“But she still seems sad and too quiet. Not to mention the clinginess.”
Like he didn’t know that.
He sighed. “That’s why I touched base with the counselor last Friday.”
Gramp’s eyebrows rose. “You didn’t tell me that.”
“There wasn’t much to tell. She ran me through a whole checklist of questions. In the end, she said to carry on, and if there’s no further improvement in a month, to bring Isabel back. One thing I know. You being here helps. I’m glad you agreed to live with us after Olivia died.”
“It was a win-win as far as I was concerned. Moving in with your dad after I lost your grandmother saved me. There’s nothing sadder than being alone in a house that was once filled with love. Felt the same way after your dad died. Being with people you care about, helping them out, is what makes life worth living. Coming here was just what I needed.”
“The arrangement has been a godsend for us too. Our diet has improved, thanks to your skills in the kitchen, and having you on hand to watch Isabel when I have to run to the mill for the occasional crisis takes a lot of stress off me.”
“Glad to be of service.” Gramp took off his glasses, pulled out his handkerchief, and began polishing the lenses. “Of course, you may not need me if you decide to get married again.”
Aaron blinked.
Where hadthatcome from?
“Why would you bring up marriage?”
“It’s been on my mind.”
“Well, it’s not on mine.”
“Why not? You’re a young man, and Isabel could use a mother.”
“I don’t feel all that young anymore.” In truth, there were days he felt a decade or two older than his thirty-six years. “And Isabel has me and you.”
“A woman adds a different touch to a home. Mind you, I’m not saying a single parent can’t do an excellent job raising a child, as your dad demonstrated. You turned out fine. Better than fine. But I’d hate for you to spend the rest of your life alone, even if a new woman in your life would put me out of a job.”
“No worries on that score. Your job is secure. And I’m not alone. I have you and Isabel.”
“Not forever. One of these days, she’ll grow up and move on. And someday I’ll be joining my Elizabeth and your dad. Where will that leave you?”
“Working at the mill.”
“I’m serious, Aaron.”
Yeah, he was. That sober look he was wearing had always been reserved for the most solemn discussions.
And if the Steele patriarch wanted to talk, nothing was going to dissuade him.
Resigning himself to a discussion he didn’t want to have, Aaron leaned forward and linked his fingers. “I really don’t need anyone else in my life, Gramp. I’ve been married, and once was enough.”
More than enough.
If he’d had any idea how fast his rose-colored dreams of happily-ever-after would fade, he would never have walked down the aisle twelve years ago.
Not that Gramp or anyone else knew about his regrets. He’d honored the vows he’d taken with Olivia. And he hadnoregrets about the wonderful daughter who’d come from their ill-advised union.
But shameful as it might be, deep inside it was a relief not tohave to put up a front to the world or pretend everything was fine so Isabel would feel secure that their family unit was solid.
“You sound a bit like a man who’s been burned.”
At Gramp’s astute comment, his neck warmed.
All these years, except for an occasional confidential session with Reverend Baker, he’d kept mum about the issues he and Olivia had faced. And now wasn’t the time to talk about them, beyond a generic acknowledgment that their relationship hadn’t always been smooth sailing.
