Spring Cleaning
“Thank you for coming to help me today, Bert. It’s very thoughtful of you.” Grams smiled widely at the young man before her.
“Anything for you, Miz Dotson.” He returned the look of affection. “My grandmother always did hers this time of year, so I’m glad to help.”
She bade him to follow her into the apartment and he did. It was neatly furnished with stacks of knick-knacks here and there. Homey and warm, he felt right at home with the space as well as the lady.
“Let’s start in here.” Grams went into the guestroom where her most frequent visitor stayed. A sly smile played about her lips but the young man didn’t see it. “These are a few boxes I need moved to the top of the closet. I’ll open the door if you’ll lift them in.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Albert hefted the boxes, totally unaware of the machinations of the sprightly grandmother. Up they went. He pushed the bottom three onto the shelf as the top one slid off the back of the stack due to a well-placed piece of wax paper. As mementos and paper fluttered all over, the man winced.
“Never you mind, my boy. I’ll go get us something to drink while you pick these up. I can’t bend like I used to.” She patted his shoulder before stepping into the hallway. Eat your heart out, baby girl. Grams is in the house.
With a sigh, Bert began picking up the mess, his glance catching on the paper he held. Local Girl Wins Fashion Award. He sat down to read the article, looking with interest at the picture beside the blurb. It was Lucy as a teenager. Grinning, he snatched another paper, this one a report card. A’s and B’s… in seventh grade…good deportment…
One after another, he gathered the pile, slowly but steadily, learning more about the woman he loved. Grams stood just out of sight in the hallway, her eyes lit with joy. I hope you appreciate this, Lucy dear. She waited until he was almost finished before making her re-appearance.
“Oh, my. I am sorry. I got caught up in the kitchen. Here’s some lemonade.” She handed him the cool glass, which he took with great thanks. “Are you almost done? My, you are a quick one.”
He hopped up and placed the lid on the box. It had been enlightening, giving him an idea or two about how to surprise Lucy next. “I haven’t done much to help with your spring cleaning, Miz Dotson.”
“Nonsense. Sometimes, we need to step back and see things from a different perspective. How did you fit all that stuff back into the box? Lucy never could get the lid to fit right.”
Albert softly narrowed his eyes and grinned at the older woman. “I guess, I just have a knack with Lucy’s stuff.”
“And a knack for my granddaughter as well?” Dark brows lifted in question.
“That I do.”
“I see.”
“I see you do. May I ask you a question, Miz Dodson?”
At her nod, he pulled out a little burgundy box, cracking it open. “Oh, my. Albert Pine, are you proposing to me?”
He laughed with great gusto and hugged the older woman close. “If only I were worthy of your attention.”
She laughed in return. “If you are asking my permission, then, by all means, yes.”
Light green eyes were bright. “Thank you.”
“No. Thank you, Albert. I’m glad Lucy held out for you. I think you’ll do right by her.” Grams took the box and looked closely at the ring. “Whoo, this is some stone. Got one for me?” she teased. Her smile turned to shock when he brought out a second smaller box.
It was a simple version of the one he had for Lucy.
“You shouldn’t have,” Grams pushed the box back toward him.
“I wanted to. Regardless of Lucy’s answer, you have made me feel at home, more than I’ve been in a long time. I wanted to say ‘Thank you.’”
A tear trickled down the wrinkled brown cheek. “You go find my granddaughter, now, ya hear. Don’t waste another moment.” She shooed him out the door. “And if she isn’t cooperative, you let me know. I’ll straighten her out.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Albert pocketed the larger box before pressing the smaller one into her hand. “Hold this for me. I plan on keeping both of you around for a long time.”
Grams watched him drive off whispering a prayer of gratitude. Thank you, Jesus, for sending my granddaughter such a wonderful man to care for her. Thank you.
The End
***
A/N: The final story is....hmmmm, what was that name again? Oh, yeah. Take These Broken Wings. Coming soon. By Friday, if not sooner. Having to try and keep it short. Or maybe....maybe I could do two...the short one...and the long one....*trecebo goes into conference with self.
Self: Are you nuts? You have a different sequel to be working on.
trecebo: But they will ask about loose ends.
Self: That's never stopped you before. You eventually write another story and answer those while creating more.
trecebo: True. But this one is different. It's Lucy.
Self: *smacks head* Oh, please. It's still a story. You have BH and the V-day sequel sitting there, waiting for you.
trecebo: But, but, but....
Self: No buts.
Myself has told I that we can't do a long one....
Ahhhh... I love Albert. He is so sweet. I want one. 
Straight out of the looney bin. 
Restie
Thanks for bringing a smile to my face.
Love that Grams. A woman after my own heart!
And longer is always better with you Trece...when you aren't breaking people's hearts willy nilly that is. 
)