Page 63 of Loved By Tandy

“Let me finish. The pictures and everything else don’t bother me. I know you loved Catherine. I know you still do, just in a different way now that she’s gone. And I’m fine with that. Love isn’t something that gets smaller when portions are given away. By being here and loving you, I’m in no way trying to replace her.”

“I know that. The thought has never crossed my mind.”

“Are you sure all your children will feel the same way? Will Zach and Eli feel like I’m intruding if I sit in on a dinner about something so personal to your family?”

He shakes his head. “In some ways, I know my grandsons better than some of my kids because they live here. I see them more often. Zach and Eli are quite pleased that I’m no longer moping around. And they like you. David and Patsy gave no indication that they resent you in any way. As for the other two, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. But as far as I’m concerned, you’re family now.”

“In that case, I happily accept the invitation. I’ll even cook. Just let me know when and what you want me to make.”

“Meatloaf.” He winks.

CHAPTER 26

MATTHEW

After dinner, Tandy goes into her room to put on her walking shoes. And I hide a file folder and a Big Hunk in the mule. I also toss a blanket in the back so that when we’re tired of strolling, we can sit.

Tandy grins and heads toward the front door. “I’m ready.”

“This way. We’ll take the mule.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “The mule? I thought the entire point was walking. The mule sort of does away with the walking.”

“We’ll walk. Just in a different spot. Trust me.”

Easing up beside me, she clasps my hand. “I’m not sure what you’re up to, but I’ll trust you.”

Once we’re settled in our seats, I take off toward the old oak with our initials carved in it. It sits in a field of summer wildflowers, which as long as you watch for snakes, is a pleasant place to walk. It’s pretty.

We don’t make it far down the road before Tandy crosses her arms. “Do I need to be worried about the serious part? Did they tell you something at the appointment that you didn’t share with me? I’m not sure how you would’ve known that this morning, but I’m kind of grasping here. I’ve tried to be good about not pestering you with questions, but you disappeared multipletimes today torun errandsand now we’re taking the mule to go for a walk. What gives?”

“My doctor’s office will call when the test results are back. I have no more information about my health. And I was running errands. To prepare for tonight.”

“Okay.” She’s quiet until we get to the field. “This spot is so pretty. I should have Haley come take my pictures here.”

“You should.” I offer my hand to help her out. “Let’s walk.”

Fingers intertwined, we stroll along the edge of the field.

While I’m silently thinking through what I want to say, Tandy breaks the quiet. “I enjoyed having you close last night.”

“Good to hear. That’s part of the reason I want us to talk.”

She stops and crosses her arms. Her expression is serious, but there is a mischievous spark in her eye. “You drove me out here to tell me you wanted to sleep with me?”

“You’re putting words in my mouth, but I did enjoy last night. When I walked into your room, I was not intending to stay the night. I just needed to unload my worry because after nights of barely sleeping, I couldn’t take it anymore.”

She loops her arm around mine. “I haven’t shared my bed in a very long time.”

“There is a lot I want to share with you, and at least one thing I don’t.”

My cryptic statement earns me a quizzical look.

“Tandy, I love you. And blame it on what I’m facing right now if you want, but everything is clearer. I know what’s important. You’re important. I want to share my life with you, my bed with you, and all the things that go along with that.” As we reach the old tree, I reach into my pocket and pull out a blue velvet box. And in a move I practiced several times today, I flick open the lid with my thumb to reveal a ruby ring. “Tandy Cavanaugh, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Yes.” The word escapes as part laugh, part sob.

And I pull her close, and after a moment, I nudge her. “Look at the tree.”

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