Part II: Join Harry Styles and his wife as they journey through life with their first-born daughter Grace (plus their other two children, Ethan & Penelope) in a collection of realistic, nonlinear short stories that will melt your heart, make you smi...
"Hold still, little one." You tut as you zip up the toddler sized black bootie on Penelope's left foot. Her opposite leg swings back and forth, hitting the cupboard with her heel. Fixing her mustard colored bow, you lift Penny from the countertop and place her on the tile floor.
"Does she need a jacket?" Grandma J, your grandma asks. Looking down at Penny, you assess her outfit. Her chunky thighs are covered with black tights, the mustard suspender skirt hangs above her knees, and the long sleeve white shirt that has a ruffled collar and tiny black stripes gives her body warmth.
"Um, it's not too cold. I think she is okay. We won't be out long, right?" You ask. Penny's fingers wrap around your hand as she starts to move her legs forward, slightly wobbly trying to keep her balance.
"No, just need to grab the eggs." Grandma J says as she lifts her wire collection basket off the countertop. "Let me put on my boots." She says as she walks slowly to the mud room; sitting down on a bench made by her late husband, she pulls on a pair of black muck boots.
"Harry, I've got Squirt! We'll be back in a minute." You call towards your husband who is trying his hardest to set up the new television in the room just off the kitchen.
"I'll be here." Harry says, grumbling towards the instruction book that is lying in his lap. Penny turned one last month, and Harry has a few months off until his next project begins. A trip to see your family in Utah seemed important, and the timing was right. Today your parents took Grace and Ethan to a movie. Grandma J needed help setting up her new tv so spending the afternoon with her sounded perfect.
Opening the storm door, Grandma J steps down two stairs, holding the exit open so you can lead the baby out. Her strong legs waver as she takes the concrete steps slowly. She assesses each step before moving her foot down, squeezing your hand tightly, depending on it for balance.
"Good job, Penelope!" Grandma J praises. "She is getting better at walking, isn't she?"
"Yes! I can't believe how fast she has grown. It feels like it was just yesterday when she became ours." You think back to that special day.
"You are loved, little one." Grandma J smiles down at Penny, reaching a hand out to her. Penny lifts her fingers towards her great grandma's, wrapping them tightly around her for support as she walks her feet forward in the grass.
"I always love this yard in the summer. I think I may have to request Harry does the US in the summer for his next tour. There is something so special about being in your space during that time of year." You say, looking around at the yard that is the centerpoint of hundreds of memories.
"Your grandpa loved the yard when the flowers were in full bloom. So I try my best to keep the garden as he did. Makes me feel like he is around." Grandma J gazes down at Penny who is watching her feet move through the grass. "He would have loved you, Penny. In fact, he would have loved your siblings and daddy too."
"I agree. You will have to come to London sometime soon, Grandma. You could take me to some of Grandpa's favorite attractions?" Looking over at your grandmother, you see a smile spread across her beautiful face.
"I would like that a lot. He did love London." Looking down at the baby, Grandma J shakes her fingers softly. "Alright little one, need you to let go so Grandma J can open the gate." Penny holds tight, and Grandma chuckles, wiggling her hand until Penelope releases her grip. "Should we find the chickies?" Grandma J opens the gate, revealing a small field. A chicken coop sits on the back corner, the door open to allow the chickens to roam free during the day.
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