The days passed by and summer began and with it the heat, but in some ways I think the heat of the day failed in comparison to the blaze that had erupted between Deshavi and Trent. It was a wonder how they kept their clothes on, but Trent remained a gentleman and Deshavi respected my wishes. The two were inseparable. They went everywhere and did everything with each other. If one listened hard enough one could hear the wedding bells in the distance, at least I hoped so.
I heard footsteps and then Deshavi appeared on the trail below me. She looked nervous and immediately defensive shields went up inside of me. What had she done?
I tried to keep my face neutral of my feelings as she found me and drew closer.
"Grandpa I…..ah…..was wondering if you would do something for me?"
I started to relax inside. Lately she had reverted to her childhood use of grandpa, instead of the more formal grandfather, if she was still calling me grandpa it couldn't be too bad could it?
"What do you need?"
She shifted on her feet in an anxious way that I hadn't seen her do since she was a little girl begging for something she desperately wanted.
"Trent wants me to meet his mother before we, before we……"
"Before we what?" I asked.
She stuck her hand out and I saw the finger that showcased a big shiny diamond ring on it.
"Get married!" She finished lamely.
I took her hand and gazed at the ring admiringly, "This is a good thing Deshavi! You make my heart glad, but what is it that you want of me?"
On a rush of words she breathed out, "Would you please go with us to see his mother? With me? Please!"
Without hesitation I responded, "Absolutely!"
She stared at me in shock, "You will? I didn't think you ever left this place! I…"
I interrupted her, "When do we go?"
Her nervousness quadrupled, "We…. you see that's the thing. I was sure you'd say no so I put off asking you and…."
I squeezed her hand, "When do we go honey?"
"In the morning." She moaned out.
I patted her cheek, "I'll be ready."
"Thank you grandpa!" She said, as she hugged me fiercely. "I need this!"
"Are you worried that his mother won't like you?"
She buried her face against my chest and I heard a muffled, "Yes".
I pulled her face back up, "Why?"
Her eyes were teary as she said, "Because I'm not good enough for him!"
She tried to duck her head back down, but I framed her face in my hands and kept it focused on me.