“She didn’t want my parents to have you and the courts in those days usually listened more to the mother than anyone else.” He swallowed and looked away for a second. “Before my parents could appeal, my dad had a heart attack. The stress of it all, I think.”
Buck shook his head. “He survived it, but the courts ruled him medically unfit. My mother was heartbroken.”
“Had we met your parents? Did we know them as grandparents? I have no memory of that.”
“You did. You’d met them a few times. My dad was a truck driver, so he was on the road a lot, which meant you saw my mom more.”
Frankie’s heart hurt. “I wish I could remember them.”
“I can show you pictures. If you’d like.”
She nodded, feeling sorry for herself and Harper and all that had been lost. But also feeling angry at how many lies Sharlene had told them. Her eyes went hot with tears. “I wish I could remember you.”
She sniffed, but it was too late. The tears slipped free. She covered her face with her hands, grateful they’d been seated in an isolated corner.
Willa’s arm went around her shoulder. “It’s okay, Mom.”
A moment later, stronger arms went around her. Buck. “It’s all right, Frankie. It’s all right.” He put one hand on her head.
She leaned into him and wept softly, the comfort he offered a stark reminder of all she’d missed out on. After a moment, she pulled away. “I’m okay,” she said softly. “This is just…hard.”
“I know,” Buck said, taking his seat again. “I’m sorry for everything you girls went through. I’m especially sorry for my part in it.”
She used her napkin to dab at her eyes. “I had great parents. I don’t regret them. At all.”
Buck nodded. “I’m glad for that.”
“I just wish…” She heaved out a breath, trying to find words. “I don’t know what I wish.”
“It’s okay to want some things to be different and others not.”
She sniffed again. “Yeah, I suppose it is. I don’t think I can call you Dad. I’m sorry.”
“Wouldn’t expect it,” he said. “I haven’t played that role in your life. Buck is fine with me if that’s fine with you.”
He was not at all who she’d expected. He was better. A lot better. “Buck works.” She managed a small smile. “Thanks for coming today.”
He laughed. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
“Um, can I call you Grandpa?” Willa asked. “Would you be okay with that, Mom?”
Frankie nodded, her smile expanding. “I would be fine with that. If Buck is.”
They both looked at him. Tears shone in his eyes. He cleared his throat before answering. “I would love that.”
Harper and Glenda returned with their salads.
Harper took her seat. “What did we miss?”
“Just catching up,” Frankie said.
Buck winked at Glenda. Maybe a sign that things were going all right? It was sweet and spoke to their closeness. “Willa’s going to call me Grandpa,” he told Glenda.
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” She looked like she might cry.
“I could call you Grandma G,” Willa said. “Or is that weird?”
Glenda reached across to grab Willa’s hand. “You can call me whatever you like, sweetheart.”
