seemed like yesterday when he was last here. I could almost smell his woodsy scent as I imagined how he’d look after a day of work. He always came in the
house with a big smile, covered with bits of sawdust, and the occasional wood chip in his hair.
The first thing he would do was to sneak a taste of whatever Gram was
cooking for dinner. Gram would scold him for being a mess, but he’d have a twinkle in his eyes as he whispered something into her ear while he wrapped her
tightly in his arms. In response, she would touch his face and whisper something
back to him that made his eyes light up. Then, he’d give her one last kiss before
she sent him off with a command to ‘wash up for dinner’. Gramps always
stopped on his way out of the kitchen to turn back, and say, ‘Olive you, Maesi’.
My memories of the past were interrupted by warm arms wrapping tightly
around my waist and a soft kiss on my neck.
“When are we eating, I'm starving.” Cole picked up a chunk of cucumber
and popped it into his mouth.
I set the knife down and twisted around to face him. “You’re always hungry.
Dinner will be ready soon.”
Cole laughed and kissed me again.
Sinking into his arms, I felt content just to be held by him. I looked forward
to the day we’d be married, and our new life together would begin. I wanted a
marriage like my grandparents had.
“Dinner is ready, lovebirds,” Gram said. “Can I break you up long enough to
set the table?”
Cole released me and swept Gram up in his arms. He twirled her around.
“Mae, don't be jealous. You know I'll always love you best.”
Gram slapped him lightly on the arm. "Put me down." When he obeyed, and
finally set her back on the floor, she grinned. “Go on. Do as I asked, or you won't
be eating."
“Anything for you, Mae.” Cole kissed Gram on the cheek before he went off
to set the table.
Chapter
Thirty-Three
While we ate our salads, Cole explained the plans that he and Elliott
had devised. Getting there would be the easy part because many
challenges awaited us once we were on the estate. We’d have to
watch for Drygen staff that may be patrolling and any changes to
the property that didn't match the maps.
Gram carried out a large casserole and herb breadsticks. As she dished out fresh pasta with chicken, caramelized onions, and mushrooms covered in a
cream sauce onto our plates, her eyes misted over. “For my dear, Chester – gone,
but not forgotten.”
We all raised our glasses of water and toasted.
Silence filled the table as we finished the delicious meal. However, my mind
wouldn't stay quiet. It kept drifting to the days ahead of us. Finally, pushing back
