For once, I hadn’t softened the truth to make someone else comfortable.
After collecting my suitcase, I called Marianne.
“I’m coming out now.”
“Rose’s awake. She’s been looking around for you.”
“Tell her Grandma’s almost there.”
Marianne was waiting near arrivals with Rose in her carrier. She hugged me, then stepped back.
“Mom, you look exhausted. What happened?”
“A man decided his ticket included half my seat.”
“What?”
“I’ll tell you everything later. I managed to move, and I reported him.”
Marianne shook her head.
“I’m glad you stood up for yourself.”
“So am I. Now, where’s that granddaughter I’ve traveled all this way to meet?”
Marianne smiled and reached into the carrier.
“Someone’s been waiting for you.”
When she placed Rose in my arms, I forgot about Josh.
My granddaughter was smaller than I’d imagined, with round cheeks and one tiny hand curled against her blanket.
