Fighting For You Read Online Free PDF Page A

Grandfather’s truck was parked on one side of the driveway.  During the beginning of the drive, I left a message on his voicemail saying I was on my way home and would call later.  I never expected him to be waiting for me when I showed up.  I had barely put my car into park when I jumped out and ran to the front door.  It wasn’t until I saw his vehicle that I realized how terribly I had missed my Gramps.
    Gabby followed close behind and waited just as anxiously as I tried to unlock the door.  Once I did, we just about fell in the front door. We looked up to find my wonderful Grandfather sitting in my living room.  He wore a beaming smile on his face that warmed me up despite the cold March air.  I ran to his arms as he stood and was quickly enveloped into his large figure.  My six-foot-six Gramps always had a way of making me feel like the timid little child I used to be.  I loved the way I felt safe and protected every time he was near. 
    Before I even had a chance to comprehend everything, there were even more tears in my eyes.  I was beginning to hate myself for crying so damn much.
    “How’s my Dolly?” He asked after a few moments of rocking me from side-to-side.
    “I’m okay,” I answered honestly.  There was plenty left unsaid but, for now, this would have to do.
    “I’m so glad you are home, Danielle.  When I got your message, I went to the grocery for you.  Then I came over here and cleaned for you so you didn’t come home to a mess.” 
    More tears spilled out. 
    “You didn’t have to do all that.” I choked out past my enflamed throat. 
    “Of course I did.”
    “Thank you for shoveling, too.  That was one thing I was dreading having to deal with.”  Grandpa grabbed hold of my arms and held me away from his chest.  His soft, caring eyes looked down into mine.
    “Dolly, that wasn’t me.”
    “Oh?”
    There was no way my Gram did it.  Not that she was a bad person, but I doubted if she shoveled her own walkway.  Gramps cast a glance around the room and noticed Gabriella standing back by the front door.  His face lit up with a smile.
    “Hello there! I’m Clayton. You must be Danielle’s friend.”
    “Yes, Sir.  I’m Gabriella, but you can just call me Gabby.”  I heard her walking forward and her hand extended out to shake his.  He took it with a smile.
    “Great to meet you, Dear.  I hope you both had a nice drive in.”
    “It was very nice.  Not too much traffic and the roads were pretty clear.”
    “Excellent.” Gramps answered with a smile.
    I wanted to add more into the conversation but my mind was still elsewhere.  I tried to let it go—but I couldn’t.
    “Grandpa?”
    “Yes, Dolly?” He asked, walking around the room to collect his scarf and gloves.
    “If you didn’t shovel, who did?” He stopped what he was doing and turned my way.  For a minute, he just watched my face to see if I really didn’t know and then decided I truly had no clue.
    “Corey shoveled it. He has all winter, actually.”  My heart lurched into my throat.  Lord—I so did not deserve that man and his unfailing love.
    “Oh.” I replied, but had to bite on my lip to hold back the waterfall.  Gabby gave my arm a tight reassuring squeeze.  I was thankful that she didn’t start saying anything in front of my Grandpa; that was one thing I didn’t want to share. 
    “Well, I’ll be out of your hair.  Just give me a call if you need anything.” I bobbed my head up and down.
    “Of course.”
    He placed a kiss to my forehead, gave Gabby another handshake and then he left.  Before I could sink to my knees and wail, Gabby tugged me towards the kitchen.
    “Give me a tour of this gorgeous house!” Her enthusiasm was a nice try to keep my mind occupied, but I knew exactly what she was doing.
    “Alright. What about some hot chocolate, too?”
    Gabby let out a squeal. “Now you’re talking!”
     
    *~*~*~*~*
     
    After an evening of unpacking, getting settled in and