“I expect every marriage has its ups and downs.”
A few beats passed before Gramp responded. “May I say something?”
It wasn’t a question. If Gramp had a comment to offer, he’d do so—with or without permission.
“I guess.”
“I’m no psychologist, but I lived with a wonderful woman for more than fifty years. Sure, we had occasional spats, but we learned to work through them and restore harmony. Our home was a calm, pleasant place 99 percent of the time. Not a lick of tension in the air. Your house wasn’t like that.”
Aaron frowned. “What do you mean?”
“It’s kind of hard to put into words. It was just a feeling I had around you and Olivia. Like you were both on edge. I can’t recall you two sharing any affectionate touches or warm smiles or friendly teasing in recent years. All I picked up was strain. There was always a chill in the air.”
Aaron took a long, slow breath.
So much for his efforts to keep up the pretense of a stable marriage.
And if Gramp had picked up on the strain in their home, had Isabel noticed it too?
“I’m not asking you to divulge any secrets, Aaron. I’m just trying to make the point that it can be a mistake to let one bad experience stop you from trying again. If I’d given up on singingafter my voice started changing and the music teacher told me to mouth the words during a concert, I’d never have tried out for my high school musical four years later and gotten a lead.”
“Marriage and musicals are two different things.”
“Principle’s the same.” Gramp slid his glasses back on. “A beautiful marriage is a joy. If the right woman comes along, don’t let the opportunity to find happiness pass you by. For your sake, as well as Isabel’s.”
“What if this woman isn’t keen about a grandfather-in-law living in the house?”
“If I couldn’t win her over with my charm, I’d give up my spot in a heartbeat to see you and Isabel happy.” Gramp’s tone was lighthearted, but his eyes were serious.
“For the record, on the remote chance that such a woman ever should come along, you’d be part of the package.”
“I wouldn’t want to be an obstacle to romance.”
“Gramp. You and me and Isabel are a unit. It’s all or nothing.” After everything the man sitting across from him had done to lend a hand through the years, no way would he ever show him the door. Not for any woman.
And no woman who asked him to would be worth having.
“Well, it’s immaterial at the moment. We can revisit the question if it ever becomes relevant. In the meantime, you and I should try to find a diversion for Isabel that will pep her up.”
“Any suggestions?”
“No. But I intend to keep my ear to the ground. You should do the same.” Gramp reopened his book. “What’s on your agenda for the rest of the evening?”
“Bill paying.”
Gramp shook his head. “You need to socialize more. Add some fun to your life.”
“No time.” He stood.
“Make time. For youandIsabel. This house could use more laughter.”
“I’ll be in that wedding next month. That qualifies as a social event.”
“Only if you go with the right attitude—and mingle.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Aaron shoved his hands into his pockets and wandered toward the kitchen.
Gramp’s insights were sound, as usual. There was a definite lack of fun in this household. And he wasn’t doing much to change that.
