“Oh my dear, it’s been a blessing. Not many people are as lucky as we are. Plus, we both have our wits about us still. That’s important. I’m not sure what I would do if I woke up one day and Garrett didn’t know who I was.”
My heart dropped. I never really imagined life without Grams and Gramps. “That would be sad.”
We sat for a few moments in silence before I turned to her. Her blue eyes still sparkled and I wondered how many wonderful memories she held in them. “May I ask you something, Grams?”
“Of course you can, my darling.”
“Did you ever feel like you didn’t deserve to be so happy? Like the life you were living was a dream and at any moment the rug would be pulled out from underneath you.”
She tossed her head back and laughed. “Life is a series of rugs being pulled out from underneath us. I think it’s God’s way of telling us not to take things for granted. Keep us on our toes if you will.” She smiled and looked thoughtfully at me. “Life can change in a moment. Worlds turned upside down, or right side up. It’s okay to feel happy, Taylor. Don’t get caught up wondering when something will happen. Enjoy each day as if it was your last.”
I couldn’t contain my smile. “Jase said something like that to me before.”
“Then he’s a smart young man.”
I nodded. “He is. And romantic!”
Grams wiggled her eyebrows. “Really? My Garrett was terribly romantic. Still is. Do you know he puts a fresh flower next to my bedside every morning before I get up?”
“That’s so sweet!”
She chuckled. “It is. Crazy old man gets up early every day and walks out with Louise to the garden. She insists on going with him and I know that just makes Garrett so mad.” Grams covered her mouth as she smiled.
Rocking in her chair, we talked a bit more about me coming over more often to visit her. She wanted to finish teaching me how to can veggies. Especially now that I had come to my senses and moved back home to the country.
Grace, Gunner’s mother, walked out onto the porch with the warmest smile on her face. “Here you two are. We were wondering where you both snuck off to.”
“Taylor and I were enjoying the peace,” Grams said as she stood up. Taking Grace’s arm, she looked back down to me. “Always kiss him goodbye and kiss him when he comes home. A man needs to feel loved and it’s usually the simple things that make him feel it.”
Standing, I kissed Grams on both cheeks. “I’ll remember everything you told me. I love you, Grams. Thank you for all your advice.”
Ever since I could remember, Grams had been there to give us all advice. From when was the best time of year to plant certain vegetables to how to get over a broken heart. It seemed like she had a story for everything. And I swear she had some magical gift to tell when someone was pregnant even before they knew. It was weird.
With a nod, she replied, “I love you too, sweet girl.”
Glancing over to Grace, I said, “I’ll be right in, Grace.”
“Take your time, honey.”
Once they were inside the house, I sent Jase a text message.
Me: I miss you.
It was less than a minute before my phone beeped.
Jase: I miss you too. Are you going back to your parents’ tonight?
Me: Nope. Santa left me a little something in my stocking just for you.
When my phone rang, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“That was fast.”
“What did he leave you?”
I tried to hold my giggles back. Lauren and I had run into Fredericksburg yesterday for a few last minute gifts. When we stumbled upon a new store tucked away on one of the side streets, I thought Lauren was going to go nuts. It was a lingerie store. We both bought a little something for ourselves and few little things for Alex, Grace, Meagan, and Libby. It was nice to know we didn’t have to drive into Austin for something sexy.
“I’ll give you one hint.”