Page 77 of Loved By Tandy

“We’ll stay in the same house and keep a large stash of popsicles in the freezer, just like we do now.” Tandy grins at something behind me.

I turn to see little Lucy running down the porch, a purple popsicle dripping down one hand and two others—still in the wrapper—in her other hand.

“Grandy and Grampy, Aunt Haley gave me a popsicle, and I got some for you too.” She hands Tandy one of them, then stands in front of my chair, waiting for me to pull her into my lap.

I’ll end up sticky, but that’s the price of being a good Grampy.

When I unwrap mine, she holds hers up beside it. “We both got purple. That’s my favorite.”

I’m not sure what gave Dallas the idea to name his little girl Lucy, but it makes me laugh. This little one is full of spunk, just like Tandy, so it fits.

Rose walks out the front door, a wet rag in her hand. “There you are, sweetie. I’ve been looking for you. Don’t get Grampy all sticky.”

Lucy grins. “He doesn’t care, do you?”

“Nope. Just leave the rag here. She can stay here with us for a bit.”

“Awesome. Want me to grab y’all something to drink? Food should be ready in a half hour.”

“Sweet tea for me.” Tandy bites into her popsicle, then winces.

I bite back a chuckle. “That doesn’t happen if you only lick it.”

Tandy waits until Lucy isn’t looking, then sticks her tongue out at me.

“I love you too.”

Retirement with Tandy will be a blast.