"Look, Letty. I brought my handsome grandson Evrard with me today," Grandma says, grinning up at me.
"Welcome back, Miss Blanche," Letty says, throwing a knowing wink my way.
"He's available if you know anyone," my grandmother calls over her shoulder as I wheel her down the hallway to her room. I hear Letty and the other front desk clerk chuckle.
"Grandma," I say sternly but lovingly.
"What?" she says with exasperation.
Once in her private room, I help her wash up and climb into bed before tucking her in. Her soft, wrinkly hand grabs mine when I attempt to stand.
"Evrard, promise me you'll bring a date to Tanner's wedding."
"Grandma, I..."
But then her grip tightens, and she doesn't let go. "Actually, I meanmorethan a date, someone special, someone important to you. I don't know how much longer I'm on this earth, and I would very much like to see both of my grandsons in love and happy. Promise me."
My stomach squirms with anxiety as I say, "Of course, Grandma. I promise."
Her face brightens, and she pats my hand before releasing it. "That's my good boy. Now go home and get some rest. You work too hard."
I kiss her forehead and turn off the bedside lamp, leaving just the small nightlight glowing in the corner.
Walking down the hallway towards the exit, I internally scold myself the entire way. Outside, the chilly autumn evening air hits me, and I take in a couple of deep breaths.
The first day of spring is pretty far off. I'm sure I can figure something out by then.
I hope.
2
Joelle
I plop down on Flint and Petula's couch, completely stuffed. My nephew Sherman toddles over to me, his face stained with the sauce from the lasagna.
"Ut, ut," he says to me, reaching toward me.
"Up, up," I repeat, picking the chubby toddler up and placing him in my lap. He places his sticky fingers on my cheeks and studies my face.
"Ack! Sorry, Joelle," Flint says, running over and scooping the messy toddler into his arms.
"Are you kidding me? I will take all the sticky fingers before I fly back to Sea Glass."
"He's ready for his nighttime bath anyway," Flint says, placing Sherman on his hip and walking past my sister, giving her a quick kiss on the side of her head.
Petula walks over and hands me a glass of red wine before slumping down next to me with a contented sigh. We sit in silence, listening to Frank Sinatra croon Christmas tunes while the fire blazes and the holiday lights sparkle around the living room. After a few quiet minutes, I release a sigh.
"I'm so happy for you, Petula."
My sister grins at me, resting her head on my shoulder.
I then softly add, "And I want this so badly for myself."
"A baby?" Petula asks, sitting up and looking at me.
"No, I love being an auntie, but I don't see motherhood in my future. You know I never have."
"Totally, I was just wondering."
