Allie’s eyes burned. She blinked back tears.
Her mom squeezed her hand again. “You know, part of being an adult is accepting responsibility. And you did that today. In fact, if I consider the past few years, you’ve been doing that all along. I guess I’ve just been too blind to notice.”
“I know I’ll never be like Olivia, Mom. I’ll never be perfect.”
“Oh, honey.” Mom chuckled. “Olivia’s far from perfect, and we never wanted you to be her. We don’t want you to be anyone other than who you are. I’m sorry we ever made you feel otherwise. It’s just... I still see you as my baby girl—the girl who wore two different shoes to school in the seventh grade and needed me to rescue her.”
“That was a long time ago.”
Her mom drew her into a hug that felt warm and welcoming. Allie settled her head on her mom’s shoulder, inhaling her flowery scent.
“You’re right, honey. Somewhere along the way, you grew up. I’ll do better. We both will, I promise. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, Mom. Thanks.” A weight lifted off Allie. She should’ve said something long ago. Why had she let this go so long?
Over her mom’s shoulder, her eyes caught on Luke as he made a show of missing the football, which was well within his grasp.
Allie pulled back, meeting her mom’s gaze. “And you and Dad will talk to Luke?”
Mom’s blue eyes sharpened on her, probably seeing far more than Allie intended. “Of course we will, honey.” She cradled Allie’s face. “And now we’d best gather everyone around before all this wonderful food gets cold.”
The meal was finished, the cake had been served, and the sun had set. Allie’s dad had made a sentimental toast that brought tears to her grandparents’ eyes. After supper Allie played two rounds of tag with her nieces and nephew and one round of Chase the Mean, Hairy Monster—Allie being the monster, of course. She had grass stains on her pants, leaf chips in her hair, and a smile on her face.
Darkness pressed in, the twinkle lights aglow as the guests mingled on the deck, lawn, and makeshift dance floor. The sweet strains of “I Only Have Eyes for You” filtered through the air, and a cool breeze ruffled Allie’s hair as she leaned on the deck railing, watching her grandparents slow dance.
They looked so sweet, rocking back and forth, smiling at the gathered guests. Gram had a bit of red lipstick on her teeth, but Gramps was so farsighted he probably couldn’t tell.
When Gram said something to him, Gramps leaned closer. “What’s that?”
“We haven’t danced in years!”
“Ididclean out my ears.”
“No,we haven’t danced in years!”
“We have ants in here?”
“I said, we haven’t— Oh, never mind. Just hold me, old man.”
Allie chuckled, her eyes stinging a little. A strange bubble swelled in her throat. It wasn’t all rainbows and sprinkles with her grandparents, but they loved each other. Allie couldn’t even imagine being with the same person for fifty years. But she’d sure like to try.
Olivia joined her at the railing, her dark braid hanging over her shoulder, looking no worse for wear after hours of slaving over the hot stove.
“Kitchen duties all done?” Allie asked.
“Spic-and-span.” She scanned the lawn. “Where are my kids? If they’re eating cake again, I’m gonna kill Spencer.”
Allie pointed toward the back of the property where they were trying to get Walter to fetch a stick. The dog was rooted to the ground like an ancient oak tree.
“Sugar rush aside,” Allie said, “I think I got them good and tired for you earlier.”
“Thanks for keeping them occupied. When Spencer gets to talking he forgets to watch them.” Olivia swished her drink around in the glass. “I was wanting to ask if you’d be free to babysit a couple weekends from now. Spencer has this work thing in New York, and I thought I might tag along.”
Allie’s lips parted. “Really? You want me to babysit?”
“Listen, I overreacted to the whole Cocoa Puffs thing. You acted in Evan’s best interest.” Olivia gave her a chagrined smile. “It’s not your fault he likes to put food up his nose.”
Allie chuckled. “I’d love to babysit, Olivia. Thanks for asking. And the meal was great tonight, by the way. Everything was delicious.”
