Coming Home

Chapter 4

The moment I step through the old wooden door, a sense of calm settles over me.

Gran's house looks just the way I remember it, warm and simple and filled with comfort. Sunlight filters through the lace curtains and softens the worn hardwood floors. The air smells like aged wood, fresh flowers, and a hint of vanilla.

As we walk farther inside, the familiar smell of homemade food drifts in from the kitchen. The big wooden dining table sits in the center with its checkered tablecloth and a vase of wildflowers she probably picked this morning. The countertops and shelves are stacked with jars of her preserves and old recipe books, each one a reminder of how she loves to take care of people.

Breathing in deeply, I try to steady the rush of emotion rising in my chest. Until now, I didn't realize how much I missed this place.

"So, you and Matt, huh?" Gran pulls me away from my thoughts as she pours us each a cup of freshly brewed coffee and cuts us a slice of her famous chocolate cake.

Rolling my eyes, I let out an exasperated sigh, knowing exactly where this conversation is headed. "There's no 'me and Matt'."

"Right." She gives me a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"How come you asked him, of all people, to run errands for you?"Curiosity gets the best of me, making me lean forward.

She takes a seat beside me. "He's been helping me for so long that I didn't think much of it." She shrugs, her gaze filled with affection. "Besides, you two came here together, so I thought...You know..."

Right. Meddling is in her nature.

Sighing, I take a bite of her heavenly cake, studying her with a mix of adoration and concern. Despite her vibrant appearance, the echo of Matt's words lingers in my mind.

"Matt mentioned you were admitted to the hospital and that your diabetes is all over the place..." I can't help the hurt that seeps into my voice. We spoke recently, and she didn't mention a word about it.

With a dismissive wave of her hand, she stands up to get us some sugar. "I'm fine. Matt is just overreacting."

My eyebrows shoot up in disbelief as she spoons two heaps of sugar into her mug. "Really? So, what did the doctor say? And do you think it's wise to indulge in cake and sugar right now?"

Her laughter fills the air as she gently swats on my arm. "Oh, sweetheart, I've already seen a nutritionist. I'm starting a new diet soon." She takes a sip of her coffee, her eyes twinkling.

"Gran..." I shake my head, unable to hide my concern.

"Can't I celebrate the fact that you're finally home?"

"With coffee and cake?" I can't help but laugh, charmed by her unapologetic nature.

A mischievous glint dances in her eyes. "I could always fetch us a bottle of bourbon..." She shrugs, taking a seat again.

I reach across the table, gently taking her hand in mine. "You need to take care of yourself, Gran."

She squeezes my hand. "I know, sweetheart. But I'm fine. Let me enjoy your visit and spoil you a little. Can we do that?"

How could I ever deny her anything?

Smiling, I nod, and a sense of contentment washes over me. "Alright, Gran. But don't go thinking I don't see what you're up to. You still need to be mindful of your health."

Her face lights up with affection, her love for me shining through her gaze. "Deal. Now, let's go back to you and Matt."

"There is no—"