Page 44 of A Tempting Seduction

“How are you both feeling?” I asked. “Is everything working okay here? The air conditioning, all the appliances?”

“Everything's perfect,” Violet assured me. “Remember that refrigerator trouble we had? They fixed that weeks ago, and it's been running beautifully ever since.”

“Any doctor appointments coming up? Do you need me to drive you anywhere?”

“We're fine, dear,” Violet said. “Though I do appreciate you asking.”

Luther cleared his throat and glanced toward Violet with a mischievous expression. “Ruby, you think it would be possible to put a little bit of bourbon in my tea? Just a splash?”

Miss Gladiola's eyes lit up. “Now that sounds like a fine idea, Luther. I wouldn't mind joining you.”

“Gladiola Miller,” Little Grandma shook her head. “It's only two o’clock.”

“It's five o'clock somewhere,” Miss Gladiola said primly. “Besides, we're celebrating.”

“Celebrating what?” Violet asked.

“Ruby's love life,” Miss Gladiola announced.

Heat flooded my cheeks. “We are not celebrating my love life.”

“Of course we are,” Little Grandma said. “When was the last time any of us had something this exciting to discuss?”

Luther stood up with more energy than I'd seen from him in a while. “I'm getting that whiskey. Violet, you want some tea too?”

“Only tea for me,” Violet said. “But I'll keep you company.”

“Same here,” I said quickly. “Just tea.”

Little Grandma waved her hand. “Tea's fine for me, too. Someone needs to stay sober enough to monitor y’all.”

Twenty minutes later, Luther sat back in his chair with a satisfied sigh, his teacup empty except for the lingering scent of good bourbon. His cheeks had a healthy flush, and his eyes sparkled with contentment.

“That hit the spot,” he said. “Haven't had a proper drink in months.”

“Don't tell the doctors,” Violet warned, but she was smiling.

“What they don't know won't hurt them,” Miss Gladiola said, finishing her own spiked tea. “Sometimes a little medicinal alcohol is exactly what the body needs.”

When it was time to leave, Luther gave me a warm hug and thanked me for the pastries. I could see the afternoon was beginning to take its toll on him, but he was still present and smiling.

“I can drive you ladies home,” I offered. “Save Lettie another trip.”

“That would be wonderful,” Little Grandma said, gathering her purse. “Lettie drives like an old woman, and these old bones aren’t fond of long car rides.”

I hugged Violet goodbye and promised to visit next week. The drive back to the yellow house on Elm Street was filled with chatter about how well Luther had been doing.

“He's like a different person when his mind is clear,” Miss Gladiola said from the passenger seat. “Sharp as a tack and twice as charming.”

“Those clear moments are precious,” Little Grandma agreed. “Makes all the difficult times more bearable.”

“Violet handles it so well,” I said, turning onto their street. “I don't know how she stays so positive.”

“Love,” Miss Gladiola said simply. “When you've loved someone for fifty-plus years, you don't give up when things get hard. You find ways to celebrate the good moments and endure the rest.”

I parked in their driveway and helped both women out of the car. Miss Gladiola moved slowly but steadily, while Little Grandma practically bounced up the front steps despite being over a hundred years old.

“Come in for a minute,” Little Grandma called over her shoulder. “I want to show you my herb garden, get your advice.”