Page 198 of Play of Love
Lucy turned back to Angelo and said, "this is my Evie."
I smiled at that.
"It's a real pleasure to meet you both." Angelo smiled. "Please come in."
* * *
We went inside where we were immersed in art, and tales from the war and life that had gone by.
When the time felt right, Gage and I left Lucy with Angelo, feeling it was right to give them some time by themselves.
We went for a walk by the pier and around the docks enjoying the scenery as we talked. When we returned, we sat out in the garden where Lucy joined us.
She looked the happiest I’d ever seen her.
"What happens now, Grams?" Gage asked.
Lucy smiled at him. "All sorts of things my darling."
"You ... aren't coming back are you?"
I looked from Gage to Lucy. Although it was glaringly obvious it actually never occurred to me that Lucy would stay. It was silly to not factor that in.
Lucy shook her head. "Angelo's asked me to stay. So I will."
Gage nodded understanding. Lucy turned to me and tapped my head, then looked back to Gage.
"I know you two are seeing each other." She smiled.
While I could feel my face turning red, Gage started to laugh.
"I was going to tell you," Gage stated with a sheepish shrug.
"Me too," I added. Amongst everything I'd been thinking about that was
definitely on the list. I just wanted to find the right time. I also wanted to celebrate the happiness that came with Lucy finding Angelo.
"I'm very happy that you both found each other."
"You are?" I asked cautiously.
"Of course." I smiled again. "But a few words of advice. If you feel the way you look to me, then don't waste time."
"How do we look?" Gage asked.
"Like a couple in love," she affirmed quite bluntly. "I'm sorry, but I know more than most that there's no point in trying to deny something that's perfectly obvious. If I'm right, please..." she looked at us both. "Don't waste time. Don't beat about the bush. And please, take care of each other. I'll leave you with that thought."
She gave us a soft smile as she backed away. I watched her until she went back in the house and closed the door behind her.
Gage was already looking at me when I looked back to him. I held his gaze for a few moments before he reached for me and pulled me onto his lap.
I slipped my arms around his neck while he held my waist and stroked the skin there.
He looked up at me and smiled. "You should probably know that taking care of me involves a lot of baking. I love pumpkin pie."
I laughed and reached out to touch his face. It was just like him to say something like that.
"I like baking. While we're on the subject of care, to take care of me, you'll have to put up with me playing my violin for hours."
