Love Rents A Room
Chapter 112: Saying Goodbye

Chapter 112: Saying Goodbye

Jeffrey could feel his grandfather’s gaze boring into him—silent, heavy with judgment. It was unbearable.

So, he moved.

Crossing the room, he stopped beside Joanne. "By any chance, did you mean to give the wool to him too?"

She had mentioned wanting to give something to someone she owed a lot. Could it be... she had meant his grandmother too?

Joanne’s eyes widened. "Ah, yes!" she gasped, spinning on her heel and dashing upstairs.

Jeffrey’s lips curled in amusement. Of course.

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined this when she’d asked him, months ago, what colors grandmothers might like. He had given her a casual answer, thinking nothing of it. But she had been planning this all along.

And he still remembered that conversation.

She had said she had a feeling he would be home for Christmas this year.

And... she had been right.

He would be home. He just hoped—no, he prayed—that when the time came, she would go with him.

Settling into the chair across from his grandfather, Jeffrey let out a slow breath. "Tell Grandma I miss her," he said, his voice quiet but firm.

Philip studied him for a long moment before nodding. He knew just how deep Jeffrey’s love for his grandmother ran.

Then, after a pause, Philip asked, "What are you planning to do?"

Jeffrey didn’t hesitate. "Stay with her."

Philip exhaled, long and slow. That was it? That was his grand plan?

When he had turned thirty, he was juggling four businesses and three children. And here was Jeffrey, thirty years old, speaking as if his entire life’s ambition was simply to stay by Joanne’s side.

Kids these days...

And Jeffrey was the worst of them all.

Philip sighed again, shaking his head. But even as he did, a flicker of something hopeful stirred in his chest.

Because this time—this time—he was leaving Jeffrey with Joanne.

And that?

That was enough reason to hope.

Philip snuck the jar of lavender honey into Jeffrey’s hands. He always brought it back for him anyway. He had his moonshine and that was enough.

Jeffrey wasted no time hiding it away, his grip tightening around the jar. It wasn’t just honey—it was a piece of his past, of the life he had lost. And now, as he secured it for himself, a strange warmth filled his chest.

Finally, I got my life back.

But that wasn’t all.

His gaze flickered toward Joanne, lingering on her. In his heart, he ached to hold her close and never let go. She had given him so much more than he ever realized. Now, he wanted to give her everything she had never received.

She wanted a man who stayed?

Then that’s exactly who he would be. Someone worthy of her. Someone she would be proud to stand beside.

Philip, meanwhile, was thoroughly pleased with the wool. Joanne could see it in the way he handled the bundles with unexpected reverence. She had never given him wool from the farm before, and from his expression, she knew she had chosen well.

"These are good colors... Bright and festive," Philip said, admiring the soft fabric. "I’m no wool expert, but this is so smooth... almost silky." He was impressed.

As always, she had given him the best.

Receiving gifts was nothing new for Philip. People gave him things all the time—some to curry favor, some to flaunt their wealth, others simply out of obligation. But Joanne... she gifted from the heart. And that made everything special.

"Jeffrey suggested the festive colors," Joanne said with a small smile.

Philip glanced at his grandson.

So, they had been planning this together. There was a quiet understanding between them.

Philip was old-school and he didn’t love the idea of unmarried people living under the same roof. But watching them now, seeing how easily they moved around each other, how naturally they fit, he couldn’t bring himself to disapprove.

Also... What was the worst that could happen?

Well... she could throw him out. And if she did, Jeffrey would deserve it.

Other than that?

Philip would let fate take its course.

He pulled Joanne into a firm hug before leaving. "Watch yourself," he told Jeffrey, voice lined with warning.

Joanne chuckled.

Philip waited as everything was loaded into the vehicles. Joanne and Jeffrey stood together on the porch, watching until the last of the entourage disappeared down the road.

Joanne exhaled slowly. She always felt a strange sadness whenever Philip left—an ache she could never quite explain. But this time... this time, something felt different.

She turned slightly, her eyes drawn to the man beside her.

Jeffrey.

He’s here. Still.

As if sensing her gaze, Jeffrey looked down at her. "It’s getting late. Get some sleep."

She hadn’t slept well the night before, and today had been exhausting. She was still on medication; she needed rest.

Joanne hesitated, studying him, lost in thought as if she had miscalculated something and was doubtful of something.

"I thought you’d..." she murmured before shaking her head. "Never mind."

She turned to walk inside.

"What?" Jeffrey followed her instantly.

She had almost said something but stopped herself. That piqued his curiosity.

"Nothing..." Joanne said lightly.

"Come on..." He caught her by the waist, pulling her close, pressing a kiss against her ear.

"Jeffrey..." She placed her palm on his cheek.

He leaned into her touch. She was so warm and he wanted to hold her forever. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting his lips trace soft kisses against her skin.

Then—her eyes snapped open as she felt his excitement down there.

"I’m tired," she murmured.

Jeffrey hummed against her neck, inhaling deeply, pressing another slow kiss against her pulse.

"I’m going to sleep," she said, stepping out of his hold.

Jeffrey didn’t stop her, but he followed. However, when they reached the hallway, she hesitated.

And suddenly, it became clear. She didn’t want him in her room. Jeffrey paused, scratching the back of his head. Why?

"Go," she said softly. "Take your medications and sleep well tonight."

Before he could argue, she pushed him toward his room. Jeffrey frowned, protesting, but in the end, he relented.

As he disappeared into his room, Joanne walked into hers and shut the door.

Leaning against it, she pressed her forehead against the wood, her hand gripping the knob tightly, trembling.

He’s Jeffrey Winchester.

Jeffrey Daniels is Jeffrey Winchester.

Her breath shuddered.

What should I do?

Tip: You can use left, right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.Tap the middle of the screen to reveal Reading Options.

If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report