Page 16 of Free to Live

“I know, son,” my mother soothes. Just then the phone rings.

I bet down to the darkest part of my soul I know who it is. I grab it on the second ring. “Bianco,” I bite out.

“What a lovely way you have of greeting people, Joseph. Is that what you’re teaching our granddaughter?” Eden’s voice snaps at me.

Raising my brow at my mother, I remark casually, “Eden, your ears must have been burning. My mother was just telling me about your call earlier.”

Ignoring any underlying sarcasm, she immediately launches into what she wants. “We want to see Grace.”

“I’ll let you know when she’s available.”

“You’re being ridiculously unfair, Joseph. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised,” she comments snidely.

There was never any love lost between Mary’s family and me after they found out their precious angel was pregnant. They immediately wanted to know when we would be married. It was much to their dismay when Mary was the one to tell them that she didn’t want to get married until she was back to her pre-pregnancy figure. Like I gave a damn. We were already engaged. I’d have married her the day, the hour, the minute she told me she was carrying my child under her heart.

But that wasn’t the dream Mary had, and I wanted to give her everything. Instead, she ended up with nothing. That’s the bitter pill we’ve all had to swallow. And then I learned that bitterness can be lingering. In fact, it can grow with the more you learn.

I just won’t let Grace ever have to taste it.

“Once I know you and Seth won’t send my daughter back to me in tears, we can discuss once again when you can visit your granddaughter beyond large family events.” I hold firm to this decision. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is taking the light out of Grace’s eyes. Not a teacher, a friend, a grandparent, nothing. Not if I have anything to say about it.

“So, not only are you cutting our daughter’s memory out of her heart and mind, but you’re also cutting ours out as well. I shouldn’t be surprised, now should I?” Eden immediately slams down the phone, leaving me with no chance to retort.

I’m vibrating with anger. Moments later, I feel gentle fingers pry the phone out of my hand. “Joe, let it go for now,” my mother whispers.

“Ma…” I can’t even get words out, I’m so infuriated.

“Grace is still waiting to be read a story,” I’m reminded gently.

Grace. The only thing that can beat back the angry beast waiting to erupt inside me. “Yeah.” I let loose a harsh sigh. “Let me go get my girl down, then I’ll heat up some dinner.”

“I’ll wait until you’re done.” But I’m already shaking my head.

“You should head out. I don’t like the idea of you driving so late.”

“Joseph Bianco, I’ve driven a lot later than this to get you to and from football camps all over this state,” she barks. I give her a half-hearted smile.

“Yeah, Ma. But your driving didn’t suck as much then.” I take the whack on my arm as my due. “Seriously, go home. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She comes right into my space and cups my cheek. “You’re a good man, Joey. And you’re an amazing father.”

I shake my head at her. Her grip tightens. “I mean every word.”

I lean forward and kiss her on the forehead. “I know you do, Ma. Now go. I have to go read Max and Ruby about twenty times.”

“You don’t have it memorized already?” she teases gently.

“Bite your tongue. If I did, I’d be reciting it in the car.” We both smile.

“Maybe they make it on audiobook,” she muses. I look at her in horror.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

Leaning up to kiss me, she walks to where her coat is thrown over one of my kitchen chairs. “That, my boy, is one of the benefits of being a grandparent. I get to spoil the child without the consequences.”

“Grace!” I yell. The little feet come pinging down the hallway. “Come say good night to Grandma before I tell her she can’t come back with any presents for the next year.”

At Grace’s stricken look, I burst into laughter. “Don’t worry, darling, I’ll just give you gifts at my house,” my mother reassures her.