Page 93 of Quintessentially

Mom looks at me and back to Kandace. “Making Dax happy. It’s the best feeling as a parent to know your child is happy.”

Kandace grins. “He makes me happy. He always has.”

“When do we get to see our granddaughter?” Dad asks and he shivers. “Next Christmas, you should all come down to Florida. Hell of a lot warmer.”

“Let me take your coats,” I offer. “Where are your suitcases?”

Mom shakes her head. “We have a room in Washington. You don’t need us here.” She turns to Kandace as she shrugs off her coat. “Dax says you’re busy at Quintessential Treasures and that you’ve made some changes. I’d love to see the store.”

“I’d love to show you.”

It’s at that moment that Molly comes down the stairs with a tentative smile.

Mom’s fingertips go to her lips as my dad’s smile grows.

“Come on down,” Kandace says. “Remember we told you that Daddy’s parents were coming. Molly, this is your other grandpa and grandma.”

“Hi.” She’s still a few steps up and holding tightly to the banister.

Mom steps forward. “You’re as beautiful as your pictures.”

Molly’s head tilts as a smile begins to form. “You have eyes like me and Daddy.”

Mom nods. “I do.”

Molly comes the rest of the way down and Mom gives her a hug. She reaches for my hand and looks up at me. “Daddy, are we going to go to Grandma and Granddad’s house?”

“We are.” I look at my parents. “Family dinner.”

“You’ve been warned,” Kandace says.

“I remember your parents,” Dad replies. “Randy was a few grades behind me.”

My brow lengthens. “I didn’t know that.”

“How’s he doing?” Dad asks. “Dax told us about the health issue.”

“Granddad is good,” Molly volunteers.

We drive out to the farm in two cars, and I can sense that Kandace’s nerves are calming. Snow swirls in the air as we make our way up to the porch. Inside, I introduce my parents to Bridget, Randy, and Justin as Molly runs upstairs to her old room. She inspects it each time we visit and finds one or two more things to take to our home.

Soon, everyone is talking. Dad is in the living room with Randy and Justin, while Mom is in the kitchen with Bridget and Kandace. There’s a fire in the fireplace and the tree in the living room fills the house with the scent of pine. That’s not completely true. The aroma of turkey is making my stomach growl.

The dining room is set for the eight of us.

Just before dinner, Kandace comes out to the living room and whispers in my ear, “Everyone is getting along. Your mom is friendly.”

Not always, but I’ll go with it.

It’s as we finish our meal with too many side dishes that I stand and reach for Kandace’s hand, encouraging her to stand.

“You’re not going to kiss, are you?” Molly asks.

Kandace grins at me.

My voice is suddenly shaky as I fall to one knee, and Kandace’s eyes fill with tears. “I love you.”

She is nodding as her hand in mine begins to tremble. “Dax?”

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