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“Nonna’s or veggie.” I tilted my head and felt my heart stop when he winked at me.
“Both.”
“What, uh, what time do you get off work in the evenings?” I took a drink of the water glass by my plate.
“I usually get off around five.” He took another bite. “Why?”
I pressed my lips together. “Um, I was thinking that if you wanted, I can pick Dillon up when I get Charlie.”
His head bobbed slowly. “I could, uh, pick up Charlie and drop them off.”
“That would work.” I willed my heartbeat to slow.
“Mama?” Charlie had a mushroom hanging from the side of his mouth. “Is hims my grampa too?” He pointed to Mr. Walsh.
Fuck. I’m gonna be sick.
“Yes, baby.” I took a deep breath. “What makes you ask?”
“Hims says to call him grampa.” He shrugged.
“Yes. You and Dillon have the same grandpa.” My voice was barely audible.
The boys seemed satisfied with that, and thankfully no other questions were asked.
While we ate, the boys took turns telling us all about their day and I caught them both trying to sneak crust to the dogs.
“Your dogs are very well behaved.” Mr. Walsh smiled over at me and I nodded.
“Thank you, Mr. Walsh. They are retired service dogs. Their people passed, and I adopted them.”
“Mama? Can wes go play?”
“Show Dillon where your plates go, then wash your hands and you can.”
Henry turned to watch as Charlie and Dillon walked over to the sink and set their plates on the counter. They ran from the room, dogs following and we heard their laughter.
“Miranda?” Mr. Walsh reached over and touched my arm. “Given the circumstances, I think you should probably call me Tom.”
My elbows hit the table, and I dropped my head into my hands.
“Your grandfather came to see me after …”
“The roll in the hay?” I threw my head back, laughing. “I knew he was pissed off.”
“If you were my daughter, I would’ve been too.”
I sat back in my chair. “When I saw you were the attorney who prepared his will, I should’ve called you. I chickened out. But I know what I did was…”
“Let’s see.” He sat back and looked at Henry. “She was what? Sixteen when you had your moment?”
Henry nodded.
“How scared were you?” He looked at me.
“Fear wasn’t it. Shame. Shame was it. My grandpa was so disappointed in me.” I wiped a tear away. “But he loved Charlie. So much. He asked if I told you, and I told him I did.”
“You said a statement.” Henry’s voice dropped. “I thought you knew about Victoria.”
