“Well then,” I say. “What can I do to cheer you two up?”
“Visit more often,” they both answer at the same time.
I laugh. “Understood.”
After a spoonful of soup, I close my eyes for a second and silently thank God for another meal with two of the most important people in my life.
“Oh, Granny. I almost forgot.”
Her eyes go wide so fast I start laughing.
“Sorry,” I say as I try to pull myself together. “I just found this rose bush blooming in my backyard. Didn’t even know flowers could bloom during winter.”
Mama and Granny glance at each other. A whole silent conversation passes between them.
“What color are the roses?” Granny asks carefully.
I stare at the ceiling while I think. “I think it’s a pale pink color,” I answer proudly.
“Did they have a smell?” Mama asks next.
“Yeah, actually. Really fragrant.”
They both smirk at the same time.
“What?” I ask slowly. “What am I missing here?”
“It’s the Penelope rose,” Granny says casually.
What. The. Fuck?
“The what now?” My voice cracks at the end.
I clear my throat and take a giant gulp of water.
“The only rose that blooms during winter around here is the Penelope rose,” Mama explains. “I didn’t realize you had one on your property.”
“I’ve never seen it before,” I tell them as I pull out my phone and do a quick search.
As soon as I typePenelope roseinto the search bar, my screen floods with pictures of the exact roses I cut for Penny.
“Pass me the phone. Let me see,” Granny says, making grabby hands at me.
I do as I’m told and keep eating.
“Ah, yes. This is the one,” she says, adjusting her glasses. “Some people believe roses that bloom during harsh conditions bring love and comfort to whoever finds them.”
“Really?” I scoff.
“Really, Miles John.”
I widen my eyes. When Granny—or Mama—pulls out my full name, shit is serious.
“What did you do with the roses?” Mama asks casually.
“Nothing,” I mumble, ducking my head as I focus real hard on my soup.
Because these two would never let me leave this house in peace if I admitted I gave those roses to Penny. They’d have the entire family planning a wedding before sunset.
