I squeeze his hand tightly, watching the way her face softens, relaxing back into sleep for a few moments. When she awakens again, more lucid, her eyes snap from our faces to our entwined hands. A knowing smile illuminates her face as she exclaims, clapping her hands together, “I knew it!”
“Oh, Gran,” I laugh, shaking my head and stepping closer. Ambrose follows, tangling his fingers possessively with mine.
“How did you sleep?” I ask.
“On and off. There was a big ruckus here last night. An emergency. All of the hustle and bustle kept startling me awake.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I say.
Ambrose adds, “Hospitals are busy places, day and night.”
“It’s okay, though, because I woke up to the most beautiful flowers. Thank you, Ambrose,” she says, reaching out a hand for him to grab.
“Of course, ma’am.”
“Or should I say future son-in-law?” she adds with a mischievous grin.
“Gran!” I scold.
Ambrose smiles broadly, all big, white, straight teeth. “I like the sound of that,” he admits unabashedly, pulling me closer and wrapping his arm around me.
Gran covers her cheeks with her hands, countenance radiating joy. “See, what I told you, Catalina? All of those silly naysayers in the newspaper. They have no clue what they’re talking about. Ambrose only has eyes for you. ”
The big fireman kisses the top of my head. “Guilty as charged and planning on staying that way, so I hope you and your granddaughter get used to me.”
“Well, you’ve already won over, by far, the toughest sell in the family,” Gran teases, swinging Ambrose’s hand playfully.
“And who’s that?” I ask.
“Why, Dumpling, of course!”
Ambrose and I chuckle. She reaches out her other hand, and I grasp it, making a family circle. It feels good like this, the three of us together.
I ask, “Have you seen the doctor yet today?”
Gran shakes her head, letting our hands go to fuss with her curls. She whispers, “Between you and me, I’m starting to think they’ve forgotten about me.”
Ambrose clears his throat. “That’s a good sign. If they’re not rushing in, they’re not too worried about you.”
“I certainly hope so because I’m ready to get out of this place for good.”
Ambrose nods toward the door. “Catalina and I have already talked to your nurses a couple of times this morning. Sounds like they’d like you to transition to a rehab center first. Just for a few weeks to build back some of your strength.”
She knits her brows. “Well, I suppose I could use that. Can’t remember the last time I exercised or anything. And that fall did knock a little sense into me. But who will take care of Cat and Dumpling while I’m away? You know how prone that girl isto getting into trouble. She goes out looking for it. Scaling trees without ladders, charming cowboy firemen … I’m not sure what she’d do without my gentle reminders.”
“Gentle reminders?” I chuckle. “You mean like bidding ten thousand dollars on the Hollywood hunk?”
She shrugs, eyeing me evasively … moments away from an “I told you,” and searching for the classiest way to deliver it.
“I’ll take care of Dumpling and Catalina,” Ambrose says confidently. “Your granddaughter and I did some talking about it yesterday, and the truth is, we’re family now. At least, I’d like us to be.”
Gran’s eyes flicker between Ambrose’s and mine, her face glowing.
“That means, you’ll have access to nothing but the best rehab centers and nursing staff twenty-four-seven. And you’re always welcome at our cabin … along with Dumpling.”
Our cabin. My heart sputters.
“Welcome as into live with you?” she asks, scrunching her brows.
