Page 128 of The Wedding Favor

“He kept a collection of articles he found that mentioned you. I think he was proud of you.”

Gloria managed to laugh through her tears. “Was he… did he have a good life?”

Anna nodded and touched Gloria’s hand. “He did. He was one of the best men I knew. He and Nana were married for almost fifty years. They had four children and nine grandchildren. He was the best grandpa. He passed away when I was in high school.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It was twenty years ago now, but every now and then, it hits me.”

“I understand that very much. Iris, darling, could you find that photo album for me?” She smiled at Anna. “Would you like to see some photos of your grandfather as a boy?”

Abe and I stood back while the two of them looked through old photos. Gloria told stories and Anna did, too.

I leaned over and kissed his cheek, his scruff tickling my mouth. “Thank you for finding her.”

“I’ve brought some photos, too.” Anna pulled out an envelope from her purse and handed them to Gloria.

“This is a family photo.” Anna leaned over and pointed at it. “There’s Grandpa and Nana. These are their three oldest, all boys, Charlie, Sam, and Isaac. And the little girl is my mom. Her name is Gloria.”

Anna left thirty minutes later when it became clear that Gloria could barely keep her eyes open. Abe walked her down to the parking lot while I stayed and said goodbye.

“Iris, he named his little girl after me.” She smiled softly as her eyes drifted closed. “And he was happy. He had a very good life, a big family just like he always wanted. H-he never forgot me.”

“Pffst. Like anyone could forget you.”

She laughed softly. Her breathing slowed down as she drifted off to sleep.

“I’ll see you soon,” I whispered and kissed her forehead. Suddenly, she grabbed my wrist in a surprisingly strong grasp.

“Wait,” she said. “Listen to me. Warren and I, we found our way. It wasn’t to each other and that’s… okay. It was enough that I got to love him for a short time. But Thomas? I got to love him for the rest of my life. Find that person, Iris. When you do, don’t let him get away. Don’t let anyone else tell you differently.”

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump lodged in my throat.

“He is a good man,” she said fiercely. “More than that, he will always take care of your heart. You hold on to him, and you don’t let go. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good. That’s good.” She let go of my wrist. “I’m very tired. Go away.”

I laughed softly. “I love you, too.”

“I know, darling, I know.”

FIFTY-THREE

”When you think of me, I hope you smile.”

—excerpt from the unpublished memoir,

Darling, I Must Say by Gloria Hayes

The phone call came at three oh five in the morning.

It was Kathy.

“I’m so sorry, Iris,” she said. “She’s gone.”

FIFTY-FOUR