His Forever Love

She introduced him to each child sitting around the table. One little boy seemed especially attached to Granny. He clung to her leg as she handed out papers.

“And this is Dylan. He’s my helper today.”

“I got to sign her cast,” Dylan told him proudly.

“Oh, let me see.” Bill checked out his scribbled name in purple marker. “Nice job.”

Granny ruffled the boy’s hair. “Dylan, why don’t you sit down and work the puzzle with the rest of the children.”

“Okay, Granny Bea.” He slid into a small wooden chair and began to connect the dots on the page. His tongue hung out of the corner of his mouth as he concentrated.

Granny beamed at Bill. “This is what I look forward to three days a week.”

Lindsay approached. “Granny Bea, now that the kids are busy, could you go ahead and start the bingo game for our adults?”

“Sure thing. Be back in a jiffy.” She hurried to the other side of the room, full of more energy than ever before.

“How long do the little ones stay?” he asked Lindsay.

“We feed them lunch, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches donated from our church right now. But your grandmother has applied for a federal grant for funding for a fuller meal.”

“She mentioned that. When do the older kids get here?”

“After school, around three o’clock. We feed them a snack, help with homework, then play educational games.”

“And the center is open three days a week?”

She reached over to pick up a crayon Dylan had dropped, then patted him on the back. “So far. We hope to move to five days a week in the next year or so. It was a small program we started as a ministry at the church one day a week, but we’re working with the county to get it fully funded. They’re already providing the building.”

“Impressive.”

“Your granny has had a lot to do with the success of the program. We really need her.” She stared at him as if in challenge. She appeared very determined.

So was he. “I understand.”

Granny walked up. “So, Bill, what do you think of our little community center?”

“It’s amazing what you’ve all done. Kudos to both of you.”

“Bea?” Mr. Kennedy tapped her on the shoulder.

She huffed as if irritated. “Yes?”

“Would you go out to dinner with me this evening?”

Granny slapped a hand to her chest. “Why, Mr. Kennedy, you can’t fraternize with the staff.”

“I didn’t ask you to fraternize. I only asked you to dinner.”

Obviously flustered, she sputtered, “I can’t do anything tonight. I have company.”

“Well, that’s the problem. I hear Bill may be moving you up to Boston, and I can’t bear to see you go.” He tugged on his bow tie, which left it slightly crooked.

Bill arched his brows at Lindsay. Seemed she’d been talking to Granny’s…not-quite-boyfriend.

“That’s none of your concern, sir.” Granny marched away and sat on a small chair at the table with the children.

A dejected Mr. Kennedy left the center.

“Nice try, Lindsay.”

“What do you mean?”

“If moving Granny to Boston is best for her, then that’s what I need to do. You can’t try to sway my decision by manipulating a poor old man who has a crush on her.”

She made no comment, but her face reddened. With her creamy, clear complexion, even the slightest blush had always sent streaks of red along her cheeks and down her neck. If the embarrassment or nervousness continued, she’d end up with hives on her neck and chest.

Never mind her scheming. He had work to do. “I’m going back to Granny’s to make some calls. You know, if Granny’s well enough to work, then she won’t need you helping her as much while I’m here. Why don’t you take tomorrow off?”

“I don’t mind coming—we have our routine, you know.”

“Enjoy a paid day off. Granny and I could use some time together.”

She frowned. “But she doesn’t pay me for weekends. I like to visit.”

That made it a little more difficult to keep her away. And truly, it wasn’t as if he didn’t want her around. He just didn’t want her meddling. “No, I insist you take a break from the extra responsibility. Rest. Get caught up at home.”

“Okay. I can take a hint.”

His own face burned, probably as red as hers. “What time this afternoon should I come back to pick up Granny?”

“I can bring her home when we leave at six.”

“She works the whole day?”

“It’s only three days a week. And she gets a break between one and three o’clock.”

“Does she go home to rest?”

“No, she usually hangs out here with me.”

“Helping you work?”

“You know, you should probably talk to your grandmother about her work schedule. I need to get back to the kids.” She walked away in a huff.

Of course, he had been somewhat accusatory. But he needed to make sure Lindsay wasn’t overworking Granny.

Past experience told him Lindsay wouldn’t do that. But he couldn’t let ancient memories sway decisions he needed to make in the present.