Chapter 13
chapter
thirteen
Temple
The following morning we’re called down to join Grandma in the sunroom for breakfast. She’s more lucid than I’ve seen her in a long time, and just being with her floods me with sweet memories from my childhood. She teases with Flynn and he never misses a beat, being his effortlessly charming self.
When we’re all done and the kitchen staff has cleared all the tables, Grandma dismisses everyone. She grabs my hand, her grip firm and steady.
“Stay with me a moment, my sweet girl. Flynn, I insist that you treat my Temple like a princess,” she says. Her tone is playful, but there’s no missing the serious intention behind her words.
“I give you my word that I will. She’s my Angel.” He kisses Grandma on the cheek, then I get a brief kiss to my lips, and he leaves the room.
“Stephens,” Grandma says.
Our family attorney’s steps halt and he turns to face her. “Ma’am?”
“You know what to do now,” she says.
His eyes land on me and he nods. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll take care of it this morning.”
“Grandmother?” Rick says from the other side of the table. He seems reluctant to leave the room.
“You are dismissed, Richard. I will speak to you later. Right now, it’s Temple’s turn.”
He shoots me a glare, then finally shuffles out of the room.
“He always was so needy. Even as a child. Of course his mother was the same way. Not at all like you, my dear.” Again she squeezes my hand. Her eyes are bright and focused.
“I just wanted to be strong like you,” I tell her.
“I know. I am so pleased and relieved to see you and your husband together. He is very handsome.”
I smile. “He definitely is.”
“It’s been my wish your entire life that you’d find someone who saw you for the special girl you are. Lord knows your parents never did; God rest their souls.” She takes a sip of water, her hand shaking as it lifts the glass, then returns it. “Your cousin has been trying to convince me that your marriage is a sham.”
I open my mouth to respond, but she shakes her head.
“Hush, let me say my piece before my mind slips. I never know when it’s going to happen.”
I nod, wiping at my eyes because I can’t even imagine how it must feel to know your memory is fading.
“I’ve instructed Stephens to put you back as executor of my estate. I know you will follow my wishes. Allowing me to live the rest of my days here in this house that I love so much. When I am gone, you can do what you want with it.”
The tears are coming stronger now, but I just let them fall. Grief works its way out of your body one way or another; it’s futile to try to fight it.
“The marriage thing was just my way to make sure you and Richard had lives. That you’d love and be loved in return. I’ve seen the way Flynn looks at you, and I have no doubt that he wholeheartedly loves you.”
I want to argue. To tell her he doesn’t, but that I hope someday he might. But she continues talking.
“Go and live with your husband. Build your life. Start your own family. Come back here and see me now and again. But I am at peace knowing no one is going to take my home away from me while I’m still physically on this Earth.”
“Never,” I say. “Are you sure you don’t want me to move back here until…” I let my words fade, unable to speak the rest of my question.
“Absolutely not. Flynn told me all about that dog sanctuary he and his Army friends are running. What a marvelous thing. And you have always been charmed by the idea of small-town life. That is where you belong. That is the life you’re meant to have. At that man’s side. Go and live it.”
I lean forward and wrap my arms around my grandmother’s frail frame. “I love you, Grandma.”
“I know you do, sweet girl. I also instructed Stephens to send immediate funds to the dog sanctuary. That kind of endeavor deserves to be a success.”
“Thank you. I know Flynn and the rest of the guys will truly appreciate it.”
“It is my pleasure. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ring for my nurse. I’m feeling tired and need to rest up before the party this evening.”
“Of course.”