Free Love Me ~ Without Regret by Renee Kennedy Page A

open for business. We take care of maintenance issues and our horses. Making sure the horses are well cared for is a priority for me, but there are plenty of people here today for that.
    After I finish setting everything up, I make my way over to the stables to help Lizzie. The quicker she is finished with the things she assigns herself, the sooner we can leave on our date.
    I see Granny and Papa are here for a visit today. With them both being in bad health, they don’t get to come by often but when they do it’s on a Sunday.
    “Clay.” Granny calls out with a wave. “How are you today?” She says, holding on to her walker.
    “Granny, you’re looking mighty spry today. Papa, how are you feeling?”
    “With my fingers.” Papa says, holding up the hand not holding on to his cane. “Where’s Lizzie?”
    I chuckle, “I’m sure she is in with the horses. Do you want to go with me to find her?”
    “No, I want a Dr. Pepper.” Papa tells me.
    “Now, Alan, you promised Lizzie that we would see the horses this time.” Granny says, looking over at him.
    “But I’m thirsty,” he says.
    “Why don’t we get you something to drink and then go see the horses?” I ask.
    Cash has told me that Papa has dementia and he tries to give him his way as much as possible. When he gets agitated or upset, he sometimes becomes a little violent and wants to fight. He’s a funny character when he’s having good days and wants to pull pranks on people. They think it’s all because of his disease and it may be, but I think he likes being a little mischievous.
    “In that case, I want a cup of coffee.” Granny says. “Can Lizzie have a break to visit while we have our drinks?”
    I open the door to the breakroom and help them get situated. “Sure, I’ll go get her for you. Who brought y’all up here?” I ask while I get the soda and coffee.
    “That woman.” Papa said.
    Granny smiles, “Margie, she stopped in the office to say hello to Bailey.”
    I set their drinks on the table, “Okay, I’ll go get Lizzie and I’ll be right back.”
    “Thank you, honey.” Granny says with a wink.
    I go to find Lizzie and let her know she needs a break.
    “I thought I’d find you in here.” I say as I walk into the stables.
    “Where else would I be, silly boy?” She laughs.
    “You’ve got visitors in the break room demanding sodas and coffee.”
    She looks at her watch, “Oh good, they’re here. Send them on in; I was hoping I could use some of the same therapy the counselors use with the kids on Papa.”
    “He was thirsty and wanted a Dr. Pepper. Granny wants to visit with you while she sips on her coffee. I bet you a kiss that you won’t get any therapy session in today.” I smirk.
    She leans the shovel she was using in the corner, “You bet me a kiss? Is that all? No money? This is a piece of cake.” She snaps her fingers as she passes me with that ponytail swaying.
    I follow Lizzie into the break room. I want to be a party to this visit. I swing the door open to see they’re basically having a family reunion. Margie, Bailey, and Cash have all joined the social call. I can’t help to smile. There’s no way Granny is going to want to break up this get together.
    “Do we have all the food planned for the wedding?” Granny asks Bailey.
    “I think so, but I’d like to nail it down for sure by next week.” Bailey says.
    “Are you still writing your own vows?” Lizzie asks.
    Cash lets out a sigh, “Yes.” He looks over at Bailey. He’s so in love with her, she could ask anything of him and he’d gladly hop to it.
    “I think it’ll be the most romantic wedding I’ve ever been to,” Margie says.
    “Who’s getting married?” Papa asks.
    “We are, Papa.” Bailey says, holding Cash’s hand.
    “You’re pretty, but I’m already married. That’s my wife. I can’t marry you.” He lets out a little laugh and points toward Granny.
    Granny smiles, shakes her head, and pets his hand. “I sure am.”
    “Are