Chapter 295
Summer’s POV
“Summer, this is absolutely ridiculous,” Dr. Sean groaned, struggling to balance the tower of shopping bags threatening to topple from his arms. “How much more do you plan on buying? My arms are about to fall off!”
I turned from the luxury watch display, suppressing a smile at the sight of him buried under an avalanche of designer bags.
“Just one more stop, I promise,” I said, selecting a sleek timepiece. This would be perfect for Grandpa George.”
As the sales associate wrapped the watch, Sean sighed dramatically. Your grandfather already has more watches than a Swiss collector. You’ve bought him supplements to keep an army healthy, three cashmere sweaters, and a first–edition book. Isn’t that enough?”
I frowned slightly. “It’s never enough when it comes to Grandpa George. After everything he’s done for me… this is the least I can do.”
The truth was, shopping for my family wasn’t my favorite way to spend a morning. Especially for a Christmas gathering I was dreading. But gifts were the universal language of the Taylor family the bigger and more expensive, the better.
As we exited the store, Sean’s face peeked out from behind the packages. “Hey, you know what? I’m perfectly capable of carrying all this, but you could help a little.”
I gasped, suddenly realizing how inconsiderate I’d been. “Oh my God, Sean! I’m so sorry. Here, let me take some of those.”
“Forget it,” he rolled his eyes. “If Brandon finds out I made you carry your own shopping bags, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
My phone rang, cutting off our conversation. Seeing Grandpa George’s name, my heart skipped.
“Hi, Grandpa!” I answered cheerfully.
“Summer,” his gravelly voice came through. “Where are you? It’s getting late. When can we expect you?”
I checked my watch and winced. “I’m so sorry, Grandpa! I’m on my way right now. Just finishing up some shopping. I’ll be there soon, I promise!”
After hanging up, I turned to Sean apologetically. “We need to head to the Taylor mansion right away. Grandpa’s waiting.”
“Let’s get these to the car then,” Sean sighed. “Your grandfather awaits.”
“I’m really sorry for dragging you into all this,” I said as we headed to the parking garage.
“Don’t sweat it,” he replied. “But Summer, you can’t dodge this forever. You and Brandon can’t keep hiding your marriage. Using me as your beard isn’t a sustainable solution.”
I bit my lip, knowing he was right. “I know, I know. It’s just… complicated.”
“Always is with you Starks,” he muttered, then grinned.
The Taylor mansion loomed ahead, decked in tasteful Christmas decorations. White fairy lights wrapped around every tree lining the driveway, and massive pine wreaths adorned each window.
1/4
Chapter 295
“Wow,” Sean whistled as we parked. “You Taylor folks really go all out for Christmas.”
“My mother dees,” I corrected.” “Christmas is her favorite opportunity to remind everyone how important the family is.”
Parker, our long–time butler, hurried down the steps to greet us.
“Miss Summer! Welcome home. We’ve been expecting you.” His gaze hifted to Sean, brightening further. “And this must be Mr. Sullivan! Mrs. Taylor mentioned Miss Summer would be bringing her new boyfriend home today.”
1 froze, mortified. My what?
Sean maintained his charming doctor smile without missing a beat.
“Mr. Sullivan, please allow me to take care of those packages,” Parker offered.
“Parker, just call him Sean,” I said quickly. “And yes, Sean, you can hand everything to Parker.”
As Parker unloaded the car, Sean pulled me aside.
“New boyfriend ?” he whispered, eyebrows raised.
“I am so sorry,” I whispered back, my face burning. “I have no idea why my mother would say that!”
Sean waved away my apology. “Don’t worry.”
I blinked, surprised by his casual analysis of my mother’s machinations.
“Come on,” he said, offering his arm with exaggerated gallantry. “Let’s not keep the matchmaker waiting.”
Elizabeth Taylor was perched on a Louis XV settee like a queen awaiting her subjects. The moment we entered, her eyes zeroed in on our linked arms.
“Summer! Mr. Sullivan!” she exclaimed, rising gracefully. “You’ve finally arrived.”
She quickly extracted me from Sean’s arm and pulled me into a stiff hug.
“What took you so long?” she whispered harshly, her smile never faltering.
I pulled away and deliberately moved back to Sean’s side. “Michael wanted to get something special for Grandpa. Is that a problem, Mother?”
Elizabeth’s smile flickered, surprised by my resistance in front of our “guest.”
“Of course not,” she recovered quickly. “Please, let’s sit down. Parker Bring Mr. Sullivan some tea immediately!”
“Mom,” I said firmly, “I’d appreciate if you’d stop telling people that he is my boyfriend, we’re just friends. You’re making things awkward.”
Sean coughed lightly. “Mrs. Taylor must simply be an exceptionally warm hostess who treats everyone like family.”
Elizabeth laughed stiffly. “Summer, darling, don’t be so sensitive. I’m only looking out for your best interests. You and known each other for quite some time now, and since he’s accompanying you home for Christmas…” She let the implic
have
on hang.
Before I could respond, Parker appeared. “Miss Summer, the master requests your presence upstairs. Dr. Sullivan is welcome to join you.”
2/4
Chapter 295
I nearly sagged with relief. “Thank you, Parker. We’ll go right up.”
As we followed Parker, I could feel my mother’s calculating gaze burning into my back.
“Is your grandfather George Taylor or George Washington?” Sean whispered as we climbed the stairs. “I’ve been in hospitals with less security.”
Parker overheard. “Mr. Taylor values his privacy, Mr. Sullivan. May Isk what your
“Actually- Sean began.
specialty is?”
‘Parker, he’s a friend,” I interrupted. “Sean, this is Parker, my grandfather’s right–hand man and our family’s butler for over thirty years.”
‘Pleasure to meet you, Parker,” Sean extended his hand.
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Sullivan,” Parker replied formally.
Outside Grandpa’s study, Parker paused. “What would you like to drink, Miss Summer?”
“I’ll have whatever Grandpa’s having,” I replied.
Parker nodded and opened the door. “Miss Summer and Dr. Sullivan, sir.”
George Taylor sat in his leather armchair by the fireplace, a book open in his lap. He looked up, his weathered face breaking into a genuine smile.
“There’s my girl,” he said, setting aside his book.
I hurried over and took his hands. “Grandpa! I’m so sorry I’m late.”
“Nonsense. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”
His sharp eyes moved to Sean. “And who might this be?”
“Grandpa, this is Brandon’s friend, Dr. Sean Sullivan,” I introduced. Sean, this is my grandfather, George Taylor.”
“Mr. Taylor, it’s an honor to meet you, Sean offered his hand.
Grandpa accepted the handshake, but looked confused. “Sean? I thought Elizabeth mentioned someone named Michael Sullivan.”
I glanced at Sean, then back to Grandpa. “No, this is definitely Sean Sullivan. He’s one of Brandon’s closest friends.”
Sean cleared his throat. “The Michael Sullivan you’re referring to is likely my cousin, Mr. Taylor. His true name is Jesse Turner, Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”
The effect was immediate. Grandpa’s face went pale, and he gripped his chair tightly.
Jesse Turner?” he repeated, voice barely above a whisper. “Of the Philadelphia Turners?”
