Page 102 of Mr. Green
Lana
It’s the day of mine and Grant’s anniversary. It’s been twenty-nine years of ups, downs, and love. So much love. Grant and I had one daughter, Charlotte, three years after we got married. He made sure we got married in Hawaii next to my whales. I didn’t want to have a ton of kids. Growing up with four other brothers and sisters was a lot. We had our daughter, and I knew she was the most precious person I’ve ever known.
I never wanted Charlotte to feel like she had to hide or compete for attention. Grant was okay with having a little princess and that’s how he’s treated her. She’s off to college at Washington state now. Grant and his dad still aren’t on the best of terms, but they get along for Charlotte’s sake. Her relationship with Grant’s parents is going surprisingly well. It was like everyone realized the important things in life. We only see them a couple times a year, anyway.
Over winter break, she’ll be bringing home a guy. Matt said he’ll lend Grant a shotgun. I rolled my eyes, but I know we showed her a love she could attain. I’m not worried about her picking her Mr. Right, or no one at all for that matter. It’s up to her.
Looking back at my life, I’ve been so blessed. I opened my catering business,Laugh, Love, Eat,after I finished culinary school in Texas. My first event was forReding and Green.Grant has always supported me through and through. My business life was no different. I did the books forPrestige Fitness Cluband Spaon the side, but I found a job where I could express myself, thanks to Grant pushing me into seeing what a real relationship looks like. I got belief back in myself and what I wanted.
The app I made for the gym became a huge success. It pulled in thousands of dollars on its own. Scarlett finally made the move to Texas and opened another gym location here.
I know I found myself and did the work to get to where I am, but I had help and support along the way. Grant saw me and thought I was a diamond when I felt like coal.
I still have doubts about myself. I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers. I still have to pinch myself some days since I ended up with my childhood crush who I thought never knew I existed. Sometimes it’s about timing. Going through some shit, to come out the other end, feeling like you’ve got the world.
We’re going out to dinner tonight and I’m getting ready. I’m sitting at my vanity, noticing the little lines around my eyes and forehead. I use creams, but can’t bear the idea of a needle in my face. So I stare at my reflection, wondering if Grant will stay with me for another thirty years when I have gray hair and can’t walk. Today I’m having one of those moments of doubting myself.
“Hey, Sunshine.” He walks into the room, adjusting his tie. We’re going to a fancy dinner and then to downtown to see an orchestra performance. We decided dressing up was a requirement.
He’s still the most appealing man I’ve ever known. He has wrinkles and his beard has silver strands running through it. His hair is cut short now, but I don’t mind. He still has a lot of hair to grab onto.
“Hey.” I give him a solemn smile.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
“Will you still love me when I have gray hair, wrinkles, and a hunchback?”
“Lana, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He walks over and kneels in front of me. “You havebeauty inside and outside. You’ll always be the woman who has stolen my heart and sight. I don’t see anyone but you.”
A small tear slides down my cheek. He catches it with his pointer finger. Then he grabs my face in both his hands and kisses me like there’s no tomorrow, no reservation, nowhere to be.
He pulls away after a couple minutes and kisses my hand. Leading me down to the car.
“I needed that. I love you,” I tell him as we walk down the stairs. The moon is lighting up the sky just enough to make out our features. He opens my car door, but doesn’t let me get inside the car.
“I’ll always love you,” Grant replies while squeezing my hand. Then he grabs my face in his hands. “I see you, Lana. I’ve always seen you.”