Page 52 of Tattered (Lark Cove 1)

“Who’s that?”

“That is Granny.”

“She looks older than Gran.”

I chuckled. “That’s because she’s my gran. And she’s probably going to spoil you rotten with candy and presents.”

That got me a wide smile.

“You go get the fishing stuff and I’ll be right behind you. Get our stuff ready.”

She nodded and slid off her chair at the kitchen table at the same time I stood, following her through the screen door, taking the call as Charlie darted down the porch steps.

“Hello, Granny.”

“Logan, where are you? Your parents are looking for you.”

I grinned. “I’m ignoring them.”

“I wish I could,” she said, “but they ambushed me during afternoon tea. Why, exactly, are you ignoring them?”

I took a deep breath before proceeding to tell Granny all about coming to Montana, seeing Thea and learning that Charlie was my daughter. I hadn’t planned on telling her over the phone, but as soon as I’d answered, I knew I couldn’t keep it a secret.

Out of everyone in my family, I wanted Granny to be the first to know about Charlie. I wanted to share my excitement with the one person I knew wouldn’t be worried about paternity tests or custody discussions. Granny was the person I’d always trusted to give honest advice.

“I have a great-granddaughter.” I didn’t need to see her to know she had a teary smile. “What’s she like?”

“She’s . . . god, she’s fantastic.” I smiled as Charlie came through the trees, carrying her fishing pole. “She’s unlike any child I’ve ever met. She’s thoughtful. Smart. She’s quiet until you get to know her but then she opens up and you just want to soak up every word she says.”

Granny hummed. “Your grandfather was like that. When are you bringing her home?”

“I don’t know.” I ran a hand through my hair as Charlie walked down the dock. She looked over her shoulder and smiled, holding up the pole, a Styrofoam container of worms tucked underneath her arm. “I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. This week, I’ve just been trying to get to

know her and Thea.”

“That’s all well and fine, but she can’t live in Montana while you’re in New York. What’s your plan?”

“I’m buying a house here in Lark Cove. I think we’ve finally reached a price and I should be able to close on it within the next few weeks. Then I’ll travel back and forth. I’m going to put an office in my place here so I won’t fall behind on work. I might even hire an assistant here to—”

Granny laughed before I could finish. “Oh, Logan. Traveling back and forth isn’t going to be enough. You’re going to need to give some things up.”

Give things up? Why?

“It will be okay,” I assured her. “I can fit it all in.” I just needed to juggle things around. There was no reason I couldn’t fit trips to see my daughter into my life.

She laughed at me again. “One of these days, you’ll figure it out. Your father never did, but I have hope for you.”

“Figure what out?”

“The secret to life.”

I chuckled. “I’m a busy man these days, Granny. Why don’t you just tell me?”

“No, it will be more fun for me to watch you struggle for a while. Sally forth, grandson. I have faith you’ll find the right path.”

I grinned as I walked down the porch and headed for the dock to meet Charlie.

Granny had always been a driver, pushing me to keep going until I reached the summit of whatever mountain I’d been climbing. Each time she sent me off to a daunting challenge, it had come with a sally forth.