Page 9 of Take This Heart
“There’s my favorite nephew.” I bend down, holding my arms out, and he wraps his arms around my neck, squeezing me as hard as he can.
“Crusher!” we both yell. And then we pull back and look at each other, and at the same time, we say, “Hi, I love ya.”
It’s something my brothers and I have done since we were little, and of course, we had to do it with Grayson, too. His little voice is raspy and adorable.
We all dote on our sweet boy. Noah’s girlfriend, Margo, died a few days after she had Grayson. It was a nightmare, and too much grief for any of us to deal with fully, but we had to, for Grayson’s sake. He has been the light of our lives.
A hand touches my back and I turn to see Grandma Donna, and next to her is Grandma Nancy.
“What?I didn’t know you’d both be here too! This is the best surprise!”
I hug them both and Grandma Nancy pulls back, still holding onto my cheeks. “Yep. We need to get some meat on ya. Gotta have some padding come winter, doncha know.”
I laugh, lifting my hand over hers. “Good thing we’re heading into summer.”
“It wouldn’t be unheard of to snow in April or May. We’re not in the clear yet,” Grandma Donna tuts, putting her arm around my shoulder. Grandma Nancy takes the other side, her Vicks VapoRub wafting in the breeze.
My grandmas are the best of friends. I think their friendship began because, like most grandmas, they could agree that their wisdom was needed to fill in our gaps, and it grew even more after my mom passed. Grandpa Augustus passed away two years ago, and Grandpa Otis just six months ago, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Grandma Donna and Grandma Nancy moved in together.
“Where’s Dad?” I ask when I straighten and walk toward the house.
“He’s inside with our surprise guest,” Camden says, lifting his eyebrows.
“What? Who else is here?” I frown, not wanting to share my dad with anyone besides my brothers after not seeing him in so long.
Dad comes rushing out the front door and hugs me before I can step inside. “Okay, now we’re all here,” he says, hugging me tight.
I sigh, soaking in the love. “Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, buttercup. Sure have been missing you.”
“I’ve been missing you too.”
“Come inside. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
I step inside and then I see him.
No. No, no,no.
He’s standing by the fireplace, hands in the pockets of his dark jeans. He’s still slap-me-silly gorgeous, and his simmering intensity is more unsettling than ever.
I wish I didn’t know how his lips feel on mine. I’ve relived that kiss countless times since it happened, and my cheeks heat thinking about it now.
I’m glad I didn’t show up in paint-splattered clothes, but I wish I’d worn something cuter than my green velour flare pants and matching top. I get compliments from strangers when I wear this, which gives me hope that it’s not all bad.The color makes my hazel eyes look greener. Maybe he’ll notice that instead of how messy my hair must be after a long day at work and then driving for hours.
“Goldie,” Dad says, his voice cutting through the noise of the room. He’s smiling, his eyes soft with affection. “This is Milo Lombardi.”
Milo’s eyes meet mine, and for a second, the room goes silent.
“Milo,” I say curtly.
“Goldie,” he volleys.
“What are you doing here?” I say, sounding a little winded.
“Oh, you’ve already met? I had no idea.” Dad sounds excited.
“We have.” Milo nods slightly. His voice is low and steady. “Although I never caught your name.” His eyebrow lifts.
