone who makes me as stupid giddy-happy as he does.” She looked up from the table at him and shrugged. “Does that answer your question?”

Mr. Abbott gave her an appraising look, his dark eyes thoughtful. He didn’t say anything, just sipped on his lemonade.

“My ears are burning,” Dylan announced, walking into the kitchen. He got himself a glass and poured his own lemonade. “Were you two talking about me?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” his grandfather teased. He smiled at Bonnie and gave her a friendly wink.

“Tell Milly her lemonade is still as delicious as always,” Dylan said, setting his empty glass on the counter. He looked over at Bonnie. “Milly is PawPaw’s housekeeper.”

“She keeps me in line,” Mr. Abbott agreed. He stood up from the table. “Well, I know that Dylan has a wonderful supper planned for you this evening. I’m going to get my old bones to bed.”

“Oh? You aren’t joining us?” Bonnie asked, rising from the table as well.

Mr. Abbott smiled and patted her arm as he came around. “Thank you, darling, but no.”

“Thank you for the lemonade, Mr. Abbott,” Bonnie replied, trying to think of all the manners her mother had tried to teach her. “I hope we’ll see you in the morning.”

“Call me PawPaw,” Mr. Abbott told her with a smile. “And it’s my pleasure to have you here.”

He patted her arm and then headed off to the stairs to go to bed.

“He didn’t give you too much grief, did he?” Dylan asked once his grandfather had left the kitchen. “He can be a little crusty sometimes.”

“He’s wonderful,” Bonnie assured him. “He obviously loves you very much.”

“Well, what’s not to love?” Dylan asked, indicating to himself. She laughed, and he grinned. “Would you like some dinner?”

“I would love some, but could I freshen up first?” Bonnie looked down at her shirt to see she’d spilled some lemonade on her front. She sure was classy sometimes.

“Of course,” Dylan said. “Let me show you to your room.”

He took her up the grand staircase and down a large hallway full of beautiful paintings. Bonnie hoped she’d have time to explore the house during the daytime.

“This is your room,” Dylan said, pointing to the first door on the left.

“Okay,” she said. “Where’s your room?”

“Right across the hall,” he replied, motioning behind him. “And PawPaw is all the way at the end of the hallway. Plus, he’s a deep sleeper.”

Bonnie shook her head but grinned at him. “You’re naughty.”

“You like it,” he replied. He kissed her cheek. “Come downstairs when you’re ready. There’s something in the bedroom for you.”

She looked up at him, and he grinned before going into his own room. She smiled and went to open her door.

The room was made for a princess. Two French doors stood open to a balcony overlooking the back gardens. The sounds of twilight filled the air, and the scent of magnolias filled the room. She looked over at the beautiful canopy bed and saw a brand new dress laying out for her.

She fingered the soft fabric. Bright red cherries covered the simple A-line pattern. It looked adorable and incredibly southern to her eyes. She loved it. It was the perfect dress for the evening.

She went to the bathroom and cleaned up before coming back out to put on the dress. The bathroom was just as lavish and beautiful as the bedroom.

I could get used to this, she thought to herself as she slid the soft dress over her shoulders. The dress fit perfectly. It shaped her hips and hugged in the right places. She couldn’t have picked a better dress if she’d tried.

She fixed her hair and makeup and went downstairs, feeling like a princess meeting her prince charming.