Page 30

He lifts a hand to stop me. “Relax, Lena. Germs are good for kids.”

“You monster.”

Amusement crinkles his eyes. “Let me guess. You were the kid who washed her hands halfway through finger painting.”

“That’s hurtful and accurate.”

“Fine, you’ve convinced me. I’ll take her myself this weekend.”

“Wait—”

“I insist,” he says with a triumphant smirk.

“I expect a full germ report by Monday.”

“Noted.”

My pulse skips stupidly at the thought of grumpy, antisocial Wes willingly braving public chaos for Rosie.

Dangerous territory.

I quickly divert. “Before you leave, do you mind if I take Rosie to visit my grandpa today? I usually go in the evenings, but I have…plans tonight.”

His eyes narrow. “Plans?”

I nod.

I’m being evasive, but I’m not quite ready to confess that I moonlight every two weeks as a jazz singer in a downtown bar.

Baby steps, Lena.

He assesses me quietly, like he can tell I’m not saying everything. “You know best.”

“Rosie will cheer him up.”

“Just don’t let him fill her head with nonsense.”

“Define nonsense.” This is my grandfather we’re talking about, after all.

He stares flatly. “You know exactly what I mean.”

I put my finger over my mouth and wink at Rosie. “I promise nothing.” I grin, waving as he heads for the door. “Have fun adulting, Turner.”

“Have fun bubble-wrapping Rosie’s day, Carter.”

Ten

Rosie and I wind our way through the assisted living facility with her little hand gripping mine. It’s quiet today, peaceful even, the residents mostly lounging in the common room. Nurses glide past, smiling at Rosie in a way that makes her giggle and wave with her free hand.

We reach Grandpa’s door, and the moment I push it open, I know he’s been sitting there all morning just waiting.

“Well, well, well,” he announces, tossing aside his newspaper. “If it isn’t my favorite granddaughter and…who’s this little thing?”

I scoop Rosie into my arms. “Thought you might appreciate a little excitement around here.”

Grandpa holds out his hands. “Bring her here. Let’s get a proper look at this little troublemaker.”

Rosie, always game for adventure, leans forward without hesitation. She immediately zeroes in on his glasses.