She must have seen them walking up. Joseph walked up the steps and wrapped his free arm around Jack’s mother. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Grant. You know if there is anything you need me to do, I’m here.”
Jack’s mom wrapped her arms around Joseph and gave him a tight squeeze. “I know that, son.”
For minutes, she held him. Through her embrace, Joseph felt her pain. Brenda Grant was a loving mother. She had five children and managed to show all of them an abundance of love and affection.
When she finally released him, she looked up and asked, “How’s your mother?”
“She’s fine. She’s on her way,” Joseph told the older woman.
“She is?” Katherine inquired.
Joseph turned and noted the surprised look on her face.
“She’s an angel,” Mrs. Grant interjected. “And who is this beauty, Joseph?”
Joseph slipped his arm around Katherine’s waist. He knew it was a possessive gesture, but he was fine with it. Mrs. Grant had been telling him he needed a good woman for years. “This is Katherine Chase.”
Brenda Grant smiled and squeezed Katherine’s shoulder. “It’s nice to meet you, Katherine Chase.”
Katherine smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Grant. It’s not much, but we brought a Bundt cake. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Mrs. Grant’s eyes darkened with sadness. “Thank you, dear. And thanks for this. We could use something sweet in here.”
Joseph looked over at Katherine with a smile. He was thankful he’d listened to her about the cake and fruit tray. No one really knew what to do when visiting someone who’d lost their loved one. But she’d been right, and he was grateful they hadn’t shown up empty-handed. At the very least, whatever was brought would provide something to talk about, ease a bit of the awkward silence.
“Well, come on in.” Mrs. Grant pulled the screen door open and held it for them to enter.
Joseph stepped into the foyer and admired the marble floors and chic abstract paintings on the walls. On a circular glass table sat a crystal vase with fresh-cut lilies inside.
“This new?” Joseph asked, pointing to the painting.
“Yes, Alicia got it for us on her last trip to Paris.”
Alicia, her daughter, was an art conservator.
Mrs. Grant led them into the living room where the rest of her family had gathered. “Joseph’s here,” she announced.
“Hey,” he greeted with a wave.
The family returned his greeting with smiles.
“This is Miss Katherine Chase. Joseph’s lady.”
“Hello,” Katherine greeted. “My condolences to you all.”
“Thank you,” a few responded.
Alicia, Jack’s sister, stood from the couch and walked over to Katherine. “Hi. I’m Alicia.” She looked down at the cake. “And, what’s this?”
“Oh, yeah...” Katherine handed her the cake. “It's a Bundt cake.”
“Thank you, Katherine. Would you like something to eat?”
Katherine smiled. “I could eat.”
“Make yourself at home. I’ll fix you a plate.”
“Thank you,” Katherine responded.
