Chapter 3

Unaware of all the turmoil that was raging within Carmela as she stood just outside his door, Lance busied himself getting things ready. He had asked his house keeper to prepare things then take the rest of the day off. He figured that with no one else there Carmela may feel more at ease.

He smiled as he placed the last Roses in the vase that he had just cut himself from the garden. They looked lovely this year and where his pride and joy. Something that now reminded him of her as he worked in the garden. He was sure she would like them too. He was so lost in thought that he startled when he heard the thumping on his door.

Recovering fast a broad smile made its way to his face as he walked to the door. Knowing full well who would be on the other side. As he walked to the door he made note of how large and cold his house felt compared to the warmth he had felt in Carmela’s home. But if all went as planned, one day he would have her back in his life and home. She was what this house needed to become warm and a home at last.

So many years he had wasted pouring all his time and energy into his work just to stay away from that loveless marriage. He was ready to dedicate his life and time to the people he loved. Reaching the door he took a moment to look at himself in the mirror. Not bad for an old man, he thought with a smirk. Yet it would be unreal, if he didn’t admit to himself that the wrinkles on his skin only reminded him of all the lost time. Sucking in a breath he opened the door.

“Grandpa” Rose cried out as she threw herself at him. Bending down to catch her in his arms he bent his head and kissed the top of her head. Yet his eyes were riveted on the woman that stood inches from him. He caught the scent of her delicate perfume as the wind blew it to him.  He smiled at her and knew the love he felt for her shined in his eyes. She in turn smiled back but it didn’t reach her eyes. It was a forced smile that hid pain behind it.

Unsure of himself yet determined to make things right he ushered her inside. He saw the way her chest rose and fell with each labored breath. When Rose ran off to play he tilted her chin up. “What is it?” He asked in as gentle a voice as he could muster.

She tried to pull her face away but he tightened his grip, not enough to hurt her but enough so she could not pull away. “Please talk to me Carmela.”

“I, I was just remembering the last time I was here.” He had to strain to hear her whispered words. Yet he felt a stabbing pain in his chest as they sank in. Pulling her to him he allowed himself the luxury of holding her in his arms. All he wished at that moment was for the ability to erase and rewrite the past. He could tell she was fighting the urge to move away.

“Let me just hold you for a minute. I grieve the same loss and pain as you. That reached woman is dead now and cannot hurt either of us. One day I hope you can forgive me and give our love a chance.” We heard little Rose running back to the room before she showed up and she jumped out of my arms.

Wiping away her tears, she smiled as Rose reached us. “Can we eat now?” she begged as she pulled both of us into the kitchen.  She jumped up with glee when she realized we were having Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets and there were also some ham sandwiches that I had cut out in the shape of stars.

I heard Carmela’s laugh beside me. “Well I see you went all out for us didn’t you.” My heart leaped faster at the sound of her laugh. It was more special because it was me who had made her laugh.

“Only the best for my girls” I teased making her stop laughing. Hell I know she loves Rose as much as I do. I figured it would win me some points if I made the munchkin happy. “Now let’s eat.”

The meal was enjoyable as we sat back and listened to all of Rose’s stories about school. She talked about missing her mom and dad and about the baby. We kept our conversation light and neutral. Did I tell you Carmela loved my Roses?

I was dying to take her into my office in hopes she would remember all the furniture she had picked out all those years ago. But it is too soon for that. I need to move slow and with purpose. So we went to the garden and talked about my flowers as she gave me pointers on how to get a fuller color and larger blooms. They way her face lit up as she spoke about her work and loving the shop. I so ached to be a part of what she loved.

Carmela’s POV

On the drive home I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know what was happening and I wasn’t ready to face things not yet. The kids were due to head back soon and I needed some distance from this man that had me in turmoil. It was all happening to soon and too fast.

Once home I made a decision. “Well my little Rose, how would you like to go on a trip with your old grandma?” She looked confused “it’s to a farm with horses” her squeals of happiness made me laugh.

I then got things rolling and called the shop to make sure it was taken care off. I then dialed Marry Ann. “Walker Codey, what can I do for you?”  The sound of that very masculine drawl made me smile.

“You can put this old lady and her granddaughter up for a week.” Was my reply as I tried to hold back a laugh.

“Well hell, if it isn’t Carmela. Woman, get your fine self down here now. Marry Ann is going to be so happy.” Feeling really excited I asked Walker not to tell his wife who is one my best friend from childhood that I was coming down to visit.

I always hoped my Miranda would marry one of the Codey boys. Yet theirs was more of a brotherly love, no chemistry she would tell me when we would visit or they would visit. All of those boys ended up with their daddy’s good looks. Now they are all happily married and I could not be happier for them all.

While Carmela was busy remembering her old friend and all the fun times they had at the Codey ranch. Little Rose was busy calling her grandpa to tell him they were going on a trip.

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Who remembers my Codey stud muffins?????