Page 48 of Retaking the Shot
Unlike Mom, Dad settled for a handshake.
“Likewise, and please call me Coop.”
We followed my parents into the living room, where my grandparents each sat in a recliner. My grandma glanced up and grinned, but I could see the exhaustion in her features. Even with my parents’ help, she’d been responsible for most of my grandfather’s care since he’d been released from the hospital, and I couldn’t imagine it had been easy on her.
“Hi, Grandma.” I hugged her first since she was closest. “How are you?”
“I’m good.” She kissed my cheek. “Been looking forward to seeing you and meeting your man.”
Coop chuckled behind me and I grabbed his hand to pull him closer.
“Well, this is Coop. Coop, these are my grandparents, Eloise and Frank Mahoney.”
Grandpa stood and I watched him carefully as he walked over to Coop and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” It was impossible to miss the enormous smile he was sporting from meetingtheEmmett Cooper.
“You as well, sir,” Coop replied.
“He watches all of your games,” Grandma added. “Your visit was all he could talk about this morning.”
“I was just as excited to meet all of you. Ford speaks very highly of his family.” Coop flashed me a grin.
Once everyone had a chance to gush over my man, I took a seat on the couch and asked Grandpa, “So how have you been feeling?”
“Bored,” he huffed.
“The doctors said you need your rest.” Grandma rolled her eyes. She’d likely heard him complain several times already.
“Well, that’s what happens when you go and have a heart attack.” I winked.
He glared, but there was a hint of humor behind those eyes. “I feel fine. Just ready to get back to normal.”
Grandpa had never been one to sit around and do nothing, so I could only imagine how eager he was to get the all clear from the cardiologist.
The six of us chatted for a bit, and then Mom announced it was time for lunch. As we sat around the table, Grandpa jumped right into hockey talk.
“You guys are having a great season so far. Everyone around town says this might be the Bruins’ year.”
Coop almost looked embarrassed at the compliment. “Well, we don’t want to jinx anything, but the team is definitely working well together.”
“That’s because they have the best captain in the league.” I beamed.
“I think you’re a little biased.” Coop squeezed my leg under the table.
“He may be,” my father said. “But I’ve caught some games lately, and it seems as though that title is well-earned.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“So, are you going to visit your parents while you’re in town?” Grandma asked.
Coop shook his head. “Not this time. We’re heading straight back to Boston when we leave.”
“He has an early flight tomorrow, so I promised I’d get him home early,” I added.
Eventually, the others got up to move back into the living room, but Grandma reached for my arm. “Stay and talk to me for a minute.”
I remained in my seat. “Sure. Is everything okay?”
She looked at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I’m just so happy for you.”
