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“Hi, Grandma,” she said. “I’m so happy you made it.”
“Happy birthday, Skylar. How are you, my dear?”
Skylar felt Franky sit down at her other side and rest his arm along the back of her chair.
“I’m doing well. How about you?”
“Life is good. I just got back from a trip to Vermont with my girlfriends.”
Skylar smiled. “You’re my hero, Grandma. You really are.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because when I’m your age, I hope I’ll still be going on adventures, just like you.”
“There are so many things in this world to see, and I want to see as many of them as I can while I’m still around.” Grandma winked at her.
“Grandma, do you remember Franky?” She motioned toward him.
“Of course, I do.”
Franky leaned closer as he turned to face Grandma and rested his palm against Skylar’s bare back, sending waves of warmth flowing outward from the point of contact. She silently applauded herself for choosing the open back dress.
“Hello, Mrs. Fraser,” Franky said. “How are you?”
“I’d be better if you called me Mabel and took me for a spin around the dance floor after dinner.”
Franky laughed. “I look forward to it.”
Skylar smiled over at him, and his eyes held hers for a long moment before he lowered his arm and turned straight in his chair.
“How are the wedding plans coming along?” Grandma asked Sebastian and Genevieve. “Are you getting married in Grand Rapids?”
Sebastian smiled over at his fiancée then looked back at Grandma. “Actually, we’ve decided to get married in Montana, where we’re living now.”
“Summer in Montana would be lovely for a wedding,” Grandma replied.
“I’m sure it would be, but we’re getting married in February.”
Grandma’s eyes widened. “Oh my, whatever for?”
“We don’t want to wait,” Genevieve answered for him. “We know it might be tricky if the weather doesn’t cooperate, but we’re ready to be married. And you’re all invited to come early for the wedding.” She looked around the table at the others as she spoke. “We’d like all the family to come and spend the week together before the big day.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Skylar responded.
“You’re welcome to come too, Franky.” Genevieve smiled then gave Skylar a knowing look.
“I’m there,” he replied.
Skylar was elated to hear him say that. A week together in Montana. This was going to be a very good year. She could feel it.
“How’s everything at the office, Sky?” Sebastian asked as he lay his fork and knife on his empty dinner plate.
“It’s going great. Thank you for all your help in the transition.”
“You know I’m always just a phone call or text away. And I can fly in whenever you need me to if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
“I admit, it was an adjustment taking on added responsibilities, but I think I’ve found my groove.”