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“I know. I just …”
“I know you wanted to make sure it was a fit before you introduced her. I do have to say though, I think she cheats at cards.”
His eyes crinkle, and I stare at him.
“Really?”
“That, or she’s just really good.”
“I guess she’s just really good.”
“I suppose that’s true. She’s nice. I like her. She’s very”—he pauses—“sweet, though I’m guessing that undersells exactly what you feel for her.”
“She is sweet. She’s a good person.”
“She is. And I’m glad you trusted us enough to bring her around, even your mom and dad. Hopefully, they don’t scare her off.”
I give him a look, and he chuckles.
“I think any woman who’s with you is strong enough to stand up to your mother and father.”
“What are you trying to say, Granddad?” I laugh.
“Well, we both know you can be hard to read, after everything.”
“I know, but I guess Rosie gets me. She understands that I’m as open as I can be.”
“You also have to understand that women sometimes need reassurance.”
“What do you mean? Reassurance about what?”
“Reassurance that you love them.”
“Rosie knows how I feel about her,” I say quickly.
“I’m sure she does. I’m sure she understands that even though you’re not able to express everything you feel, it doesn’t mean you don’t feel it. But I learned a long time ago that when you care about someone, you should let them know.”
“Are you trying to give me love advice, Grandfather?”
“I’m trying to give you something.” He grins. “Whether it’s love advice or life advice, I don’t know.” He stares at me for a few seconds. “So, your dad told me you’re playing doubles tennis with him and your mom.”
“Yeah. I guess they want to get to know her better, and there’s no time like the present.”
“You’re really throwing her to the wolves, huh?”
“She can hold her own.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He pauses. “Good morning, beautiful.”
I look up and see Rosie standing there in a flowery dress. She looks breathtaking. Her hair is damp, as if she just got out of the shower. And I just want to spend the next five minutes memorizing every inch of her face.
“Morning, Theodore.” She comes over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Morning, my darling.”
“Morning, darling,” I say back to her, and she grins.
I notice my grandfather’s eyes on me. For a moment, I wonder if we’re pushing it too hard. He knows I’m not the sort of man who’d normally say darling, but he doesn’t question it.
“So, did you sleep well, Rosie?” he asks, like he really cares.
