It was as though he knew I was considering protesting when he turned to look at me. “It’s important.” There was a weighted silence as his jaw flexed. “To me,” he added gruffly.
That was all he needed to say. “Okay,” I nodded. It was early yet, hopefully Mad would hang in a while longer.
We drove north for a few miles, my curiosity growing though I held back from asking any questions. He’d share when he was ready. He always allowed me that space and I’d give the same to him.
The answer was soon clear without my having to ask.
When we pulled into the Oakcrest Nursing Home and parked, he sighed. “She has good days and bad days,” he shared, looking straight ahead and rubbing a hand over his beard. “But I’m hoping today’s a good day. Regardless, I want her to meet Maddox – and you.”
I knew little about Axel’s family but I did know through passing conversations that his grandma and late grandfather had been pivotal for him and Ry growing up.
I was moved that he was so intent on introducing us.
I reached over, tentatively placing a hand on his forearm. “We’d like to meet her, too,” I assured him softly.
He threw me a rueful smile and cut the engine.
The smell hit me first – like old food and disinfectant. I fought the urge to wrinkle my nose against it and instead held Maddox closer. As I tried to keep up with Axel’s long strides down the hall, I noted that although outdated, the facility looked clean and well cared for.
“She’s in here,” he nodded, indicating an open door to the right.
Axel’s grandmother was sitting up in a bed that nearly swallowed her small frame. She looked over at us when we walked in, her face blank for a few moments before her expression warmed.
“My boy,” she smiled, holding her hands out. Axel stooped down, allowing her to cup his face. “I’ll never get used to this beard,” she tisked.
“Had it ten years, Gran,” he chuckled, stepping back and looking over at me.
“You’ve brought company,” she nodded, looking over at Mad and me curiously.
Axel brought his arm up putting it around my shoulders and bringing us closer. “I did, very important company,” he told her. “Gran, this is Sophie, my girl,” he explained and my heart fluttered. “Sophie, this is my gran, Sybil.”
I gave her a little wave.
“And this is our son – Maddox.”
For a moment, she didn’t react and I braced for a variety of reactions. I hoped she didn’t have a heart condition because that was quite a ball to drop. Before I could grow too concerned, a slow smile spread across her face.
“Bring that baby closer so my old eyes can see him,” she beckoned. Axel lifted him from my arms and brought him closer.
“Aren’t you beautiful,” she crooned to him, her hand moving over his chubby cheek. “I see your grandfather so clearly,” she stated, her voice full of wonder as she looked up at Axel. “Don’t you?”
He nodded once, his jaw flexing. I bit back tears at how moved he clearly was.
“And you, beautiful girl, let me see you.” She raised a hand toward me. I moved closer, offering a tentative smile. “Well, aren’t you a looker,” she grinned, cupping my cheeks the way she’d done Axel’s.
“Thank you,” I murmured. “It’s great to meet you, Sybil.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you; though, you’re giving an old lady quite the surprise!” she chortled.
Axel cleared his throat. “It’s a long story, Gran,” he responded.
That was one way of putting it.
She waved her hand. “I’m sure. All I care about is spending time with my great grandchild. Will you bring him on your visits?” she asked Axel.
I wondered how often he came here. He’d never mentioned it.
“Sure, Gran,” he agreed, sitting Maddox on the bed so he could play with the remote control.
