Charmed by Apollo

10. Geri

The plant shop emanated warmth and color on the crisp fall afternoon, inviting passersby to step inside and indulge in the seasonal beauty. Rustic baskets overflowing with pumpkins and gourds, their rich orange, red, and yellow hues evoking the essence of fall, adorned the entrance.

Geri stood outside the plant shop hesitantly arranging a display of seasonal flowers. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she worked, lacking the usual enthusiasm and energy she brought to her displays. The once lively colors of the season seemed muted and dull to her, and even the cheerful chatter of passersby felt distant and muffled.

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of heaviness weighing on her heart. The usually invigorating crispness of the fall air felt stifling, and the bright colors of the flowers failed to lift her spirits as they once did. The beauty of fall seemed to elude her, leaving her feeling adrift and out of place on the busy street.

As customers gathered around the display, she forced a smile and tried to muster up some enthusiasm, but her heart wasn’t in it. She longed for the vibrancy and energy of the season to return, but for now, all she could do was carry on and hope that the colors of fall would soon regain their brilliance.

She rearranged the colorful array of chrysanthemums, carefully placing them on the display shelves when a customer approached her with a curious expression. “Excuse me, miss,” the customer said, catching Geri’s attention. “How long do these chrysanthemums usually last?”

Geri paused, considering the question before offering a friendly smile. “Well, chrysanthemums are known for their longevity,” she began. “With proper care, they can last anywhere from two to three weeks, sometimes even longer.”

The customer nodded thoughtfully, clearly appreciating the information. “That’s good to know. Thank you,” they replied with a grateful smile before perusing the rest of the display.

When she turned back to the display, she was startled by the sudden appearance of Adonis, who had a playful grin on his face. Shit, how was he able to sneak up on me?

Before she could react, he wrapped her in a friendly hug, his presence warm and comforting. “Hey there, Geri! You look like you could use a hug,” he said with a chuckle, releasing her from the embrace but still wearing a bright smile.

Geri couldn’t help but feel a flicker of warmth in her heart at his gesture. She took a deep breath, reminding herself to embrace the moment and put on a cheerful demeanor, if only for the sake of work. “Thanks, Adonis,” she replied, returning his smile with a grateful one of her own. “Just trying to spruce up the place for the fall season, you know?”

He nodded in understanding, his gaze lingering on the display of pumpkins and flowers. “Well, you’re doing a great job! The shop looks fantastic.”

Her spirits lifted slightly at his compliment. “Thanks,” she said sincerely.

He flashed her a charming smile and gently took her hand, looping it through his arm. “Come on,” he said. With a gentle tug, he guided her toward the entrance of the plant shop, his easygoing demeanor infectious. “Let’s take a look at your masterpiece.”

She chuckled at his enthusiasm, allowing him to lead her into the welcoming embrace of the plant shop. The air was filled with the earthy scent of soil and the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, creating a calming atmosphere that instantly lifted her spirits.

They wandered through the aisles adorned with foliage and seasonal blooms, and he paused to admire the carefully curated display. “You’ve outdone yourself again,” he remarked, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he surveyed the colorful arrangement. “The shop looks absolutely stunning.”

“Thanks,” she replied, returning his smile. “I wanted to capture the essence of fall, you know? The warmth of the season, the rich colors…It’s all about embracing the beauty of nature.”

He nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged plants with admiration. “You’ve definitely captured that. It’s like stepping into a cozy fall wonderland.”

They were taken aback to find Persephone busy rearranging items around the cash register.

“Persephone?” Geri called out.

Persephone looked up with a smile. “Oh, hey there, you two,” she greeted warmly. “Thought I’d pop in and give you guys a hand today. Plus, I couldn’t resist checking out your awesome fall display, Geri.”

“Hey, P,” Adonis flashed a mischievous grin as he leaned against the counter. “Come on, we all know you’re really here to check in on Geri. She hasn’t been herself lately.”

“Oh, please. I just couldn’t resist the chance to see your lovely faces,” she retorted, playfully rolling her eyes. “But speaking of Geri, she has been a bit…hmm, shall we say, prickly lately.”

Geri looked up from arranging some fall-themed succulents nearby and shot them both a mock glare. “Hey, I heard that! I’m standing right here, you know.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Adonis chuckled, surrendering his hands. “We’re just worried about you, Geri. You’ve been a bit more thorny than usual.”

Geri sighed dramatically but couldn’t hide the hint of amusement in her expression. “Alright, alright, I admit it. I’ve been a bit off lately. But it’s nothing a little plant therapy and some good company can’t fix.”

“Ah, yes. That’s what her life is all about now—plants,” he said, dodging the plant stake that Geri threw at him.

“You two are ridiculous,” Persephone said as she slipped on her coat. “Alright, let’s go on a coffee run, Geri. Adonis, you’re in charge!” she declared, winking at him.

Adonis saluted dramatically, a grin spreading across his face. “You got it, boss! I’ll hold down the fort.”

Persephone and Geri stepped out of the shop, where the cool fall air greeted them, tinged with the promise of a fresh start. The street was alive with fall colors, leaves swirling in the gentle breeze as people went about their day.

Geri took a deep breath, letting the crisp air invigorate her senses. “It’s a beautiful day,” she remarked, turning to Persephone with a grateful smile. I wonder what this is about?

Persephone nodded in agreement. “Indeed, it is. And who knows, maybe a little caffeine will work wonders for you,” she teased, nudging Geri.

She rolled her eyes but didn’t suppress a chuckle. “You never know. Coffee has been known to perform miracles,” she conceded, falling into step beside her friend as they made their way down the street. Okay, she’s definitely here for a reason.

Persephone glanced at Geri as they walked. “So, how have you been holding up? I feel like we haven’t really had a chance to catch up since you got back from Mary’s funeral.”

Geri’s stomach twisted with guilt as she forced a smile. “Yeah, it’s been a bit hectic,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light.

Persephone raised an eyebrow, her gaze penetrating. “Hectic how?” she pressed gently.

Geri hesitated, her mind racing. She knew she couldn’t exactly spill the beans about Apollo and their recent adventures. “Oh, you know, just the usual post-funeral and plant shop stuff,” she replied vaguely, hoping to brush off the topic.

Guilt lingered in the back of her mind. She knew she was keeping secrets from her friend, and it weighed heavily on her conscience. But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the present moment as they made their way through the crowd.

Persephone stopped walking all of a sudden, her expression serious as she turned to face her. “I saw your grandmother in the Underworld,” she blurted out, her words hanging heavy in the air. “She seems happy.”

Geri’s heart skipped a beat, her mind struggling to process the unexpected revelation. “My…grandmother?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the street.

Persephone nodded, her gaze unwavering. “Yes, she ended up in the Asphodel Meadows,” she confirmed. “I saw her during one of my walks, and she spoke of you fondly, Geri.”

Geri’s breath caught in her throat, a rush of emotions flooding through her as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of what Persephone was telling her. “How is she?” she managed to ask, her voice trembling. She was glad her grandmother was at the Asphodel Meadows; it was a wonderful place, and the souls living there were very happy.

“She started her own community garden,” Persephone said with a fond smile crossing her features.

“Ah, yes. That sounds like her.”

Persephone reached out to hold her hand. “Geri,” she began, her tone soft yet resolute, “I can bring you to the Underworld to speak with your grandmother. If you want.” Her voice held a gentle gravity as she made her offer, her eyes conveying both understanding and determination.

Geri felt her breath catch in her throat at the unexpected suggestion. “Y-you can do that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart racing with the possibility of seeing her grandmother again.

Persephone nodded. “Yes. As Queen of the Underworld, I have the power to bring you there. And Hades has given you permission to speak to Mary.”

Geri’s heart raced at the prospect; hope and uncertainty flooded her thoughts. Why didn’t she even think of that? She knew Hades didn’t have the power to bring the dead back to life, but he could allow anyone into his realm. “Oh, P, that would be amazing. Thank you!” She had longed to have one last conversation with her beloved grandmother. “I’ve felt so lost without her.”

“Are you ready to go now?”

“Yes,” she said immediately but then remembered the plant shop. “Should we go to the shop and tell Adonis?”

“Oh, right,” Persephone giggled. “I’ll text him, don’t worry about it.”

The air around them seemed to hum with energy as Geri stood beside Persephone, her heart pounding with anticipation and trepidation. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead, and met Persephone’s steady gaze with determination.

“I’m ready,” she declared, her voice unwavering despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach.

Persephone’s touch was gentle yet firm as she reached out to grasp both of Geri’s hands in her own. There was a reassuring warmth in her touch, a silent assurance that they were in this together. And then, in the blink of an eye, they were no longer standing in the familiar surroundings of New York City. Instead, they found themselves in the Underworld’s heart in the Asphodel Meadows’s haunting beauty.

Despite having teleported a handful of times before, the sensation still felt foreign to Geri, like her very essence had been momentarily untethered from reality before being thrust into this new realm. She glanced around, taking in the landscape, her heart hammering in her chest.

Beside her, Persephone stood tall and resolute, her presence a beacon of strength in the stillness of the Underworld. With a reassuring smile, she squeezed Geri’s hands gently, offering silent encouragement in the face of the unknown.

“We’re here,” Persephone said softly. “Now, let’s find your grandmother.”

The Asphodel Meadows stretched out before them, a vast expanse of rolling hills and gentle valleys bathed in a soft, ethereal light. Despite its reputation as the realm where souls lived out the rest of eternity, there was an undeniable sense of serenity that permeated the landscape.

As they walked, Geri marveled at the beauty of their surroundings. The meadows were dotted with vivid flowers that swayed gently in the breeze, their petals casting a kaleidoscope of colors against the verdant greenery. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, carrying with it a sense of tranquility that seemed to seep into every fiber of Geri’s being.

The souls greeted Persephone with a sense of reverence and adoration, their faces aglow with happiness and love. Despite their ethereal forms, there was an unmistakable warmth in their presence, a sense of contentment that belied their existence in the Underworld. As they passed, the souls offered gentle smiles and nods of acknowledgment to Persephone, their voices carrying on the breeze in soft whispers of gratitude. It was clear that they held their queen in the highest regard, and their devotion was evident in every gesture and expression.

Despite the somber reputation of the Underworld, the Asphodel Meadows was a place of undeniable beauty and peace. The community garden nestled within it was a breathtaking sight to behold. To the left, flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, their petals swaying gently in the gentle breeze that swept through the garden. Tall trees stood sentinel, their branches reaching skyward and casting dappled shadows across the lush greenery below.

On the other side of the garden, neat rows of vegetables, fruits, and herbs stretched out in an orderly fashion. Leafy greens rustled softly in the wind while aromatic herbs released their fragrant scents into the air. The earth beneath their feet was rich and fertile, teeming with life and vitality.

Persephone led Geri through the garden, her steps sure and purposeful as she navigated the winding pathways that crisscrossed the landscape. Everywhere they looked, there was evidence of the care and attention that the souls poured into the garden, tending to the plants with love and dedication.

As they walked, Geri was struck by the sense of community that permeated the garden. Souls worked side by side, their laughter and conversation filling the air as they tended to the plants with gentle hands. And amidst it all, she felt that her grandmother was close by, her presence comforting in the busy garden. With each step she took, she felt her anticipation growing, her heart pounding with the hope of being reunited with her grannie once more.

They rounded a corner into a small orchard, and Geri’s breath caught when she saw her grandmother tending to blueberry bushes.

Geri’s grandmother turned from her task, her face breaking into a radiant smile at the sight of her granddaughter. She was a vision of warmth and kindness, her eyes twinkling with joy as she greeted them. Around her, the garden seemed to come alive with a newfound energy, as if the very plants themselves rejoiced at her presence.

“G-Grannie?” Geri’s voice trembled with disbelief. Her heart raced with a mix of emotions, her eyes misting with tears at the sight of her grandmother in this unexpected place.

“Geri, my dear child,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see you.”

Geri rushed forward, her steps quickening as she closed the distance between them. “I can’t believe it’s you,” she whispered, choking with emotion. “I…I wasn’t able to properly say goodbye before you…before you passed,” Geri confessed. “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get you back. I just…I can’t bear the thought of never seeing you again.”

The words hung heavy in the air, a weight of regret and longing that seemed to echo through the tranquil garden. She hesitated, her heart aching with the admission she had held within her for so long.

“Oh, my dear,” she said, a mixture of understanding and gentle admonishment in her eyes. “You mustn’t dwell on what could have been. My time in the Upperworld has come to an end, and I am happy here, surrounded by the beauty of the Underworld.”

Geri’s heart clenched at her grandmother’s words, the weight of her longing mingling with the bittersweet truth of her grandmother’s contentment. “But, Grannie,” she whispered. “I miss you so much. I just…I don’t know how to go on without you.”

“You are stronger than you realize, my dear,” she said, her voice a soothing melody against the backdrop of the garden. “You carry within you the strength and resilience of our ancestors. Focus on your life now, on living it to the fullest. That is the greatest tribute you can pay to me.”

Geri’s gaze fixed on her hands, her fingers twisting nervously as her grandmother’s words sank in. She felt a pang of recognition at the truth in her words, a realization that echoed through her being.

“You’ve always focused on other things,” her grandmother continued, her voice gentle yet firm. “You’ve been like this since you were little. Loving, loyal, and fiercely determined. But now, my dear, it’s time for you to open yourself to others. To be open to the possibility of other things happening in your life.”

Geri’s heart fluttered with uncertainty and longing. She had spent so long immersed in her own pursuits, her own dreams, that the notion of opening herself up to others felt both daunting and strangely exhilarating.

“But, how?” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. “How do I do that?”

“You start by letting go of the past. By embracing the present and all the possibilities it holds,” her grandmother smiled. “And by opening your heart to the people and experiences that come your way.”

Geri chuckled softly. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to see about that.”

“I have no doubt about it, my dear,” Grannie said warmly. “Once you set your mind to something, there’s no stopping you. You’ve always been stubborn that way. Just like your father,” she said with a cluck of her tongue.

“Was he?”

“Yes, that’s where you and Cade got it from. Your father was like a damned brick wall.”

“Sounds like Cade,” she said wryly.

“He refused to budge on anything or to anyone.” Grannie chuckled. “Well, except for your mother, of course.”

“Oh? How so?”

“Well, he was her mate, of course. It was difficult at first. He was the immovable object, but she was an unstoppable force. In the end, it was worth it because their wolves chose each other, and they claimed each other as mates. Hmm…do you remember what I told you when I encouraged you to leave when Cade was trying to arrange your marriage to that asshat, Asher?”

Geri nearly choked. “Grannie? Language!” She tsked. “Is that what they teach you down here?”

“What?” The old woman shrugged. “I’m dead. I can say anything I want. Anyway, remember what I said?

“That I should find myself? That when I know who I am, then I’ll be able to find happiness and experience?”

“Have you done that?”

“I…I’m trying.” A pit grew in her stomach, thinking of what she’d almost done to that beggar woman. “Oh, Grannie, I’m so ashamed.” She covered her face with her hands.

“Oh dear, what’s wrong now? Geri?” She pried her hands away. “Tell me.”

“Grannie, when I was trying to get you back, I almost…I almost did something terrible.”

“Tell me,” she soothed. “You said ‘almost,’ so you didn’t do it.”

“I…” With a deep breath, she told her grandmother everything that happened from the moment she died, how she called Apollo, and how they set off on this quest. “I almost…I would have killed…it was so tempting.”

“Oh dear…” Grannie drew her in for a hug. “There, there.” She let Geri cry in her arms, and when her sobs slowed then, she pulled away, then brushed back her tears with her wrinkled fingers. “You didn’t do it. That was what mattered. At the last minute, you decided to do the right thing. And I’m proud of you for doing that.”

“I…” She swallowed the lump stuck in her throat. “It was because of you. I knew you wouldn’t have wanted me to do that.”

“I wouldn’t. And it sounds like this Apollo fellow knew it too.”

“I…oh.” It had all spilled out of her so fast she didn’t even think to leave his name out or his part in all this. “Uh, yeah, I guess. He’s…he’s a good guy.”

“A good—” Grannie gasped.

“What?” She peered up at her grandmother, who had the most unusual expression on her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Er, nothing. Tell me more about this Apollo. Is he…special to you?”

“What?” Her cheeks suddenly went warm, thinking of him.

“Does he make you laugh?”

Only all the time. “Er, why does that matter?”

“Do you like him? Does he like you?”

He loves me.“Grannie, why are you suddenly so interested in my love life?”

“Aha!” she cackled. “So, it is love!”

Geri sucked in a breath, and that tugging deep in her belly came back once again. “I…”

“Oh, Geri.” Grannie’s smile was as bright as the sun. “Geri…this Apollo, I think your wolf side wants to mate him.”

“E-excuse me?”

“Your eyes,” she said, excited. “They glow when you talk about him.”

“What? No!”

“You’re doing it right now,” Grannie said, hugging her again. “Oh, Geri, I’m so happy for you!”

Geri went stiff in her grandmother’s arms. Her wolf side…it approved of Apollo as a mate? “But how would that even work?”

“Work? Why, if you love him and he loves you, you give each other the claiming mark.” The claiming mark was a permanent brand that mates who wanted to bond gave each other, usually a bite somewhere visible, like the neck or shoulder.

“But he’s not a shifter.”

“That doesn’t matter, as long as one of you is.”

“He’s a god,” she said. “Apollo, God of the Sun.”

“So?” Grannie harrumphed. “Your wolf chose him. That’s all that matters. Tell him how you feel and claim him.”

Geri was about to tell her that it wouldn’t work out because he was immortal, but before she could, a bright, sunny voice interrupted her.

“Hello!”

Persephone walked up to them and beside her stood Orthrus, the two-headed dog, his tails wagging as he caught sight of Geri.

“Hey there, Orthrus!” Geri exclaimed, bending down to greet the divine being. “I’ve missed you!”

Orthrus wagged his tails even more enthusiastically, his excitement palpable. “Me too, Lady Geri!” he replied in a deep, rumbling voice that resonated with warmth and friendliness.

Persephone chuckled softly at the sight. “It seems Orthrus is quite fond of you, Geri,” she remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Geri grinned, her heart swelling with affection for the majestic creature before her. “And I’m quite fond of him too,” she admitted, reaching out to pat his fur.

Suddenly, a thought crossed Geri’s mind, and she turned to Orthrus with a solemn expression. “Hey, Orthrus,” she said, her voice serious yet gentle, “could you do me a favor?”

Orthrus nodded, his two heads bobbing in unison as he listened intently.

“I need you to keep an eye out for my Grannie,” she explained, her gaze meeting Orthrus’s understanding eyes.

He nodded again, his expression serious as he accepted the task. “Of course, Lady Geri,” he replied in his deep, reassuring voice. “I’ll make sure she’s safe.”

She scratched his chins. “I know you will.”

Persephone’s gentle voice cut through the garden as she turned to Geri with a soft smile. “I’d love to catch up with you. It’s been too long since we last had a chance to chat.”

Geri glanced at her grandmother, who was pruning a bush. “Yeah, of course.”

Her grandmother paused in her work, her weathered hands stilling for a moment as she regarded Persephone with fondness. “You girls go on,” she said warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “As you can see, there’s still much work to be done here.”

“Perhaps Geri could visit you sometime soon. I’m sure we can arrange something,” Persephone suggested.

Geri’s grandmother’s eyes brightened at the suggestion, a soft smile playing on her lips. “That sounds like a wonderful idea,” she agreed. “I would be delighted to have Geri visit me here. And who knows, maybe we can even do some gardening together.”

“That sounds perfect,” Persephone’s smile widened. “We’ll make sure to arrange a visit soon, won’t we, Geri?”

Geri nodded eagerly, her heart swelling with gratitude for the opportunity to spend more time with her grandmother. “Absolutely,” she chimed in, her voice filled with warmth. “I can’t wait to come back and see you.”

“Me too.” Grannie winked at her. “And don’t forget about that last part we talked about.”

Geri’s stomach flipped. She still could not believe her wolf side chose Apollo as their mate. “Er, okay, Grannie.”

They bid farewell to Geri’s grandmother and Orthrus and then Persephone transported them from the tranquil gardens to the grand library of the palace.

The library was a vast expanse of knowledge, with towering bookshelves lining the walls from floor to ceiling. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the polished marble floor. The air was filled with the scent of old books and parchment, lending an atmosphere of wisdom and history to the room.

Persephone settled gracefully onto the plush couch, gesturing for Geri to join her. “Do you want some tea or perhaps something stronger?” she inquired, motioning to the liquor cabinet against the wall in front of them.

Geri chuckled with amusement. “Tea should be good for now.”

With a flick of her wrist, Persephone conjured an elegant afternoon tea set, complete with delicate porcelain cups and saucers, a steaming teapot, and an assortment of pastries and sandwiches. The table was adorned with fresh flowers, their lovely colors adding a touch of beauty to the scene.

“Wow, that’s impressive,” Geri remarked, reaching for a scone. “Thank you.”

Persephone smiled graciously, pouring tea into Geri’s cup before filling her own. “It’s my pleasure,” she replied, taking a sip of her tea. “I find that a good cup of tea can make even the most challenging of days feel a bit more manageable.”

Geri took a moment to gather her thoughts, the weight of her emotions settling heavily upon her. “Thank you for bringing me to the Underworld,” she said softly.

Persephone regarded her with a sympathetic expression. “It seemed like you needed to talk to her,” she replied gently. “I had no idea you were taking it so badly.”

Geri nodded, a wistful smile touching her lips. “I guess I kind of kept it all in,” she admitted, her gaze drifting to the floor. But inwardly, she couldn’t shake the feeling of loneliness that gnawed at her heart. The only person who had known everything was no longer part of her life.

Persephone reached out, placing a comforting hand on Geri’s shoulder. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed,” she said softly. “And it’s okay to lean on others for support when you need it. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your own.”

Geri met Persephone’s gaze. “Thank you,” she whispered, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that she didn’t have to face her struggles alone and that there were those who would stand by her side through thick and thin.

Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, the weight of her unspoken emotions heavy upon her. “I wasn’t able to say goodbye before Grannie passed,” she confessed, her words tinged with regret. “I spiraled…I didn’t know how to cope.”

Persephone listened attentively and squeezed her shoulder.

“I’m glad you had the idea to have me see her,” Geri said, clasping her friend’s hand.

“Sometimes, we need closure to find peace,” Persephone replied softly. “But it wasn’t my idea, it was Apollo’s.”

Before Geri could respond, the library door creaked open, and Hades’s voice filled the room. “Yeah, it’s small batch bourbon from Kentucky,” he remarked casually, his deep voice echoing through the space.

Geri turned to see Hades and Apollo enter, their presence unexpected yet somehow fitting in the tranquil atmosphere. Apollo was about to say something when he caught sight of Geri, his voice trailing off as he froze in his tracks.

“We have some matters to attend to in the palace gardens,” Persephone announced.

“Yes, some important Underworld business requires our attention,” Hades added quickly.

In a flash of light, they disappeared, leaving Geri and Apollo alone in the library, the echo of their departure lingering in the air.

Geri glanced at Apollo, her mind flooded with memories of all they went through. He stood before her, his presence comforting yet tinged with an air of uncertainty. Despite everything, he looked as handsome as ever, and Geri couldn’t shake the nagging guilt that persisted. As she gazed at him, a pang of remorse washed over her. How could she have let things unravel between them? How could she have hurt someone who had stood by her side through thick and thin?

Lost in her thoughts, Geri realized she needed to make amends. She couldn’t let their bond crumble under the weight of her mistakes. Taking a deep breath, she summoned the courage to speak. She finally stood up awkwardly, unsure of how to address him. “Hi,” she greeted, her voice wavering slightly.

“How did the talk with your grandmother go?” Apollo’s brow furrowed with curiosity.

“It went well.” Oh Gods, my wolf wants him to be my mate, she screamed inwardly. “It was good to see her again.”

His expression softened as he took in her words. “I see,” he murmured. “I hope it brought you some peace.”

She nodded, managing a small smile. “Yeah, it did,” she admitted. “Thank you. Persephone said that it was your idea.” Her chest tightened as she looked at him. “It’s just…” she began, struggling to find the right words. “I know things haven’t been easy between us, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes.”

“Geri, we’ve both been through a lot,” he replied gently. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to move forward.”

Grannie’s words rang in his head.

Tell him how you feel and claim him.

“I want to make things right,” she admitted. “So, can we talk?”