Page 33 of The Forever After Bet

“Thank you, Gigi, you’re the best.” I take the bag from her, then lean down, kissing her cheek.

“You’re welcome. If the power goes out, you’ll have to come into the house. Grandpa has a fire going in the family room, just in case. There’s a flashlight in the closet and I’ll leave the garage doors unlocked.”

“Sounds good,” I say.

“Thank you for helping us find our way back to each other, Gigi.” Hannah glances at me, and I smile at her.

Gigi walks up to Hannah, taking her hands. “It’s rare for people to find their soulmates these days, but I found mine. I see the love you two have for each other. It’s the same love my husband and I have.”

Hannah throws her arms around my grandma, hugging her. “Thank you,” Hannah whispers again.

“You’re welcome. I better get back before your grandpa gets too worried.” Gigi smiles, putting her coat and hat back on.

“I’ll walk you back.” I put on my coat.

Gigi stares down her nose at me. “You have on a letterman jacket and tennis shoes. I’m in full winter attire.”

“Argue all you want, but I’m still going back to the house with you.” I tilt my head, smiling.

My grandma grumbles and walks over to the small closet next to the front door, wrenching it open. She pulls out a box that has miscellaneous clothing inside it. She finds a pair of mismatched gloves, an old, cracked leather trapper hat that’s seen better days, and a pink scarf. I put everything on and wrap the scarf twice around my neck.

“Ford,” Hannah says.

“Yeah?”

I turn around, and Hannah snaps several pictures of me with her phone.

“I love the look. It’s totally you.”

I raise my arm above my head and stick my leg out, making a kissy face, and Hannah snaps several more pictures.

“I’m going to need you to text me those pictures.” Gigi laughs.

“No problem.” Hannah laughs.

I walk up to Hannah and give her a quick kiss. “I’ll be right back.”

“Then I’ll wait right here.”

The snow is wet and fluffy, and it’s coming down so hard that there’s already almost two feet on the ground. When we open the door, my grandpa is shoving a hat on his head. “It’s about damn time, woman. You told me you’d be gone ten minutes, not thirty!” My grandpa exclaims.

“If you’d come with me, as I asked, you wouldn’t have your panties all in a bunch.” Gigi huffs, wiping snow off her arm and flicking it at Gramps.

It hits him in the chest, and he doesn’t even flinch. He turns to me. “Thank you for walking her back.”

“Of course.” I smile.

His eyes narrow as he looks me over. “Is that a fashion trend you kiddos like these days?”

I tip my head back, laughing. “No, Gramps. It’s hand-me-downs Gigi found in the closet.”

“That’s good. I don’t think pink is really your color.” My grandpa laughs.

“What? Really? I always thought pink was flattering on me. It brings out the pink in my lips.”

My grandpa scoffs, shaking his head, then sits down to take off his snow boots. My grandma makes me trade my letterman jacket for an old winter coat of my grandpa’s. She also gives me a coat for Hannah in case we have to come into the main house during the night, along with better gloves, hats, and scarves.

I’m about to open the door to the garage when my phone rings. It’s Jack. “Hey, what’s up?” I answer.

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