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"Sharks are like living dinosaurs, you know," I tell Charlie. "The species has been around for hundreds of millions of years. I read an article recently that said that there are a few sharks alive today that are probably over five hundred years old."
"Really?" Charlie examines the tooth in awe.
"Yep, sharks are ancient. Some of the earliest shark fossils are from hundreds of millions of years ago. That’s before the dinosaurs even existed. I went through a shark phase as a kid where I couldn’t stop learning cool stuff about sharks. If I’m honest, I might still be in that phase."
My eyes crinkle. I catch Cole looking at me with such warmth and admiration that it makes me flush.
“What?” I ask.
“I just never pictured finding someone who fit in to my family so well. It’s like we are a puzzle, and you’re the missing piece.”
His words hit me in the soft, gooey center that is my heart. I’m so happy I feel like I’m glowing with positivity and light.
“Dad!” Charlie tugs on my hand. “Stop being kissy-kissy. Sav’s trying to tell me about sharks!”
“Thanks right. Stop being so distracting.” I arch a brow and point at Cole with faux sternness.
As I chat with Charlie about sharks, he hangs on my every word, completely enthralled. We walk slowly down the beach. We make sure to stop periodically so Charlie can dig through the sand for more prehistoric treasures.
After finding a few more shark teeth, Charlie takes off running down the shoreline, stopping to dig excitedly whenever he spots a potential fossil.
Cole slips his hand in mine as we follow several paces behind, keeping a watchful eye on the bobbing mop of dark hair up ahead.
"Well, I think you just sparked a new obsession," Cole says with a chuckle. "Forget dinosaurs. Looks like Charlie's moved on to sharks."
"Hey, sharks are just as cool as dinos," I reply with a grin. "Maybe I can take him to the aquarium sometime to see the shark exhibit. I bet he'd love that."
Cole smiles, giving my hand a grateful squeeze. "You're a natural with him. I have no idea how you do it. But god, thank you. You are exactly what he needs right now."
My heart swells. I squeeze Cole's hand back. “Charlie is a wonderful kid. I just want him to succeed and be happy.”
“I think everyone wants that for their kids.”
I shoot him a smile and give him a quick peck on the cheek.
We arrive back at the house. Charlie's pockets bulge with shark teeth and seashells. As we come up the front walk, I spot Grandad sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the porch.
Cole notices him too. "Hey Charlie, why don't you take your treasures inside and get washed up for dinner? Savannah and I will be right in."
Charlie doesn't need to be told twice, bounding up the steps with an enthusiastic "Hi Grandad!" before disappearing into the house.
“Karl.” Cole sticks out his hand to Grandad. Grandad takes it, offering him a soft smile.
“Hello, Cole. Thought I would try to get a few minutes alone with my granddaughter.”
“Of course. We’re making DIY pizzas for dinner if you’re free after.”
Cole touches Grandad on the shoulder and follows Charlie inside, leaving me alone with Grandad on the porch. I sink down in the rocking chair beside him. I sense that this might be a serious conversation.
"Evening, sunshine," Grandad says, his wrinkled face creasing into a smile. "Have a nice walk on the beach?"
"We did," I reply. "Charlie found some shark teeth and got really excited about prehistoric sea life. I think Cole and I might take him to the natural history museum or the aquarium this weekend."
Grandad nods, rocking slowly in his chair. "That boy sure loves learning new things. Gets that from his daddy, no doubt about it."
He falls silent. Grandad has a faraway look in his eye that usually means he has more to say. I wait patiently for him to gather his thoughts.
"Listen, Savannah.” He smiles a little sadly. “I know I wasn't always the best at reading your feelings when you were younger. Your mama had some weird ideas she picked up from God knows where. About what girls should and shouldn’t do. And lord knows that she never followed it herself, but she let you think you couldn’t show your true feelings. And since she was the mama, I deferred to her. All I want is for you to be happy now. I mean truly happy. You deserve that, sunshine. Don't ever let anyone make you feel you need to be anything but yourself."
