nervous, I just made out with this woman’s granddaughter right in front of her and now she’s obviously trying to get me alone. I clear my throat and rub my hands together. My palms are sweaty.
“Liam,” her gran says my name so softly I almost don’t hear her.
“Yes, ma’am?” Okay, now I’m really worried.
“You love her, you love my Allie?” she questions me.
I nod my head vigorously. “I do, more than I ever thought possible,” I tell her.
“Good, can you promise me something?” she asks. Her voice is laced with so much emotion, sadness or concern, maybe. I can’t really tell.
“That depends, ma’am. If you’re going to ask me to stay away from Allison, I’m sorry I just can’t do that.” I’m not sure what she’s going to ask of me, but I’m sure it has to do with Allison and me. Agreeing to stay away from her isn’t an option.
Gran laughs softly. “No, I see the way you look at her and her at you. I would never take that away from either of you.” She smiles at me. “Although, after your statement my fear of what I’m about to ask you is no longer palpable.” She reaches her hand out to me, so I stand up and walk over to her chair. I kneel down in front of her, taking her hand in mine while her other rests on my cheek. “Take care of her for me, Liam. I’m her only family and, well, I won’t be on this earth forever. All Allie has ever wanted was to have a family.” She pauses and takes a deep breath. “I was never able to give that to her. After her parents died, it was just us. It has always been just us. I need to know she’ll have someone who will be there for her forever after I’m gone.” She’s looking at me as if she can see inside my soul. “Can you love her for me, give her the life she deserves?”
I have to fight to hide the fact that her words have me choked up. Allison’s grandmother is asking me to love Allie forever, to give her the family and life she has always dreamed of. I have to gather my wits before I can respond. “I love Allison with everything I am. She has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her. I’m honored I have your blessing.” I lean over and kiss her cheek.
Gran nods, tears in her eyes. “I met my late husband and knew by the end of our first date he was the one. Love like that is hard to find. I see it in the two of you.”
I hear Allison and Hailey coming down the hall. I nod my head, letting her know I’ll cherish Allison always and rush back to the couch. When Allison walks in, she offers me her genuine I’m happy smile. The one she reserves for me, I smile back. The old Liam would have been out the door and running for the hills after that speech. The new Liam is elated to have her blessing. I want to go look at rings today, although I know that’s not possible. Allison and I have talked about the draft, but never what it’s going to mean for our relationship. To me, it doesn’t change things, I love her. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I want her to go with me. I need her with me always. I’ve been afraid to broach the subject with her. Afraid I would be pushing things too far too fast, but after last weekend, my mind is made up. Allison is mine, always, and I’ll do everything in my power to show her she belongs with me. I can give her the love and the family she has always wanted. My mind veers to a pregnant Allison, and I have to readjust my position to hide the evidence of my erection. I want it all with Allison. I want to give her the family she’s always craved.
The rest of the day goes off without a hitch. Hailey, Allison, and Aiden’s mom make dinner while Aiden and I keep Gran entertained. Aiden’s mom made the desserts. She really outdid herself, but Aiden and I graciously volunteer to take the extras back with us. Hailey and I clean up the kitchen while Allie and Aiden