Page 95 of Summer Love

I went inside where Grams was watching her shows. "Do you want to see the final product?"

She got up, and I moved to assist her. "I was hoping you'd be done today."

I held my arm out for her so she could walk out the back door onto her new porch for the first time. The guys stood around, filling the small space.

It was larger than her original porch and included the ceiling fan she'd requested and the mister that Hudson had insisted on. "You probably need to pick out a few decorations, but otherwise it's done."

Grams was quiet for a few seconds, and I was worried she didn't like it.

"You can add a lamp so you can read here at night."

"And we made you a waterfall feature," Cooper said, turning on the stone structure that sat just outside the screen door. The sound of falling water filled the silence.

Grams's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "It's exactly what I wanted. I feel closer to your grandfather out here."

I hugged her. "That's what I wanted for you."

Then Grams went up to each brother and thanked him for his hard work. When she got to Hudson, she said, "Thanks for making an old woman's dream come true."

Hudson chuckled. "I wouldn't say old. You're the most energetic person I know."

Grams patted his cheek. "You're a sweet boy. You take care of my girl."

My cheeks flushed as Hudson met my gaze. "I will."

"Now, I made cookies for each of you to take home." I helped her hand out the tins of cookies to each Kingston brother, and then they were gone.

Hudson, Grams, and I sat on the porch together, drinking lemonade and munching on the cookies.

"You might need a few more pieces of furniture," Hudson observed.

We were seated in the rockers, but Hudson was on a bench from the old porch I'd brought out.

Grams nodded. "That's a good idea. Maybe you can find a cushioned couch and chairs with a table. Then we can sit out here and enjoy the evening."

It would be more comfortable than the rockers. "I'll look for a few options."

"You should be going out and enjoying yourself. Not hanging out with me."

"We want to enjoy this porch that we built." I still couldn't believe I'd had a hand in building it.

"Your granddaughter is quite the carpenter, Grams," Hudson observed.

Grams beamed. "Oh, I know she's talented. She can do anything she puts her mind to."

"You think so?" I asked, pleased with her response.

Grams reached over and patted my hand. "I have no doubt about that. I know you're worried about your magazine job, but you're so talented you could work anywhere."

I frowned. "There aren't many jobs here on the island."

Grams waved her hand. "I wouldn't think you'd be limited with the internet these days.

"I don't know." Frustration was building in my gut.

Grams inclined her head. "Just keep your mind open for the possibilities."

"Valerie was excited about my article, so I'm hoping my job is safe." I repeated what I'd been saying to myself for days now.

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