Page 62 of Anchored

Grandma hoots. “Give me the drugs, Doc!”

I put my hand out, not ready to jump right into solutions when I still had doubts about her mental faculties. “Wait a second. I have a question first. Grandma still doesn’t remember Holt. Shouldn’t she remember him if she’s just in the very early stages?”

Doctor Ahmed is looking at Grandma. One thick dark eyebrow climbs his forehead. When he doesn’t answer, I look to Grandma. She’s got her lips pursed and is suddenly very interested in the pattern on her coffee mug. The doctor clears his throat, and Grandma’s gaze snaps back up.

“Okay, fine. The jig is up,” Grandma announces, sounding more lucid than she’s been all summer. She turns to me, love and apology in her eyes. “I know who Holt is. He’s been my physical therapist for several years now. I rent my cabin to him, for goodness’ sake!”

My jaw drops in shock. “Then why did you tell me you thought he was my fiancé?”

The doctor clears his throat again and stands up. “I’m sorry to cut this short, but I have another appointment I need to get to while you two sort this out. Can I swing by tomorrow during rounds to discuss treatment plans, Gracie?”

“Absolutely, Doctor. Thank you for all you’re doing.” Gracie gives him a regal head nod. He shakes my bewildered hand and lets himself out.

“I think it’s still Hawaiian week at the pool. Wanna come?” Grandma looks like she’s ready to spring from her chair and walk away from this conversation.

I fold my arms across my chest, feeling quite foolish for pretending for weeks on end now. “Grandma.”

She must hear my tone because her face falls and she eases back in the chair, meeting my gaze. “Oh, darling. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel awkward, but I had to do it.”

“What? Why?” I don’t understand what would make her fake memory loss.

Grandma reaches out, her gnarled, weathered hand covering mine on the tabletop. She sweeps her thumb across my hand, giving me comfort like she always did when I was growing up.

“You have to understand. When the old doctor mentioned that he thought I was dealing with dementia, I got scared.”

My fingers squeeze her hand gently, the guilt hitting for not being here for her back then. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to help you.”

“No, darling. You misunderstand. I was scared foryou.” At my confused expression, she carries on. “I see myself in you in so many ways. Always have. I also see how your parents and brother treat you, Maple. I refuse to leave this earth, either bodily or mentally, until I know you have your person in your life. Someone who will see you as I see you: perfect in every way. I need to see you happy and settled before I go, darling.”

Tears burn my eyes. I can’t seem to swallow past the lump in my throat. “Oh, Grandma.”

“Now, I know matchmaking isn’t the nicest thing, but at the rate you were going, I didn’t know if I had that much time! After you and Dexter broke up, you just wallowed. I had to pull you out of that bullshit, clean you off, and let you shine again. I knew you could only do that here in Anchor Lake. This place is magical.”

My heart aches, knowing Grandma loves me so well. How can she be everything to me and yet my own parents are so cold and oblivious? I don’t even question how she knew about Dexter and our breakup. This woman’s mind is far sharper than I ever gave her credit for.

“I’ve grown a lot since coming back here,” I admit.

“This town is where you belong, girl.”

My lips tip up in a smile, thinking about all the memories I’ve made here in Anchor Lake. Grandma’s not wrong: I’ve always felt like this was home.

“And I know Holt well. Wouldn’t have rented my cabin to him if I didn’t trust him explicitly. He’s a good man, Maple.”

That made me smile from ear to ear despite the tears still brimming in my eyes. “I know. I’m in love with him, so I guess your matchmaking worked.”

Grandma looks elated. “I’m glad to hear it. But make no mistake, it’s not Holt saving you. Or me pulling strings in the background that’s made you find your happiness. No, you finally trusted yourself, came home, and found your soulmate.”

I nod, reveling in the feeling of a family member being proud of me for once. “Yeah, I think I have.”

There’s a knock on the door, and for a second, I think it must be the doctor coming back. Grandma looks up. “Must be Nancy and Pat. They’re probably going to tell me I need to getlei’d.” She cackles at her joke.

I stand up, bend down, and kiss her cheek, then head for the door. I swing it open, shocked to find Holt and his grandfather standing on the doorstep. Harold is in a suit and tie that hangs on his thin, tall frame, his hair perfectly combed and a bouquet of dogwood flowers in his hands.

“Surprise!” Holt says.

All the thoughts about myself and my journey evaporate in a split second. I’m so happy I could burst.

Hank has come to see his Gracie Mae.

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