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Paul:Hey, I should be picking you up in twenty so I can introduce you to Grandma. She’s very excited.
I quickly dry off and get dressed, bundling into a jacket, scarf, and hat against the autumn chill outside. Stepping out of the cozy B&B, the cool air nips at my skin. Paul’s SUV is already idling by the curb.
“Hey, little sister,” he greets me as I climb inside. “Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
I fiddle with my seat belt, clicks punctuating the interior. “I did, but this morning . . .” I hesitate, unsure if I should mention Henrik’s strange early morning appearance. “Henrik was here,” I finally admit.
Paul’s hands tighten almost imperceptibly on the steering wheel. “What the fuck was he doing here?”
“Something about drinking too much apple cider?” I reply, uncertain. “Or maybe it was apple brandy . . . I can’t remember. Anyway, it was strange. He mentioned something about him not playing for the Blizzards anymore?”
I study my brother’s stoic profile as he drives, hoping for more of an explanation. When none seems forthcoming, I add: “Is that true?”
As we drive toward my grandmother’s place, the landscape transforms into a snowy paradise. Snow blankets the fields and trees in sparkling white, filling me with childlike wonder. But thoughts about my morning breakfast with Henrik continue to cross my mind. How handsome he had looked, even with the beard. And how I’d still found him attractive despite the groans over his hangover.
Paul glances over, noticing my distraction. “It’s okay to be nervous,” he says gently.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind inside me. This week is about new beginnings, about bridging gaps and healing old wounds. It’s also about finally getting to know the grandmother who had welcomed my siblings with open arms, even when my own father never brought any of us to meet her.
Genie’s home is a quaint cottage nestled in the snowy landscape, with cheerful holiday decorations adorning the eaves. Paul parks the SUV and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. I climb out, my boots crunching through the fresh powder. My heart pounds as we approach the front door. I knock, my knuckles rasping on the painted wood.
The door swings open, and there she is. Genie’s eyes light up at the sight of me. She looks like a grandmother from a fairy tale, with silvery hair framed by a colorful knitted shawl.
“Lou, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you,” she exclaims, drawing me into a warm, floral-scented embrace.
I cling to her petite frame, overwhelmed by emotion. “It’s really nice to meet you too, Grandma,” I murmur.
She pulls back, patting my flushed cheek affectionately. “Welcome to Kentbury, my dear,” she whispers.
Genie ushers us inside the cozy house, where a tea service and plates of cookies already await on the antique dining table. The sweet setting is welcoming and filled with grandmotherly love. As we sit, it feels like coming home.
“I heard you and I will start working together at the bakery,” Genie says, pouring steaming water into a porcelain teacup. She hands it to me with a smile. “The teas are all there. Choose anything you like, but I highly recommend the maple apple—McKay makes it herself.”
I’m surprised to learn my sister is now creating specialty teas. The rich aroma of apples and maple wafts up as I lift the cup. I take a sip, savoring the perfect balance.
“I really appreciate you giving me a job,” I say, setting the teacup back in its flowery saucer.
Genie waves her hand. “It’s a family business, dear! And you’re family now. Besides”—she gives me a conspiratorial wink—“McKay mentioned you’re a fabulous baker. It must be in the genes.”
She holds up her knobby, flour-dusted fingers with a grin. I can’t help but smile back, charmed by this petite woman’s bubbly warmth.
“Not sure that’s how it works, Grandma,” Paul interjects, though his eyes shine with humor.
Genie gives him a look. “Oh, hush, you. A grandmother knows these things.”
Paul chuckles, leaning down to kiss the top of her silvery head. “I love you, Grandma. Why don’t I leave you two to get acquainted while I head over to the bakery? I want to help tidy up after the morning customers.”
Grandma pats my hand, her skin soft and papery. “You don’t have to worry about us. We’ll stay here catching up so tomorrow we can work without too many distractions.”
“If you need me, call me, Lou,” Paul says over his shoulder, heading toward the front door.
When he’s gone, Grandma turns to me, an expectant smile curving her lips as her bright blue eyes twinkle. “Now, I heard you have two beautiful little ones. Do you have any pictures you can show me of my great-grandchildren?”
“Of course!” I quickly unlock my phone, swiping through my camera roll until I come across a photo of the kids baking holiday cookies, their sweet faces smeared with flour and frosting.
Grandma presses a hand to her heart, her smile widening into a delighted grin. “Oh, my, just look at those precious angels!”
I continue swiping through pictures—Tilly dressed up as Elsa for Halloween, brow furrowed in concentration as she tries braiding part of her wig. Grandma laughs joyfully. “What an adorable little princess. What’s her name?”
