Page 55 of When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss

The receptionist at the front desk directs me to Georgia’s room, and I knock softly when I get there.

“Come in,” Reese calls out.

I open the door to find her sitting at her grandmother’s side by the window.

“You must be Dawson.” Georgia holds out her hand. “Reese, you didn’t tell me he was so handsome.”

Reese’s cheeks flush. “Let’s not inflate his ego any further.”

Georgia’s lips curve into a sly grin. “From the looks of him, it’s not the only thing that’s impossible to ignore, but you’d know best, now wouldn’t you, sweetheart.”

“Oh. My.God. Grams.” Reese covers her mouth with her hand. “I cannot believe you just said that.”

Georgia waves her off. “At my age, I’ve earned the right to speak my mind. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

I’ve only been here a minute, and I’m already a big fan of Reese’s grandma.

I hold out the bouquet of roses for Georgia. “These are for you.”

“Handsomeanda gentleman.” She grins, setting the flowers on the side table next to her.

I scan the room, taking in my surroundings. It’s spacious, decorated with several personal touches, including a hand-stitched quilt on the bed, a curio cabinet displaying an array of tea sets, and a bureau lined with a collection of gold picture frames.

Several of the photos show Georgia and a man looking lovingly into each other’s eyes, along with others that include Reese alongside them. On the far end, there is a photograph with a young woman who bears a striking resemblance to Reese. The woman is seated on the front porch of Reese’s house. Her gaze, brimming with happiness, is directed at the baby she’s cradling in her lap.

“That’s Jodi, Reese’s mom,” Georgia says from her recliner, her voice taking on a wistful tone. “That picture was taken a week after she brought Reese home from the hospital. We were taken with her from day one.”

I turn to Reese. “You look just like her,” I observe.

She smiles. “Thank you.”

“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Jodi,” Georgia adds. “But when I look at my Reese, I see a piece of her mom and it brings me so much peace.” She gives Reese a loving glance, her eyes glistening with unspoken memories.

“Love you, Grams,” Reese says.

“Love you too, sweetheart.” Georgia replies. She briefly glances at her watch, her expression changing to urgency. “We better get going or we’ll be late.”

“Where are we going exactly?” I ask.

Reese never mentioned a field trip.

“Oak Ridge has a weekly bingo night for residents and their families, and I never miss it,” Georgia says enthusiastically. “Tonight is special—I’ve never brought two guests before.” She beams.

“Am I not good enough for you anymore?” Reese winks playfully.

“Oh honey, you’re more than enough, but who could pass up the chance to bring along some eye candy. The other ladies will be talking about it for days.”

“You hear that, Dawson? You’re theeye candy,” Reese taunts.

“Maybe my charm will throw them off their game and I’ll win a round or two.” I wink.

“Don’t let Ms. Werther from across the hall hear you say that,” Georgia warns me. “She considers herself the top contender for that title.”

“I have to go grab something. I’ll be right back.” Reese gets out of her chair and disappears into the attached bedroom.

When she’s out of earshot, I lean in closer to Georgia, resting my arm on her chair. “I want you to know I’m interested in your granddaughter,” I explain in a whisper. “Have any advice for me?”

Georgia raises an eyebrow with a dry laugh. “What makes you think you’re good enough for her? Your fancy job and deep pockets might impress some people, but not me, and most certainly not Reese.”

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