Page 96 of Here With Me

“He loved workin’ with his hands and creatin’ somethin’ from nothin’. Couldn’t get him to slow down. He passed away a few years ago from a heart attack.”

The sadness in Gramma Grace’s voice has me leaning over and capturing her hand. “I’m so sorry to hear that. He sounds like a wonderful man.”

She places her free hand on top of mine and pats it, smiling wide. “He was. Despite our age difference, our love was real and strong. The risk to follow my heart was worth it.” She winks.

The room grows somber as we go back to scrapbooking. Dena refills my mug, and I thank her.

They continue showing me other albums. Dena and Garrett’s wedding album. Each of the children has their own scrapbook with memories, clippings, and photos of their lives. Several are filled with birthday celebrations, holiday festivities, and first days of school memories.

My heart aches at the family memories I took for granted. As soon as Lyla passed, I couldn’t focus on what I still had but rather what I’d lost.

By the time we pack up for the evening, we’d spent another two hours talking and looking through albums. Noah shows me some of her favorites, and Dena talks about how she and Garrett started the retreat.

It’s the most normal evening I’ve shared with others in a long time.

I just hope they still accept me when they learn the truth about their daughter and me.

ChapterTwenty-One

Noah

My heart was full after spending time with my family and Fisher on Sunday evening. It provided me with a glimpse of how things could be when we go public. Learning about my grandparents’ history—where they met and how their lives turned out—gives me hope that someday we’ll get our happily ever after, too.

After Fisher left, I stayed and helped clean up. He texted that he had to go home since he works early, and although I understood, I missed him.

Five days have passed, and he’s spent all his free time helping me with the fundraiser. He's assisted with checking off most of my checklist. Although I'm putting my brothers to work too, Fisher's done more than all of them combined.

“That man sure knows how to work up a sweat,” Magnolia whispers next to me as we watch him lead horses into the trailer so we can move them to the family barn.

I put Landen and Tripp in charge, but they conned Fisher into helping by offering him free beer.

He's not that desperate for alcohol, so I know he's only doing it for me.

We both tilt our heads as we admire his flexed arms and sculpted body.

“Could y'all be any more obvious?” Wilder sneaks up behind us, and I jump at getting caught gawking at Fisher.

“That was rude!” Magnolia smacks his arm.

“Be useful or go away,” I snap.

Wilder teases Magnolia by tickling her sides, and soon, she's chasing him out of the barn. I shake my head at how he treats her like an annoying little sister, but at least he doesn’t just pick on me.

Mallory and Serena walk in and head straight for Miss Swift's stall.

“Whatcha doin'?” I ask, stopping them.

Mallory lifts a baggie of veggies. “We brought her some carrots and celery.”

“Lucky horse.” I smile.

“I'm so excited about tomorrow!” Serena squeals.

“Me too!” Mallory grins.

“Noah, when can we have another sleepover?” Serena asks. “It’s been like a month.”

Every few weekends, we have a girls’ night at my house. We’ll stay up watching age-appropriate rom-coms and bingeing junk food. It’s a tradition I enjoy having with them.