“Hello, Rose. I’m your grandma.”
She opened her eyes and stared at me.
Marianne laughed.
“She’s checking you out.”
“Well, she can take her time. I’ve waited months to meet her.”
Rose stretched her fingers around mine.
I felt tears gathering.
Steven should’ve been there.
He’d once insisted he’d teach our future grandchildren how to make lemon cakes.
“They’ll need teeth first,” I’d told him.
“Then I’ll practice until they do.”
He would’ve adored this little girl.
Marianne touched my shoulder.
“I wish Dad could see her.”
“So do I, sweetheart.”
We found a nearby bench, and I settled Rose against my chest.
Marianne sat beside me.
“Mom, is your hip still hurting?”
“A little, but sitting helps.”
“Would you like me to take her?”
“Absolutely not!”
Marianne laughed and squeezed my shoulder.
“I’m really glad you came, Mom.”
