Page 74 of Stuck with Me

I don’t remember Nico telling me his granddad named him. It’s a sweet personal thing I’ve learned about him and about Leo too. Being Italian was important to Gigi too. The next letter is from Gigi. I tell him to read it too.

Dear Leo,

My daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Rosalie. There were some complications with delivery and unfortunately, Rosalie will be their only child. But she’s perfection. I already know I’m going to spoil that child rotten.

Love, Gigi

My heart aches, but I don’t allow myself to feel too much. I want to get through the rest of the letters. And crying is too intimate.

But then Nico gives me a sad expression as he hands me a new letter to read. My eyes scan over the words before I say them out loud. And when I do speak, my voice rumbles.

Dear Leo,

It’s with a heavy heart I write to tell you, there was a car accident. My daughter and her husband are both gone. My other daughter is still out of the country so Rosalie will come live with Michael and me. She and I are two peas in a pod so we should do just fine.

Some days the grief is too much. Some days I can hardly look at Michael. Which makes no sense. But Rosalie is a bright spot in my days. I will keep this letter short, no other updates seem relevant.

Love, Giana

I make Nico read the next letter until I catch my breath.

Dear Giana,

I’m terribly sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter and son-in-law. Losing them in such a tragic way must be devastating. Rosalie is lucky to have you and Michael.

Speaking of grandchildren, my daughter is pregnant with a little girl. They’re planning to name her Amelia.

We’ve done a lot of work in the ranch lately. Nico is already such a good secondhand farmhand. He’ll be a good cattle rancher in no time. Though sometimes I wonder if his heart’s not in it. He’s a lot like his father. He’s a lot like me. The boys got a wanderlust spirit for sure. Only time will tell if he’ll end up staying. I’d love to bring him to Maple Ridge with me someday. Only time will tell in that regard as well.

Love always, Leo

We share a look over the edge of the paper. My cheeks flush.

Dear Leo,

I would love it if you came for a visit. Seeing the pictures of the cabin is not nearly the same as seeing it in person.

Rosie is quiet these days. She’s been spending a lot of time at Pete and Nettie’s granddaughter’s house. The two are inseparable much like Nettie and me.

In other news, Michael has been sick with pneumonia for several weeks. The trips in and out of the hospital have made it nearly impossible to visit the cabin. And you know me, summer is my favorite season there. Hopefully, soon I’ll get back there. And who knows, maybe you too.

Love, Gigi

I know what’s next. It will be a letter about my grandfather passing away. I suck in a breath and hold it while Nico reads.

Dear Giana,

Hearing of Michael’s passing through Pete and Nettie was shocking. I wish you would’ve told me. But I understand all the same. Knowing you’re hurting makes our separation all these years worse. I don’t know how to comfort you even though I long to.

If that was inappropriate, I’m sorry for that too. But I won’t apologize for caring about you.

In other news, my wife’s Alzheimer’s has gotten worse. We don’t leave the city much these days, and she hardly leaves the ranch. But I fill my days outdoors and with the grandkids.

Only one more update, and it seems small in comparison, my son has left his wife and kids. That wanderlust spirit is too strong I suppose. His wife is a spitfire and I know in time, she and the kids will be okay.

Love always, Leo

My eyes water but I force the tears to stay put. No way in hell I’m crying right now, in front of Nico. But when I glance at him, his facial expression is rigid. The reminder of his dad leaving the family must sting.

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