Page 82 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“They’re fine. Happy to have you back and hoping for a sleepover soon,” said Aurelia. “They sometimes make me laugh when they remind me of you and Flo.”

“I love having my grandchildren around,” said Lori’s mother. “It’s important for them to grow up with extended family. It gives them a solid foundation.”

Lori thought of Griff’s situation. Sarita and Carlos were a large part of his childhood. Sarita, especially, played the role of parent. Griff always spoke highly of being raised at the vineyard with his grandfather, Pete, and Pete’s family. Would her parents understand if she moved there?

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When Lori walked into her father’s hospital room and saw him in the bed with tubes attached to his body, she held in a sob of both joy and sadness. Her father, normally an active man, looked frail and much older. It was, she knew, a glimpse into a future she wasn’t ready for. Though still in his late sixties, he showed signs of aging she hadn’t noticed before.

“There’s my girl,” said her father, holding out his arms to her.

She rushed to him and held on tight. As the baby of the three girls, she’d often been found on his lap or sitting next to him on the couch while reading books. Now, it was her turn to embrace the idea of her being there for him.

She stood back and studied him. “Mom says you’ll be home tomorrow. Has the doctor given you a list of rules to follow?”

“Don’t worry. Between your mother and you three girls, I don’t stand a chance of going astray,” grumped her father, making them all laugh.

“We don’t want anything to happen to you, hon,” Lori’s mother said to him.

“It’s nice to have you home, Lori,” said her father. “It’s always fulfilling to have my three daughters together, the way it’s always been.”

Lori smiled even as she realized how breaking that routine might upset her parents and sisters.

She stayed with her dad while Aurelia and her mother went to get coffee for themselves.

“I’m glad to have you alone,” said her father to her. “I know hospitals hold bad memories for you, and I don’t want you to feel you have to stay here. It’s enough to see you now and know you’ll visit me tomorrow. When your mother and sister return, I want you all to go home.”

Lori’s eyes filled with tears of gratitude. After the nightmares she’d recently had, she was especially grateful he understood.

Her mother and Aurelia appeared, and Lori’s father told them he’d see them in the morning, that he wanted to rest.

“Are you sure?” Lori’s mother asked.

Her father glanced at Lori and nodded.

“Okay, then,” her mother said brightly. “Time for us to get Lori settled back in her house.”

As they returned to Aurelia’s car, Lori’s mother faced her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize being back in that hospital would be painful for you.”

“It’s only because I had a restless night yesterday, with some of my bad dreams about Nick’s illness returning,” said Lori. She couldn’t tell them about the nightmares where she’d tried and failed to save Griff from a horrible ending.

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As her sister pulled up the driveway to Lori’s house, she studied the small, modest home she and Nick had proudly bought. Compared to the main house at the winery, it appeared tiny but not neglected.

“Home sweet home,” said Aurelia bringing the car to a stop. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to leave you to get settled. I’ve already put fresh milk and other items in the refrigerator, and a casserole is ready for you to heat up for dinner.”

From the passenger seat, Lori reached over and hugged her sister. “Thanks. You always think of ways to help. I appreciate it.”

“I’ll help get your suitcase to the front door before we leave,” said her mother. “Then, I’m going home to rest.”

“Thanks for greeting me at the airport. It’s great to be home,” said Lori. At the front door, she hugged her mother goodbye, waved to Aurelia, and unlocked the front door.

Stepping inside, she drew in a deep breath and gazed around. Memories assailed her, feeling like a blow to her head and stomach. This well-loved home was full of both her past happiness and sorrow.

She moved into the kitchen and studied the pots of violets she kept on the windowsill over the sink. They looked healthy and happy, which helped Lori realize that life here was ongoing.

Feeling more settled, she hung up her jacket and took her luggage into her bedroom to unpack. As she returned items to her closet and bureau drawers, she felt more settled. This was her home, and she was needed here.