I knew he was purposefully walking close to me, his big hand grazing mine. I chuckled at how sweet he was. I’d have to be a little bolder and just take him by the hand next time; see how he reacted to some PDA. That would shock him and take down his cockiness a notch. I was still smiling when I found Grammy’s room and knocked.
“Come in. Everyone else has been in here,” she said grumpily.
When I stepped in, she picked up the remote and turned off the TV, her frown transforming into a smile.
“Mikey told me you were coming today. Come, sit next to me on the bed,” she said, adjusting her hospital gown.
Fatigue was still clinging to her as I looked into her eyes. “It’s so good to see you, Grammy. Since they only let Mike come a few times a day, I didn’t want to take that away from him. Forgive me for that.”
I sat down on the bed where she’d tapped, careful of her IV. I looked around, listening to the beeping machines with a frown.
“My heart is still going strong, don’t worry. And I knew you’d come when you could. Let me look at you.” Without breaking eye contact, I felt her hand find my left one and bring it up for inspection.
“It looks beautiful on you, my girl. I knew it would.”
“Grammy, I will cherish it always. Thank you for entrusting me with not only your ring, but with Mike. I promise to take care of both of them,” I said, emotions pricking at my eyes again. “Sorry, I haven’t cried this much in years.”
“Tears are a gift, Renata. It’s evidence of love, of feeling, of gratitude. Even in pain or grief, tears are a product of love.” Her voice was quiet but strong.
I put my hand over hers. “What do you think of all this? I know it must seem strange to you.”
She shook her head, her hair falling in her eyes. “No, I don’t. This is an answer to my prayers. For both of you.”
My mood sobered. “Grammy, what if I’m not enough?”
She eyed me closely. “You are because of God.”
Her quiet conviction gave me enough peace to not waver in my promise to marry her incredible grandson.
Father, help me see what everyone else sees in me. Help me with these warring thoughts.
She spoke again, turning my focus back to her. “Mikey said the wedding will be in a few weeks to be sure I can be there. That means so much to me”
“There’s no way we’d do it without you,” I said with a watery smile.
“So are you and Vicky making your plans?” she asked, her eyes getting heavy.
“Yes, ma’am. We’re going to have the ceremony in Luke and Sofia’s backyard. Very simple. Pastor Danny will do walk us through the vows and pray over us. Vicky and Niko will be our matron of honor and best man, MJ our flower girl. And my parents are coming in a few days before. My mother is having a hard time accepting it, but she promises to be there,” I said, smoothing her blanket.
“Leave her to me,” she said cryptically.
“I’ll head out then. Mike says he will stop by on his way home.”
The word caught in my throat, and by the knowing way she was looking at me, she understood. Home. One that I would soon share with my husband.
“Been a while since you’ve had someone to come home to or wait for, I gather?” Her all-knowing eyes had me in her trap, and I couldn’t deny it.
“I’veneverhad that.”
“This is only the beginning, Renata. God has great things in store for you.”
A few days later,I took an Uber to meet Mike downtown at the County Clerk’s office to apply for our marriage license while he was on his lunch break. When I slid out of the car, I found Mike waiting for me on the sidewalk.
“Wow. You look beautiful in green,” he said, kissing my cheek as I walked up to him. My olive green maxi dress ruffled in the wind as I held it up with one hand.
“Thank you. You look nice, too.” He was in grey slacks and a white button-down shirt. I didn’t miss how impressive his shoulders looked in it, his tan more pronounced.
“Here,” he said, moving me so that he walked along the outside of the sidewalk. I looked up at him in confusion. “So you are safe from traffic,” was his simple answer, shocking me.
