Page 71 of Make You Love Me

Greyson’s hand swipes at my cheek to dry my tears. “You okay, Babygirl?” he says as he kisses the top of my head, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me closer.

“I am, just a lot to take in. I've never seen her like this.” I motion toward the picture of the frail girl. “I was young when she passed away. The Leukemia had come back aggressively, and she was gone not long after they found it again. I don’t recall her ever looking this sick.”

“Fuck babe, I'm sorry,” he says, squeezing me a little tighter to him. Staring at the photo book for a bit longer.

“Dad, did Aunt Natalie meet Leah?” Greyson asks his dad. “I'm only asking because she met Lottie this summer and never mentioned anything.”

“She did… but if I recall correctly, it's when Leah was really sick. Nat probably wouldn’t have put two and two together if I'm being honest. Not many people recognized Leah for a while.” Smith says with a saddened look on his face.

“Yeah, she really looked like a completely different person there for a while,” Gunnar says, reminding me we’re in the middle of Nana’s living room surrounded by people.Wow, I really zoned out there.

Looking around the living room I notice Ford and Frankie are in their own world watching the Panthers game. It seems quite intense by the looks on their faces. Gunnar is busy scrolling through his phone, when he's not peeking through the memorabilia Smith passes his way.

Nana is in her recliner, the only piece of furniture that doesn’t look like it was replaced during the remodel. The color doesn’t match, and it appears to have seen better days, but I can guarantee it's her favorite thing in this place. She looks content as hell, lounging and reading her trash magazines. I'll have to remember to pick up some next time we come, I love a good gossip mag.

Smith is digging through the box once more, then pops his head up once he finds what he’s looking for. I can see the unshed tears in his eyes, but there is a smile on his face and I'm assuming it's because of what he found.

He hands me a piece of paper that’s been folded in some sort of origami-looking way. He motions for me to open it and I do so carefully as to not rip the worn-out piece of paper.

I can't help the small laugh that escapes when I read it.

Hey Hot Stuff,

So, I’m thinking you’re pretty cool and I like spending time with you. I was wondering if you'd like to be my girl. We’re basically together every day anyway so I can't see any reason for you not to say yes.

JK- please say yes!

-Smitty

P.S: Gunnar says this is stupid, but I don’t give a shit what he says…. So, what do you say?!?

Wow when you put it that way, how can a girl say no?!?

Tell Gunnar to shut his pie hole- and yes, I’d love to be your girl...

My only requirement is constant snacks-

-Xox-

Greyson grabs the letter when I'm done and reads it as well, letting out a chuckle when he finishes. “Damn Dad, real smooth.”

“What can I say? I'm a natural Casanova.” He winks at us.

“I mean, how could she say no to that?” I laugh.

“Let me see whatever this is that has you laughing away the tears,” Gunnar asks, reaching for the letter in Greyson's hands. He reads it quietly, then smiles.

“Shit, I remember this day. You were so damn nervous…” he says, smiling at Smith. “Feels like it was just yesterday… now look at us, with grown-ass kids and shit.” He laughs.

“Ain’t that some shit,” Smith nods.

We hear a loud snore break through, and we all turn to glance at Nana, who is passed out with her magazine still in hand.

“Guess that’s our queue to pack it up,” Greyson says to the group.

“Guess so… you heading to the clubhouse Gun?” Smith asks.

“Yeah brother, you coming with?”

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