Mother reached for her cane. Gregor made sure she was steady on her feet, then stood to the side as she crossed the floor to join Tony and Bryan.
She rested her palm against Tony’s cheek. “I hope by next New Year’s Eve, you’ll have found your one.”
He shrugged. “I think that possibility has passed me by. And forgive me for saying this, but seeing how miserable Johanna made you, Bryan, and seeing how alone you’ve been since Nigel died, Portia, I believe I prefer it that way.”
“It wasn’t all misery, big brother.” Bryan’s smile had faded, but he seemed in earnest.
“No, only most of it.” Tony gripped Bryan’s shoulder and squeezed it. “Johanna was a witch to you.”
“Hey! My arthritis!” But he didn’t contradict his brother’s words about his ex-wife. I’d visited Bryan at the house he shared w
