Page 117 of This Kind of Forever

Hallie’s grandfather is sitting in a chair, playing checkers with another resident. He spots Abbie first, and then his gaze finds mine.

Pops grins. “I figured I’d be seeing you before long.”

He excuses himself from his game, then leads us over to an empty seating area. Abbie plops down on the couch, and I sit beside her.

“Hello again, Miss Abigail,” Pops says.

She beams. “Hi, Pops.”

I smooth my hands over my thighs, suddenly nervous. “We came to see if you wanted to ditch this place for the evening.”

“What’s the occasion?” he asks.

“I—”

“Daddy got Grammy to call from Mexico and help him makeallof Hallie’s favourite foods,” Abbie interjects, bouncing in her seat. “And he got her a ring that’sreallypretty. I helped him pick it.”

Pops’s brows lift, a knowing glint in his eyes. “A ring, eh?”

I swallow. “Yes, sir.”

“Gabe, you’ve been in love with my granddaughter for the better part of your life, haven’t you?”

I nod. There’s no point in denying it. “I have.”

He smiles. “Then it’s about damn time,” he declares, clapping his hands together. “I’m ready to get out of here when you are.”

Back at the house, Abbie entertains Pops in the living room while I put the finishing touches on dinner. Hallie is still at the gallery, thanks to Carole’s intervention. My mom’s good friend already can’t wait to brag about how instrumental she was in ourrealengagement.

That is, if Hallie says yes.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I pull it out, I see Clara has texted in our newest group chat. This one includes our parents, Luke and Delilah.

Operation Make Hallie a Bowman

Clara

How much are you sweating right now?

I bet it’s a lot.

Luke

I’ll take that bet.

Mom

Stop being mean to your brother! This is important. It’s normal to be a little nervous.

Thanks, Mom.

Clara

Kiss-ass.

I laugh. Although they can be pains, I have to admit, the familiarity of their ribbing is making me feel better.

Dad