Marianne smiled and reached into the carrier.
“Someone’s been waiting for you.”
“I reported him.”
When she placed Rose in my arms, I forgot about Josh.
My granddaughter was smaller than I’d imagined, with round cheeks and one tiny hand curled against her blanket.
“Hello, Rose. I’m your grandma.”
She opened her eyes and stared at me.
Marianne laughed.
I forgot about Josh.
“She’s checking you out.”
“Well, she can take her time. I’ve waited months to meet her.”
Rose stretched her fingers around mine.
I felt tears gathering.
Steven should’ve been there.
He’d once insisted he’d teach our future grandchildren how to make lemon cakes.
I felt tears gathering.
“They’ll need teeth first,” I’d told him.
“Then I’ll practice until they do.”
He would’ve adored this little girl.
Marianne touched my shoulder.
“I wish Dad could see her.”
“So do I, sweetheart.”
“I wish Dad could see her.”
We found a nearby bench, and I settled Rose against my chest.
Marianne sat beside me.
“Mom, is your hip still hurting?”
“A little, but sitting helps.”
“Would you like me to take her?”
“Absolutely not!”
I settled Rose against my chest.
Marianne laughed and squeezed my shoulder.
“I’m really glad you came, Mom.”
I kissed Rose’s forehead.
For hours, I’d struggled to make myself comfortable while someone insisted I didn’t deserve the space I’d paid for.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”
Now my daughter was beside me, and my granddaughter was sleeping peacefully in my arms.
Marianne glanced at the time.
“Ready to head home?”
I looked down at Rose.
“Could we stay another minute? I’d like to hold her a little longer.”
My granddaughter was sleeping peacefully in my arms.
Marianne smiled.
“We’ve got all afternoon, Mom.”
She rested her head against my shoulder as Rose settled closer.
And for once, nobody expected me to give up my place.
“We’ve got all afternoon, Mom.”