Page 42 of Bubbles at the Beach House Hotel

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At the clinic, I madesure that Randolph and I sat in a secluded area. He filled out forms, and then, when we were called to meet with the doctor, I followed him to the doctor’s office.

I listened carefully when the doctor asked Randolph how he was doing.

“I’m fine. Just a little cold,” said Randolph.

“His wife and family are concerned that it’s more than that,” I said.

The doctor began going over Randolph’s symptoms and glanced at me.

“We’re worried about him having pneumonia. He’s had a fever, among other things,” I said.

“I see,” said the doctor, listening to Randolph’s lungs. “Have you had the pneumonia shot?”

Randolph nodded.

“That’s positive,” the doctor said, “but we’ll give you antibiotics to help with this. You’re showing the signs of a bacterial infection. I’m also sending home a list of instructions that will be easy to follow, and steps to get you back on track. At your age, we don’t want to wait until hospitalization is required.”

“Absolutely not,” said Randolph, and I couldn’t help smiling because I knew how hard he’d fought Stephanie on this.

As we left the clinic with medicine, Randolph thanked me for my help. “It’s very gratifying for Stephanie and me to have you, Vaughn, and Robbie, as well as Liz’s family in our lives. It has added an important dimension to them. Thank you, my dear.”

He gave my arm a little squeeze.

I turned to him. “The pleasure is all ours. I grew up wanting parents and kind, loving grandparents. You and Stephanie are gifts to me and my family.”

Randolph quickly turned away, and I could see how moved he was.

In silence, we continued walking to the car.

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At home, while Robbieand I were eating a casserole I’d defrosted, Robbie said, “Granny Steph says that we all eventually die.”

“Yes. But I’m not expecting either Granny Steph or Papa Willis to die anytime soon. They’re both doing well. But someday, they will. Like all of us. But I don’t think you have to worry about it.”

“I love Granny Steph and Papa,” said Robbie.

“I do too,” I said. “That's why we must remember to enjoy what time we have with them.”

“I still miss Trudy,” said Robbie. “She was the best dog.”

“Trudy was a special Dachshund. I miss her too,” I said.

“Do you think Liz is going to lose her baby? I heard you and her talking about it.” Robbie’s dark-eyed gaze bore into me.

“I hope not. I don’t think she will, but we must let nature take its course. I talked to her earlier today, and she’s feeling much better.”

“That’s great,” said Robbie, sounding very grownup.

I gazed at him through misty eyes. Robbie was such an amazing person.

Sitting at our feet, Cindy barked for attention, and the magic of that moment shattered as we focused on the dog who’d replaced Trudy except in our hearts. As she’d shown us, there was enough love to go around.