Marianne smiled and reached into the carrier.
"Someone's been waiting for you."
"I reported him."
When she placed Rose in my arms, I forgot about Josh.
My granddaughter was smaller than I'd imagined, with round cheeks and one tiny hand curled against her blanket.
"Hello, Rose. I'm your grandma."
She opened her eyes and stared at me.
Marianne laughed.
I forgot about Josh.
"She's checking you out."
"Well, she can take her time. I've waited months to meet her."
Rose stretched her fingers around mine.
I felt tears gathering.
Steven should've been there.
He'd once insisted he'd teach our future grandchildren how to make lemon cakes.
I felt tears gathering.
"They'll need teeth first," I'd told him.
"Then I'll practice until they do."
He would've adored this little girl.
Marianne touched my shoulder.
"I wish Dad could see her."
"So do I, sweetheart."
"I wish Dad could see her."
We found a nearby bench, and I settled Rose against my chest.