Page 69 of The Nicest Thing
Mom frowned."They just…left her?"
I gave a short nod.
"That had to leave a mark," she murmured.
"Rose doesn't talk about it much.A sad look comes into her eyes whenever she does, so I try not to bring them up."
"I can't even imagine leaving my kids behind."
"That's because you're the best."
Mom waved off the words and refocused her attention on me."Remember what I always say about visiting someone's home?"
"Never show up empty-handed," I replied.
"So?"
"I'm headed to the store next to pick up a few things before I see Rose."
"That's my son," she said."Her family is going to love you, Finn."
They would.
Because I was determined to make it happen.
To be whatever Rose needed me to be.
No matter what.
#
I knocked on the door to Magnolia House.
Rose answered a second later, and her eyes went wide as they took me in.
"Finn," she said, "what is all that?"
I sent her a smile and held up the items in my arms."I didn't know what to get, so I brought flowers, candy, and bottle of wine.I got red.The checkout lady said it was sweeter, and you mentioned that your grandma liked sweet things.Hope that's okay."
Rose sighed."It's more than okay, but…"
"But?" I repeated.
"I guess this means you didn't get my text?"
Frowning, I carefully pulled my phone from my pocket.
There was a new message.
My Rose:Hey Finn!I just found out family dinner is cancelled.My cousin Derek and his kids all have strep :(.So, no dinner tonight.Sorry for the late notice! <3
I looked up and nodded."Ah, okay."
"Sorry," Rose said, "I know you were looking forward to meeting everyone."
"I was."
"I can't imagine why."At my sour look, she laughed."You did go all out though, huh?"
