“I’m not having the easiest time with this move myself,” Randy wanted to say, but, instead, he silently rebuked himself for ever being weak enough to get himself into such a mess to begin with.
Grant nodded. “I know I said I wouldn’t, but I will miss you, Dad.”
“You won’t have time,” Randy shook his head. “Send me a schedule. I’ll make plans to come to some games.” Randy motioned to Emily. He took her and Grant and Leah into his arms all at once. “I love you guys so much.”
Nora walked in the door unnoticed. She stared at her husband huddled with the kids, and she could feel tears hot against her cheeks, but there was something inside of her that refused to give in to the moment. Rachel handed her a tissue. “Thank you,” she smiled, as she cleared her throat. “Kids, it’s time to go!” she called.
“Mom!” Emily exclaimed as she hurried across the living room and flung her arms around Nora. “I’ve missed you.”
“David, Sweetie, will you help me get their things in the car,” Nora instructed, knowing that she had to get in and get out before she changed her mind. The very sight of her granddaughter, her red hair covering her face as she rested against Grant’s shoulder, gave her pause. The very idea of being away from Leah sent her emotions into a downward spiral, that, if she let them, would get the best of her. There were so many reasons to stay, but, for once in her life, she had to do what she felt was right for her. She had to go.
“Nora,” Randy called as his wife began ushering the kids outside. “Aren’t you tired from your flight? Don’t you want to rest awhile? You could leave tonight or tomorrow.”
“No,” Nora shook her head, “I’m just going to grab a few things, and we’re going to head on out. Between the three of us, it shouldn’t be a bad drive.” She walked purposefully down the hall, and fifteen minutes later she was back, holding a suitcase in each hand.
While she put the last of her things in the car, Nora watched as Grant and David played basketball in the driveway. Grant was laughing, and that sound had always melted her heart. Emily was watching, smiling as she rocked back and forth in Rachel’s arms. Leah was in her mother’s arms, actually staring at her daddy and her Uncle Grant as they played, and Nora was sure she detected a hint of a smile on the child’s face.
“Can I help you with those?” Randy offered as he reached for her bags.
“I’ve got it,” Nora shook her head as she shoved the last bag inside. “I’m just going to go inside and get a bottle of water, and we’re going to head out.”
Randy followed Nora back up the driveway. “Nora…”
“Grant!” Nora called, cutting Randy off. “Crank up the car; it’s time to go.”
As Grant and Emily waited in the car, Nora and Randy stood alone on the porch, staring at one another, only to look away before either could speak. “Goodbye, Randy,” Nora nodded finally.
“Are you really leaving?” Randy sighed.
“Yeah,” Nora cried. “I am…hard to believe isn’t it?”
“What is his name again?” Randy gulped.
“He’s not the reason I’m leaving,” Nora shook her head. “You are.”
Randy took a deep breath. “Yeah, but the guy…the guy from high school…what’s his name?”
“Jack Nelson,” Nora replied with a smile.
“That’s right; I remember,” Randy nodded. “Does he have kids?” he inquired.
“Two,” Nora nodded. “Both girls. One seventeen and one eighteen.”
“Do Grant and Emily know about them?” Randy shrugged.
“No,” Nora shook her head, “I don’t think his girls know about our kids yet either. I figured I would save that news for the road.”
“What does he do?” Randy asked with a grimace.
“He’s a high school basketball coach,” Nora replied hesitantly.
“What?” Randy exclaimed.
“Grant doesn’t know that yet either,” Nora added.
Randy nodded solemnly, his face taunt with disappointment.
“Randy,” Nora sighed, “he will never take your place in Grant’s life. That’s a promise.”
“Don’t take my kids from me, Nora,” Randy begged.
“I’m sorry,” Nora gulped. “I mean that Randy, and I hope you’ll come visit us.” She shook her head. “Them,” she corrected.
“I’ll get there when I can,” Randy said as he closed his eyes.
Nora wrapped her arms around him. “We have to go,” she sighed as she kissed his cheek.
“You won’t change your mind?” Randy sighed.
“No,” Nora shook her head after a moment of staring at the man she had devoted her life to. “I told you last night, Randy, I have had a lot of time to think. This is right for me. You obviously needed a change; now, so do I.”
“Do you love him?” Randy forced himself to ask, not wanting to hear Nora’s answer.
Nora turned away again. “Goodbye, Randy.”
“Goodbye, Nora,” Randy mouthed as he watched his wife walk away.
