Page 25 of Thirteen Years
Lucas shook his head and grumbled to himself, but I knew he was finding his way into my kitchen.
He may be full grown, but he still listened to his Nan. This getting old wasn’t for the faint of heart, though. Everything in my body tended to hurt more often than not.
I continued into my room, hating that it took longer getting around than it used to, and moved over to my old jewelry box. I took out the ring box inside and opened it, smiling, remembering so long ago, when my own sweetheart had given it to me and asked me to be with him forever.
“Willard,” I said softly, looking over at his picture that sat on my nightstand, “our boy’s finally found himself someone special,” I said, snapping the box closed, before returning to where Lucas sat.
“A soda and cookies?” I scolded sitting back down in my chair
“They’re your chocolate chip,” he said with his mouth full and eyes big as I chuckled. Some things never changed.
“Lucas,” I said, handing him the ring box, “I want you to keep a hold of this. I think you’re going to need it. Your Pop and I decided a long time ago that it would be yours someday.”
He looked down confused and picked it up, opening the box.
“Nan. This is your engagement ring,” he breathed.
“I know what it is, I’m old, not blind,” I scoffed at him, “I don’t need it anymore. Your grandpa and I wanted you to have it.”
“You didn’t even give this to me when I was gonna ask Amelie to marry me in college,” he said confused.
“She wasn’t the one,” I retorted, “I have a feeling.”
Lucas just shook his head and closed the box and put it in his pocket gently,“Thank you, Nan,” he said gruffly.
I smiled, “You just bring her around to say hey.”
His phone rang and he pulled it out, checking the screen, “It's Becks and Nat,” he said smiling.
I leaned up, reaching over and grabbing it, quicker than I’d moved in a few years. When I answered what I thought was a call, it turned out to be a video call.
“Hello, girls. I’m Lucas’ Nan. Nice to meet you.”
Lucas was gaping at me in disbelief and I watched as two raven-haired beauties stared back at me with great big eyes. One set chocolate, the other ice blue. One older, the other a miniature of her mother. My old heart warmed towards them immediately.
“Uh…hi?” Becks said, chucking softly.
“Becks, Nat, I’m sorry,” Lucas finally said loudly.
Becks tossed her head back and laughed outright and I looked over seeing the way my grandson's eyes lit up at the sound.
I smiled to myself satisfied.
That’s all I needed to see.
Yes, Willard. This was the one.
Chapter 17
Isighed, closing the door of the office building I’d stayed late cleaning at. It had been a hectic month since my scary evening. So much had transpired. All the cleaning agencies within the area were aware of the situation, and my boss was being so supportive and understanding. He didn’t have any issues with the fact I had things going on that were completely out of my control.
Nat had continued settling in at school and her friendship with Lexi, and even her older sister, had continued to grow. There had been lots of girl’s nights, at my house, and Monica’s. I’d repaid the favor a few times and watched all the girls, keeping them for a weekend myself so Paul and Monica could have time away.
Lucas and I had continued to see each other casually, usually meeting for lunch dates, so that we could have time together.
Nat was playing in her first volleyball game at seven o’clock tonight. I glanced at my watch and saw it was already six. I’d have just enough time to swing through somewhere and grab a snack on my way. There was no way I was missing my baby’s first extracurricular activity. She’d been ecstatic that Lexi and her had made the team. I was beyond grateful that Monica had taken her after school today and fed her to get back in time for warm ups.
I had been able to tell Lucas everything about my past, including my relationship with Clark, over the month. It had been hard for him to hear, but he was very good at removing himself emotionally when he had to. He was born to be a cop. He did let himself rant a bit and stated he wished he could get his hands on Clark and Larry.
