Page 127 of If Ever

Gran listens with apt attention as I tell her about how Chelsea and I met, that she’s spunky, always happy and sees the good in everything. Gran coos when I show her pictures.

“And you love her?” Her wizened old eyes settle on me.

“With all my heart.”

Gran’s eyes twinkle. “How is she in the sack?”

“Gran!” I feign shock. “A gentleman never tells.”

Satisfied, she pats my hand. “It’s certainly taken you long enough.”

“Trust me, she’s worth the wait.”

“In that case, I expect you’ll be wanting a certain trinket to take back to New York with you.”

“Yes, but only if you’re sure you want to part with it.”

She gets up and goes to her top dresser drawer. “I’m honored for you to have it. Your grandfather would be pleased.” She digs around a bit. “Ah, here it is.”

---