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My eyes fill with sudden tears. I reach over and squeeze Grandad's weathered hand.
"I am happy, Grandad. Happier than I've been in a very long time."
He smiles, patting my hand gently. "Well, that's all this old man needs to hear."
I can't stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks. Grandad's words touch something deep inside me that I've kept locked away for so long.
"I'm sorry," I choke out. "I don't mean to get so emotional."
"No apologies needed," Grandad says kindly. "Let it out, sunshine. I should have encouraged you years ago to say what you feel."
I lean over and wrap my arms around his frail shoulders. He smells of Old Spice and sea salt, just like he did when I was a little girl.
"I love you," I whisper.
"Love you too, sweet pea," he replies, patting my back. "Now dry those eyes. I believe someone mentioned pizza?"
I let out a watery laugh as I sit back, dabbing at my eyes with my sleeve.
"Personal pizzas and cookies. Obviously, it’s Charlie’s night to plan dinner. So there are chocolate chip cookies coming right up."
Charlie sticks his head outside. “Grandad! You know about sharks?”
“Do I?” A grin splits Grandad’s face. “I’ve got stories that will chill you right down to the bone.”
“Nothing too graphic or gory, I hope.” I give him a look.
Grandad laughs. “We’ll keep it G-rated.”
Charlie excitedly leads Grandad inside to show him his shark teeth. My heart fills watching them. Cole slips his arm around me and I lean into him contentedly. I smile as I watch Charlie pepper Grandad with questions about sharks, barely letting the old man get a word in edgewise.
My heart is so full when I look at them. Grandad looks a bit overwhelmed but his eyes crinkle with warmth.
Cole's arm is solid and comforting around my waist. "Think your grandad's gonna be okay over there?" he murmurs.
“Grandad is thrilled anytime anybody asks about fish. Charlie just made his day.” I lean my head on his shoulder. "Your kid has that effect on people. His enthusiasm is infectious."
Cole presses a kiss to my hair. "I better start prepping the pizza and cookies, so the little shark expert has something to snack on."
I give him a playful salute. "Aye aye, captain."
As Cole heads to the kitchen, I make my way over to Charlie and Grandad.
"Mind if I steal Grandad for a minute, kiddo?" I ask. "Those cookies won't bake themselves."
Charlie nods absently, already engrossed in his shark teeth again. Grandad pats his shoulder and stands.
"Quite the imagination on that boy," he remarks as we walk to the kitchen.
"He's one of a kind," I reply fondly.
We chat and laugh as we mix up the dough. A feeling of complete contentment washes over me.
This kitchen. These people. This is home.
And I’m glad to have found my place in their world.
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