“Hi,
Grandma.” Ronan said as he gave his grandmother a hug upon arriving at
her house. Being at his grandparents’ house still felt weird to Ronan
ever since his grandfather died. There was a prominent piece missing in
that house and as much as he wanted to avoid being there, he knew he
couldn’t do it forever.
“So, how’s business been going at the bookstore?” Ronan asked as he walked into the kitchen with her.
“It’s
going well, but your seanáthair’s slowest time of the year was always
the spring and summer. We’ll see how things pick up in a couple of
months.” she explained as Ronan nodded and sat down. “So,
how are things with you, Muirnín? I heard on the news that they’re
meeting tomorrow about allowing same-sex marriage here.” she said.
Ronan
shot his head up at her. “I knew that was coming up, but I didn’t know
it was tomorrow.” he said as he began to unconsciously fidget with his
hands and his grandmother noticed.
Mrs. Shea sat down in front of him and placed a hand over Ronan’s fidgeting ones. “Relax, Muirnín.” she spoke softly.
Ronan sighed. “Grandma, you don’t know how badly I want that law to pass.” he admitted.
“I
do know, Ronan.” Mrs. Shea began. “And your seanáthair knew, too.” she
spoke, looking deep into her grandson’s eyes. “You know, your seanáthair
was so proud of you. He’d say so every chance he got.”
Ronan’s
eyes darted down to his lap. A part of him didn’t want to hear this,
but a part of him did. He hadn’t really sat down and talked with his
grandmother about his grandfather since he’d died. Even while in Ireland
a few weeks back, Ronan would divert conversations every time the
subject came up. The last thing he wanted to do was break down in front
of his grandmother and he knew talking about this would only make it
harder.
“He
loved you, Ronan, and he loved Noah. He was so happy whenever he saw
you two together. He could see how happy Noah makes you and he was so
proud to have been the one to introduce you two.” she continued.
Ronan finally met his now teary eyes with his grandmother’s. “I know Grandpa would have wanted the law to pass.”
Mrs.
Shea was silent for a few seconds as she watched her grandson. “You
know, Muirnín, the way you’re talking about this has me thinking there
may be another reason you want this law to pass.” Mrs. Shea said. “Are
you planning on proposing to Noah?” she then asked.
Ronan looked at her, hesitant to answer. “Let’s just say, I definitely plan on marrying him someday.”
