Page 101 of An Engagement for Erica

“We aren’t going to burn Michael out, are we?” he asked. “I’ll have to start buying more scotch to keep him around.”

“I’ll give you the list of the kinds I like,” Michael said, coming into the room and filling his father’s water glass. “Got to keep this filled or he won’t ask for more.”

“I hate having to get up to use the bathroom all the time,” his grandfather said.

“Why?” Tucker asked.

“Because he can’t walk there on his own, he won’t use the wheelchair, and he hates asking for help,” Michael said. “But he’d hate it even more if he had an accident. Keep him drinking, then he has to get up and move and make his therapist happy.”

He liked how sly Michael was about that. “How often are you getting up and walking around?” he asked.

He hadn’t seen his grandfather walk in a week but heard he was moving much better. He was using a walker that he hated and not the wheelchair as often unless he was tired or weaker.

“Enough,” his grandfather said. “I’m like an old man using that walker.”

“You are old,” Tucker said, laughing.

His grandfather picked his water up and took a drink. “Point taken. But not old enough that I can’t get out there and dance at your wedding someday.”

Erica flushed some when he looked at her. “I’m sure you’re going to be one of the first and last ones on the floor.”

She avoided saying anything about saving a dance for him while she twisted the ring on her finger.

Tucker wasn’t sure why he was noticing it, but maybe it was because his grandfather’s eyes kept landing there too.

“You tell me the songs you want played and you’ll get it,” he told his grandfather.

“I’m going to hold you to it,” his grandfather said.

Michael came back five minutes later. “Lunch is about ready. Are you and Erica staying?” Michael asked him. “I made soup and am putting some sandwiches together.”

He looked at Erica but could tell she wanted to leave. “I think we’ll let Grandpa eat and rest before his afternoon session,” he said.

Erica stood up before his grandfather could dispute it. “You should get your rest,” Erica said, moving closer. “But you look so much better.”

“It’s nice of you to say that,” his grandfather said. “Don’t suppose I can get a kiss on the cheek again. I know I asked you for it last time.”

Erica laughed and he wasn’t surprised his grandfather remembered that day either.

“That went well,” she said when they were driving back to his house.

“It did,” he said. “Though there were a few confusing comments or facts I had to ask or correct, mentally he’s getting there and progressing.”

“I think that is more important than the rest,” she said.

“Not in my grandfather’s eyes,” he said, snorting. “He’ll want it all, but knowing he is walking and moving more is great.”

“You could see him using his right arm and hand normally,” she said.

“Michael told me he won’t use his left with company present because he’s still having problems gripping things or controlling his movements, but I think in the long run, if he can walk with a cane it’d be fine. He’d be using his right hand for that and it seems fine and strong enough. He’s getting there.”

“Which is the most important thing right now,” she said.

“Thanks for going with me,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll be off the hook for a while now.”

“I’ll do whatever you need me to do,” she said.

“You’re already doing much more than I could have asked,” he said softly.

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