by Rena Janssen
Chapter 9
The visit went great at least that is what Granger thought. Allie was shy at first but opened up quickly. They played sand castles, flew kites, and got ice cream, chocolate with sprinkles, her favorite. Allie told Granger about her favorite things, like pink being her favorite color and she likes to sleep with her fairy nightlight on.
Granger was so happy that they bonded that he didn’t notice Beth’s silence until they had gotten back to the hotel. He had talked about Allie the whole way and didn’t consider her feelings by asking her opinion. His mood started to dampen when he asked her what she thought of the day and she wouldn’t look at him.
He didn’t get it. Carly had stepped back once Allie livened up to give them space to bond. She also when out o her way to make Beth feel included. So why was she so upset.
“Beth, honey, I won’t know how to fix things unless you tell me what is on your mind. Please talk to me.”
Beth stiffened even more if that were possible. She shook her head apparently not ready to share her feelings about the day. Granger reached over and took her hand in his but she pulled away.
“Alright, when you are ready to talk just let me know. I am here and I love you.” With that they got out of the car and walked into the hotel room.
As they were trying to get comfortable there was a knock on the door. Granger knew who it was before Beth opened it.
“Well, how was she?” Conner said looking from his daughter to Granger. “Come on now; put an old man out of his misery! How was the visit?”
“I’ll just run down and get some refreshments and food.” Beth said as she grabbed her purse and walked out of the door not giving them time to say anything in return.
“That bad eh?”
Granger shook his head. “Actually, it went well. Allie is wonderful. I am not sure what was wrong with Beth. She helped with all the activities and Carly treated her like an old friend. Carly even backed off when Allie opened up and started playing with us.”
The old man smiled. “I can’t wait to meet my grandbaby. I have already got her a room in the planning stage at the condo and one at the house.”
Granger was a bit overwhelmed by this. “You are already building her a room at your house?”
“Well of course! Where is my grandbaby going to sleep when she comes over to stay with her grandpa?” he replied as if it were going to happen that very night.
“Now, I know that you are very excited to meet her but I’m going to ask you to slow down a bit. Beth and I have to get used to this idea and we have to work out a schedule. We don’t want to overwhelm Allie.”
“I know all that! I am just eager is all. Tell me all about her.” He said as Beth walked in with food and drinks smiling.
Granger sighed in relief and smiled at the excitement in the old man’s eyes as he spent the rest of the time telling him all the details of the visit. He couldn’t believe how he felt an immediate connection and the overwhelming emotion of wanting to protect her had entered his heart. He knew he was in love already and would spend the rest of his life being the best father he could be, starting with asking the man in front of him a million questions about being a father.