Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Brandon was pretending to be asleep when he heard the door open. He didn't jump to his feet because he recognized that the footsteps didn't belong to Bennett.

"Brandon, you still playing possum? Think you'll be cradling a great-grandkid if you keep this up?"

Brandon stayed silent. He was faking slumber, so how did Robert catch on?

Robert sat at the edge of Brandon's bed, his piercing gaze fixed on him. "Come on now, who're you trying to fool? There's no one else here. Putting on a show for my precious granddaughter, are you?" Brandon opened his eyes and sat up with a sheepish grin. "Robert, I knew it. Nothing gets past you, does it?"

Robert shot him a disapproving look. "So, this is how you treat my darling granddaughter, Josie? Taking advantage of her good nature?"

"Robert, that's a bit harsh, isn't it? I'm quite fond of Josie myself. Too bad she's your granddaughter. Would've been lovely if she were mine."

"If she were your granddaughter, how would she marry your grandson?"

Brandon fell silent. Robert knew just where to hit where it hurt.

Grinning, Brandon replied, "Robert, we've been friends for years, and my grandson and your granddaughter get along like a house on fire. Tell me, what's wrong with bringing the two families closer?" "What's good about it? I may be Josie's granddad, but I can't dictate her love life. You sly old fox, you think because your grandson pulled that cloud seeding stunt to keep Josie around, he's got her heart?" Brandon blushed slightly. "How did you know about the cloud seeding?"

"I didn't get any rain on my end, and the forecast was clear. Only your place got drenched. We're both old enough not to play these ghost stories with each other!" Brandon was caught again; nothing got past Robert's keen eye.

Robert continued, "Your grandson has a temper as unpredictable as the weather. My Josie is delicate and meek. Marrying Oliver would be like throwing her to the wolves." Brandon scrambled to explain, "You've got it all wrong! Oliver's tough with strangers, but at home, he's henpecked!"

Brandon panicked. Had he played his hand wrong? No, he had to try convincing Robert again.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Hattie spoke plainly, "Oliver, your grandpa seems fine. Let's take Josie home."

Garrett agreed, "Yes, let's head back early."

Bennett noticed Robert hadn't come

down yet and knew Brandon

must've been caught. He stepped forward with a congenial smile. "Garrett, Hattie, you know us. We've already told the kitchen to start cooking. Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you eat before heading back?"

Oliver's usually cool tone warmed up a bit, "Let's eat before leaving. Josie's been such a help these past days. She deserves it."

Bennett chimed in, "Garrett, Hattie,

it's been a while since you've visited. It'd be a shame to leave without a meal. When Mr. Brandon's awake, he'd blame me for not being a good host if you left without eating." Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

With that, Garrett nodded. "We appreciate the hospitality then."

"There's no need to be formal, Garrett. We should be thanking Ms. Josefing. Without her, Mr. Brandon's health wouldn't be where it is today. He's said it himself - Ms. Josefina is the savior of the Baldwin family."