Gregor shifted in his seat, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. Nana was running late, which was terribly unlike her. At his side, Kara peered around the laidback restaurant and lounge, also looking for her.

“Are you nervous?” she asked with a knowing smile.

“Not as much as last time,” he said, crossing his ankle over a knee and then uncrossing it. “Nothing to fake now.”

They shared a private smile as Gregor reached out to squeeze Kara’s hand. They’d agreed to meet her for a late lunch and tea, since Nana had surprised them with the plan to visit Seattle on a whim. She was more and more adventurous since Grandfather’s passing, something that struck Gregor as both unsettling and inspiring. Besides, now she could see their life in Seattle. All the ways the theater was coming together for the upcoming inaugural school year, and the latest developments at Beaumont Headquarters in the Beaumontgomery project.

“Oh!” Kara clapped her hands together. “There she is.”

Nana strode forward, the epitome of poise and refinement. When she neared the table, both Kara and Gregor stood, taking turns to press small kisses to her cheek.

“My grandchildren,” she said, squeezing Kara’s wrist warmly. “Sorry for my tardiness.”

Gregor checked his watch, realizing she was only one minute late. But in Nana’s world, that was a serious offense. “No worries, Nana. We would wait a full week if we had to.”

“Only a week?” she mused to herself, receiving a menu from a waiter.

“I would wait much longer than that,” Kara added. “Just so you know.”

Gregor sent her a wink. “Now, Nana, tell us the news! What brings you stateside?”

“I come with a gift and a request.” Nana rummaged in her purse, revealing a small box. She handed it to Gregor, nodding slightly to indicate that he open it.

He tugged off the loose ribbon then let Kara pop off the lid. She gasped as soon as she saw what was inside.

“Nana,” she began.

Gregor looked as well. It was a family heirloom, one that he recognized immediately. A twelve-carat oval sapphire ring surrounded by fourteen diamonds.

“For the happy couple,” Nana said softly, nodding her head. “I’m just so pleased that one of my grandsons has made the decision to settle down.” To Kara, she said, “It’s something that my late husband and I always wished for them. And if he were here, he’d agree with Gregor’s choice as much as I do.”

Kara looked up at Gregor with tears in her eyes. He squeezed her shoulder, swallowing back a knot of emotion. His grandmother would never know that it had started out so very different from what it was now. But maybe that was his grandfather’s way of helping him find the real happy ending. Pushing him into the situation that he’d only ever buck on his own…allowing for true love to shine through.

But it wouldn’t have happened with just anyone. That thought ran through his head so often it had its own special path in his brain. Gregor had chosen just right. How had he known? Maybe that was his grandfather smiling down on him, helping him along.

“Thank you for this incredibly thoughtful gift,” Gregor finally said. Kara murmured her agreement, and then he added, “What was your request? Surely you know we’ll only say yes after a gift like this.”

Nana smiled mysteriously, clasping her hands in her lap. “Perhaps that is why I gifted first and requested second. I would like to plan the wedding.”

Gregor’s eyes widened and he turned to look at Kara. Her face shone with excitement.

“I’d love to have it at the castle in Scotland,” Nana went on.

Kara bit her lip, nodding. Gregor cleared his throat. “Nana, that’s such a generous offer. We’d be honored to have you plan the wedding.”

Nana smiled wide, lips pulled tight. “Very well. I’d say we’re off to quite a fabulous lunch, wouldn’t you agree?” She picked up her menu, scanning the items there, as Gregor squeezed Kara’s hand. He could feel the excitement radiating off of her, just imagining how she’d exclaim “In a castle! Are you fucking serious?” after the lunch date.

Gregor couldn’t fight the excitement either. Her suggestion was one that might have formerly made him balk. Giving away the power of choice, not being at the helm of the decision making. But this…this felt right. It felt empowering. Allowing the wise matriarch of the family to take over where she saw fit was the best way to accomplish more, together.

Kara pecked his cheek quickly, rubbing her thumb over top of his knuckles. Later, that kiss would turn into so much more. But for now, he just let the bliss wash over him, his body buzzing bright and happy with the love of his life at his side.