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Frank smiled. “Oh. My Tess, huh?”
“I love her.”
“I know you do. I can see it in your eyes. Just the way I’ve always looked at Mags. It’s precious, you know. Love. So many people let it die, allow their pride to stand in the way. They allow the world to interfere, to tell them what love should or shouldn’t be. Bah. What does the world know?” He drifted a bit, wincing and sucking in air.
“Frank?”
“Still breathing,” he muttered and opened his eyes again. “I knew there was something about you. Didn’t know this was about my girl. Thought it was just about business, but the good Lord knew. He sent you here for a reason.”
“Yes,” Graham agreed, easing a hand onto Frank’s shoulder.
Frank covered Graham’s hand with his own. “Can’t think of a better son to add to this family. Marry her, have babies, name your first son Frank.”
Graham laughed. “Thank you. I will treasure her always.”
“I know you will,” Frank said. “You’re a good man.”
And at that moment, Graham finally believed he was a good man. In that reverent moment, Frank had given him something his own father never had—a sense of belonging.
Tess moved against his arm now, opening her eyes, drawing him to the present.
Yawning, Tess sat up. “I fell asleep.”
“You’re tired,” he said, brushing a hand over her head. “It’s been a long day.”
“We did him justice, didn’t we?” she asked, her voice soft in the quiet of the room.
“He was there the entire time. In every conversation, bigger than life—”
“And very pleased no one brought pound cake,” Tess said with a smile.
“Yeah, and he’s still here now. He’ll always be with you. He’ll always be with us.” Graham gathered her against him.
“It’s such a sad day, but it was beautiful, too. All those flowers and the way the sun shone like Daddy was already in heaven, maybe even organizing some parades.”
“I got something for you,” Graham said, digging in his pocket.
He brought out a small tin that looked like a pillbox.
Tess took it from him. “What is it?”
“It was your Grandmother Bella’s. Your father kept it in his sock drawer.”
Tess made a face. “How did you get it?”
“He made me get it out about a week ago… when I asked him for your hand in marriage.”
“Marriage?” Her eyes widened as she looked at the box. Then she lifted her eyes to his. “You asked my daddy?”
Smiling, Graham brushed her lips with his and then slid to the floor. “Today we buried your father, Tess, but he and I talked. He loved you beyond anything imaginable. The way I love her.” Graham glanced over at Emily.
“Oh, God, Graham.” Tess breathed, dampness gathering in her eyes. “I can’t cry anymore. Please don’t make me cry. I’m empty.”
“No more tears. Today isn’t just about sorrow. It’s about love. Your father wanted you to have this as your engagement ring.” Graham laughed. “He said he had to steal it from your grandmother’s safety deposit box so you can’t wear it around her.”
Tess jerked her head up, eyes widening.
“He was kidding. You know your dad.”
