Page 6 of Desiring Destiny
“My Grams is similar. I bet they would have been great friends,” I tell her while rubbing my hand up and down her arm for warmth.
“Definitely,” she agrees. Destiny looks up at me with a mix of nostalgia, grief, and a hint of hope.
“I know it’s difficult to talk about,” I say softly. “But healing happens when we let others in. When we share the heaviness as well as the joy. Right now, it all feels like pain. But one day, it won’t hurt to remember. Those memories are your grandmother’s gift to you.”
I don’t know if that was the right thing to say or not, I just spoke from the heart. Destiny curls up into my arms and bursts into tears. She clings to me as gut-wrenching sobs wrack her body.
“I’m sorry,” I stutter out, wrapping her up in my embrace. “I’m sorry if I said something to upset you,” I soothe.
She shakes her head no. “Y-y-you’re r-right,” Destiny sniffles out. “It all hurts r-right now. But my grandma gave m-me so many wonderful memories.”
I tuck her head under my chin and hold her, soaking up her tears and pain. “I’ve got you, sweet girl. I’m right here.”
We stay wrapped up in each other for long moments until Destiny starts to shiver. I loosen my grip on her and stand, offering her my hand. Silently, she slips her hand into mine and lets me lead her toward her cabin.
She’s half walking, half leaning on me for support. I don’t mind. If I didn’t think it would embarrass her, I’d scoop my woman up and carry her the rest of the way.
“Oh, there he is!” a familiar voice shouts. “Sara, honey, he’s over here.”
Not now. This can’t be happening…
Sure enough, my grandma, mom, and aunt are standing a few dozen feet away, pointing in our direction. I knew Mrs. Reinhold was going to tell my grandma about Destiny, but I didn’t expect all three women in my immediate family to show up unannounced.
“Who is that?” Destiny asks.
I lean down, brushing my lips against her ear. "The three most nosey women in all of Colorado," I deadpan. "They also happen to be related to me. I'll distract them and you make a run for it. Unless you're ready to meet the family."
“Oh, I–”
“Don’t you hide from your Grams, Griffin!”
“Or your aunt! My goodness, we should have come here sooner, don’t you think, Anna?”
“Yes, and I told both of you that last week,” my mother says as the three of them shuffle our way.
"Oh, god," I mutter under my breath. I love my mom, Aunt Sara, and Grams. But they could not have picked a worse time to burst onto the scene. Destiny and I just shared a touching and vulnerable moment, and here they are, parading around and eager to meddle in whatever they can.
“I’ll just head to my cabin,” Destiny whispers, slipping her hand from mine. I miss her touch immediately.
“Hold on there, missy,” Aunt Sara calls out.
"Yes, yes, don't run away so fast! We haven't been properly introduced!" Grams picks up her speed, hobbling forward in double time to catch up to us.
“Ladies,” I say with my palms raised as my family approaches. Their faces are painted with excitement and expectation. I know they mean well, but they are a bit overwhelming, even on a good day. I imagine this kind of energy is the last thing someone wants when grieving their own family member. “Destiny has had a long day and was just going to her cabin to rest.”
“Destiny? That’s her name? Beautiful!” my mother coos.
“Perfect is what it is,” Aunt Sara says, nodding in agreement.
“Of course her name is Destiny. The universe knew our Griffin needed an obvious sign that this was the one for him,” my Grams adds. The three of them erupt into laughter, my aunt slapping her knee in time with my grandma’s snorts.
"Um, hi," Destiny says, waving her hand adorably. I'm instantly protective of her but I also want her and my family to get along. I know they're going to love her, they just need to bring the intensity down a notch or ten so she can get used to them.
“Hello, dear. I’m Anna, Griffin’s mother. If you need anything, anything at all, just ask. I’ve also got loads of embarrassing stories and photos of our dear boy whenever you’re ready,” she says with a wink.
“Ma,” I say exasperatedly while Destiny lets out a tiny laugh. It’s small and precious, knowing how much it cost her to fight through her pain to show joy.
“And I’m Aunt Sara,” my aunt is quick to interject. She practically shoves my mother out of the way so she can shake Destiny’s hand. “Oh my, you’re just a dear little thing, aren’t you? I can see why he’s so protective over you.”