Page 43 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
I nod, my eyes glued to the light brown locks. It’s spectacular, and I’m so glad I let her do it.
After I pay for my services and leave a healthy tip, I give hugs to both my mom and sister and make my way next door. The bakery is clean, but I still have a little prep work to do for tomorrow. Plus, I want to nail down exactly what sweet treats and drink selections I’m going to offer Friday night. I’ll be open from five to seven with another limited menu option for those attending the festival, and I have a few ideas, but I need to ensure I have the ingredients.
As I unlock the door and step inside the bakery, I pull out my phone and smile when I see a message from Burk.
Burk
Hope your day is going well. I’m still visiting Gramps. You were right. This is just what I needed. I’m having a great time.
Me
I knew it! I’m happy you’re reconnecting with him. Enjoy your visit.
He replies almost instantly with a smiley face emoji that mirrors my own grin as I slip the device back into my pocket, remove my coat, and flip on the lights in my kitchen. Pushing thoughts of Burk aside is hard, but I somehow manage while I finalize my plan for Friday night.
Of course, as soon as I’m finished, Burk is right back in the forefront of my brain.
And I don’t hate it.
Thinking about him has quickly become one of my favorite pastimes.
TWELVE
Burk
“I’m glad you came,”Gramps states as I prepare to leave.
I’ve been here all day, or at least since about ten thirty, and now it’s almost completely dark outside when I glance out the window. We had lunch together in the private dining room for families and then came back to his room, where we’ve been catching up all afternoon. We shared the cupcakes for an afternoon snack, and I helped him hide the sugar cookies in his nightstand drawer.
Now, it’s close to dinnertime and Gram is on her way. Both offered for me to stay and eat with them, but I want to give them a little time together. I know Gram stayed away longer than normal so Gramps and I could visit, and while I’ve loved spending that time with him, I really should get back.
Plus, since I have the whole day off, I plan to move the piles of wood Gram asked me to move to clean up the shed for when he comes home.
“I am too.” With my throat suddenly thick with emotion, I add, “I’m sorry I’ve stayed away so long.”
His eyes turn misty as he stares up at me from his chair. “That’s my fault, Burk. I shouldn’t have let emotions get in the way of family. I shouldn’t have let it continue so long.” He exhales and closes his eyes for a brief moment. “I’m stubborn. All of us Whitman men are. I had a vision of what the family farm would be, and when your dad came to me and said he didn’t want to be a part of it anymore, I didn’t take it well. I should have listened better. I regret it. All of it.”
I nod, thinking about how alike my dad and his dad are. Both are stubborn like mules, and while I don’t know if their relationship is repairable, I do know I can do my part in fixing the one I have with my grandparents. “I promise not to let the past have any more hold on my future.”
He gives me a sad smile. “You were young, boy, and I should have made a bigger effort. Even if I was mad at your dad, I shouldn’t have let it affect our relationship.”
“It’s okay,” I assure, but he quickly chimes back in.
“No, it’s not, but I’ll do better. Gram loves having you here. I wish I were home so I could be there and work beside you, but it’s not in the cards yet. But I’m gonna put in the work. My goal is to be home for Christmas, and I’ll do my damnedest to make it happen.”
My heart is practically tap dancing in my chest with giddiness. “That would be pretty great, but even if you’re not out of here yet, I’m sure we’ll all come see you here.”
He smiles, the right side of his face not quite catching up to the left yet. The stroke has affected the left side of his body, especially his leg and arm. They’re both weaker now, which is why the rehab program here is necessary. Fortunately, it didn’t affect his speech much, which would have created another layer of difficulty to his therapy program.
“Well, you have that wedding to go to that day,” Gramps announces, catching me off guard.
I’m surprised he’s heard about that, considering Joy just asked me to go yesterday and I haven’t told anyone yet. But that’s Snowflake Falls for you. It’s a small town where everyone knows your business.
“I do,” I confirm.
“I also hear you’re spending some time with Joy.” His statement is laced with humor but not like he’s laughing at me. It’s more the fact he knows and is ready for me to dispute it.
“I am,” I answer.
