She stood at the door when she heard the car pull up. She smiled as she heard Patrick, who said, "Come on then Miss Turner, Granny's waiting for you."
Angela jumped down from the back seat and ran to her, calling, "Granny!"
Patrick smiled at her over Angela's head and she knew it was the smile of a proud father who loved his daughter.
"You're certain that you want her for this long?" Patrick asked.
"Of course. Someone deserves some special time with Granny. It's not easy being the middle child… I should know."
"Well I know Shelagh appreciates it," Patrick responded. "Although she will miss a P-I-C-N-I-C."
"Do you have time for a cuppa? I miss our little visits," Granny asked.
"Just."
"Well sit then. I've made a Victoria sponge."
"Tim's going to be sorry that he didn't ride along."
"I'll send some home with you. Don't fret."
"I never fret," Patrick said.
"You're forgetting who your talking to," Granny laughed.
Patrick couldn't help be remember the history he had with this woman. Once he actually feared her which looking back he realized, although he was a grown man, he was as vulnerable as Tim with all his crushes. Of course, he feared her because he didn't just have a crush on Marianne. He knew he wanted to marry her.
"Oh what did I say? You're looking gloomy."
"Just remembering all we've been through together… A while back, I had a rather odd situation to help resolve and I found myself sharing the story of my family," Patrick said.
"Oh…"
"Well I heard myself saying the words late first wife, but it wasn't until later that I realized how matter of fact I said them. I felt guilty, because I didn't feel sorrow. My life is so full that it is suddenly hard to make room for Marianne's memory."
"Oh love, that is good. None of us need live in the past. Look at her… she's your present and your future as are Teddy, Tim and Shelagh. Your past shaped you… Loss has made you more sensitive to others. Your marriage to my daughter helped you become the husband you are today. I would love to still have my daughter, but I'm proud of the new family you made."
"It didn't come easy," he said remembering the ups and downs. Then he remembered his words to Mrs. Gani about how they built their family over several desperate elements. He had felt desperate in the past, but he didn't feel that way now. His life was full.
"No, but it came and you deserve what you've been given. Relish it, my dear."
"Granny, more cake please," Angela.
"Who can deny that smile," Granny said.
"Certainly not I," Patrick answered with a father's smile.
Granny kissed Patrick on the cheek at the door. He was bringing sponge home to her grandson. She thought of all the times she worried over Patrick through the years. A calm contentment came over her, her child was happy and what more does a mother want.
"Okay Angela, what should we do first?"