"Hey, kiddo, take a peek at who’s coming our way," President Barton, with a grin stretching from ear to ear, strolled over with Phillip in tow.
Rosemary, catching sight of the duo, was sowhat taken aback, "Grandpa Phillip? You two know each other?"
"Hahaha, talk about serendipity!" Phillip approached Rosemary, his smile beaming, "Back in the day, I was tight with Tanner. You know, one thing led to another, and I got to know all his pals."
It all clicked for Rosemary then.
"Tanner used to brag about having this grandkid who was a real firecracker, even more so than my own. Said you were so out of this world, and I thought he was just blowing smoke."
Phillip had never t Rosemary, only hearing about her through Regan’s tall tales, so he never took it seriously.
"Turns out, his grandkid is you! And here I was thinking there was no at on that bone of a story. Tanner, you sure do talk a big ga." Phillip couldn’t stop smiling, "Rose’s not just your granddaughter;
she’s gonna be my granddaughter-in-law, and that’s a done deal."
"Whoa there, hold your horses! That’s the real pie in the sky. Whether she becos your granddaughter-in-law is still up in the air. Look at you, all puffed up with pride," Regan roared with laughter.
Phillip, bearing a gift, chid in, "Mr. Albright, no need for a long speech. Today’s your birthday, so here’s to eternal bliss and a life as long as the heavens. Let’s both make it to a hundred, watch Rose walk down the aisle, tie the knot, have kids. And if she has a little Rose, we’ll all be there to help raise her."
"That’s what I’m talking about." Eugene laughed heartily, his only wish in life being to see his dear Rosemary wed, "But is your grandson reliable? My precious Rosemary can’t be mistreated by anyone."
"If my grandson dares to treat her poorly, we’ll each break one of his legs."
Rosemary’s ears perked up: That harsh??
"Haha, that’s the spirit!" Eugene grabbed a glass of wine to toast Phillip.
Phillip glanced at Rosemary reflexively and started to wave off the offer, "The doc told not to drink; I’m not fully recovered yet."
"Well, Rose told the sa, but this is only 0.5% elderflower wine." Eugene finished, looking at Rosemary, "Your Grandpa Phillip ca all this way and even brought a gift. Don’t you think it’s only polite to let him have a glass?"
Phillip also looked for Rosemary’s approval, "They’re toasting to ; would it be rude not to drink?"
"Go ahead."
Hearing Rosemary’s consent, the two old n were over the moon. They clinked glasses and downed their drinks in haste, as if afraid Rosemary would change her mind.
"Wine approved by the doc is just exquisite."
"You bet it is. It’s got a taste of happiness, hahaha."
Other guests, seeing Phillip enjoy his drink, eagerly approached Rosemary, keen to get their mont.
"Mr. McMillian, I’m thrilled to see you tonight. Allow to offer a toast." Mabel stepped forward,draining her glass with poise and asked, "Might I have the honor of challenging you to a quick ga of
chess? Just a minute of your ti."
A minute was such a fleeting window that if Phillip refused, he’d seem ungracious.
"Mr. McMillian, are you fond of chess? I’ve liked it since childhood, not quite as skilled as Jamie Noelle though." Lindsay glanced at Rosemary as she spoke, "But my ntors always said I had a unique style.
If you ever get bored and need so company, I’d be delighted to join you."
Phillip was taken aback, his gaze fixed on Rosemary for a mont, "Jamie Noelle??"
He then turned to the other gentlen, "Rose’s Jamie Noelle?"
How was he not aware of this?
The group of elders nodded, observing him with an amused look that seed to say, "You’re just finding out now??"
Philip recollected the mory of long ago, when Enid had gifted his spouse a set of checkers. Rosemary had imdiately spotted them as knock-offs. Enid was relentless, refusing to believe her gift was not genuine. Rosemary, without missing a beat, had presented a real set and graciously passed it on to Shirley.
That set had been a gift from Eugene to Rosemary, who then re-gifted them to Shirley.
The whole affair had tugged at Eugene’s heartstrings for quite so ti.
It never crossed his mind that she was Jamie Noelle.
How co she was Jamie Noelle.
"My girl, you’ve really impressed !" Philip said with admiration, clapping Rosemary on the shoulder.
"You should join for a ga or two sotis and keep company."
Lindsay, overhearing this, saw an opportunity for Rosemary and quickly chid in, "Besides checkers, I also enjoy playing the piano and composing lyrics. If Grandpa Philip would like so music or to dabble in so creative writing, I’d be more than happy to share."
"When it cos to the arts, Mabel’s no slouch either," Amanda interjected, erging from the crowd with a kind smile. "Don’t let her young age fool you. She’s already passed the grade eight piano exam, and she spends her ti painting."
"My Sylvia is just as talented," Mr. Gardner piped up, stepping forward, ready to boast about his own granddaughter’s prowess. But before he could continue, a murmur spread through the crowd.
Roo had arrived!!
Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded a remarkable presence, with his lean figure cutting a dashing silhouette,His entrance alone captivated the attention of many.
"Is that Roo??"
The cluster around Philip dispersed as everyone made a beeline for the newcor.
Philip explained to Eugene, "I thought I’d have my grandson give the other parents a once-over, that’s all right with you, isn’t it?"
Eugene’s invitation had been for Philip alone.
But Philip had brought Roo along.
Eugene, seeing through the ruse, said with a grin, "I suspect you’re just trying to play matchmaker, giving the young couple a chance to spend ti together."
Philip’s sche had been spotted sooner than he expected, and he bead with delight.
anwhile, Rosemary watched her fiancé surrounded by a crowd, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Phyllis had always dread of marrying Roo, and as she spotted him, she dashed forward to take the lead. Just as she neared him, she stumbled, poised to fall right into his arms.
Whether Roo caught her or not, she was destined to end up in his embrace.
But in the next second, Roo smoothly sidestepped, avoiding her fall perfectly.
Phyllis crashed onto the lawn, in so much pain she couldn’t get up.
She hadn’t anticipated that Roo wouldn’t even pretend to catch her!
Roxanne, delighted at Phyllis’s embarrassnt, quickly picked up a piece of cake from nearby and trotted over to Roo.
"Hi Roo, I’m Roxanne. Grandpa Philip used to carry when I was little." She handed him the cake with a smile. "You just got here and I guess you haven’t tried the birthday cake yet. It’s quite delicious
tonight. Give it a taste."
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