He must have changed clothes, because a minute later he yelled, “Be back later,” before the screen door slammed and his truck started.
I stood up and leaned over to give my grandmother a hug. “How’d you get so smart, Gran?”
Letting out a little huff, she pushed up from the table. “Years of practice,” she said with a pointed glance at Gramps before grabbing Jack’s glass and walking it to the sink.
Meeting the Grandparents
I assumed Jack and Cassie worked out all their issues since he came home that night wearing a huge smile. So when Gran insisted that he bring Cassie over one night the next week so she could finally meet the family, he was all too agreeable.
“You think they’ll like her?” he asked me before leaving to pick her up Wednesday night.
I curled my lip in mock disgust. “No, of course they won’t.”
“Dick.”
“Don’t be stupid. What’s not to like? She’s great. I love her. If you ever break up with her, I’m going for it,” I teased, not meaning it at all, but the look on his face made it worth it.
“Back off.” Jack practically growled at me, and his reaction only made me want to mess with him more.
“Just go get her already,” I said, shoving him in the shoulder.
When he finally left, I realized that Jack had never brought a girl home before. Ever. And our entire family buzzed with the anticipation.
“Am I going to like her,” Gran whispered to me, although I had no idea why she was whispering.
I nodded. “You’re going to love her.”
“How about me? Will I love Kitten?” Gramps said with a laugh.
“Is there any girl you don’t love?” I rolled my eyes at him and he shrugged, playing with the unlit pipe in his mouth.
“I better get back in the kitchen,” Gran said. ”I have a pie in the oven.”
A little while later, I yelled, “They’re here,” like a kid on freaking Christmas morning. Why I was so damned excited, I didn’t really know.
Before they could reach the door, I pulled it open and greeted them with a smile.
“It’s about time.” I winked at Jack before pulling Cassie into a bear hug.
“I will hurt you. Get off her,” Jack said as he playfully shoved me away.
Cassie laughed before lifting her chin and sniffing at the air. “It smells incredible in here.”
“It’s Gran’s homemade sauce,” I told her.
“Welcome home.” Jack smiled down at her, his adoration obvious.
Watching his face light up like that, I realized I’d probably pay good money to see him like this. Jack had pushed people away for far too long. It was about time he let someone in.
“I’ll see you two in the kitchen,” I said before walking away, but neither of them paid me any attention.
I’d just settled at the kitchen table as they walked through the entryway. Gran immediately leaned over the stove, stirring her sauce over the heat even though it didn’t need it. Gramps pretended to read the newspaper while I sat watching the two lovebirds.
“Oh, Ma, they’re here!” Gramps folded the paper and stood up, extending his arms as he headed straight for Cassie. “You must be Cassie. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” He squeezed her hard, and her smile only grew.
When Gramps released her, Jack reached for her hand and pulled her toward the stove. “Gran, this is my girl, Cassie.”
Gran wiped her hands on her apron as Cassie turned to her. “It’s so nice to meet you, Cassie. We’ve heard so much about you.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you both. Thanks for having me,” Cassie replied with a warm smile, and then asked, “Can I help?”
I almost choked. Gran never let anyone help with the cooking. The cleaning, you bet your ass, but not the actual cooking part. Her kitchen was her domain, and she never let us forget it.
“Oh heavens no, dear. I’m almost finished. Go sit down and make yourself comfortable. Jack, you get her whatever she needs, you hear me?” Gran’s voice took on the tone she only used with me and Jack.
“Yes, Gran, of course,” he said a little too sweetly before kissing her on the cheek. “Do you need anything, Kitten?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
Gramps pulled out the empty chair next to him and patted it. “Come sit down next to me, Cassie. Or do I get to call you Kitten too?”
When he winked at Cassie as I took a sip from my glass, I almost shot water out of my nose. Gramps just winked at Jack’s girlfriend.
I couldn’t stop laughing. “I think we should all start calling her Kitten.”
Jack shot me a murderous glare. “Only I get to call her Kitten. You’d be wise to remember that.”
“Jack, stop threatening your brother,” Gran said while waving the steam away from her face.
“Yes, Gran,” he said nicely before kicking me under the table.
I moved my foot to kick him back and missed.
Gramps leaned on his elbow and studied Cassie. “So, Cassie, Jack tells us you’re a photographer.”
She nodded. “That’s what I’m studying right now. I’d like to start my own business as soon as I graduate.”
Gramps slapped his hand against the table. “Well, that’s just great! Isn’t that great, dear?”
Cassie answered all my grandparents’ questions about her photography and her hopes for the future. Whenever we could get a word in edgewise, Jack and I both sang her praises.