Chapter 1: Secrets Beneath Sunrise

We all tried to bury last night’s events deep in our hearts.

But you know how it goes—sometimes you tuck something away, thinking you’ll never have to face it again, but the memory still lingers at the edges. Still, in our family, we made a silent pact. What happened last night would stay between us, locked up tight—for now, anyway.

The past is for remembering, not for getting lost in. That’s what Grandpa always said, anyway. The living always have a new day ahead.

That was always how Grandpa put it. No sense, he’d say, in letting yesterday’s storms cloud today’s sunrise. As the sun crept up over Maple Heights, painting the frosty grass gold, you could almost believe it.

On the morning of New Year’s Day, Jamie braided my hair into two little braids, then swept it all up into a high ponytail, making me look especially lively.

He hummed an old country tune as he worked, fingers gentle but sure, and every so often he’d grin at me in the mirror, like he was proud of his handiwork. The scent of cinnamon rolls drifted in from the kitchen, and for a moment, the world felt soft and brand new. I wished it could stay that way forever.

In the new outfit Jamie sewed for me, I dragged him along to wish our grandparents a happy New Year.

The fabric was soft against my skin, and Jamie had even stitched a tiny bluebird onto the collar—my favorite. I couldn’t help but tug him by the sleeve, nearly skipping down the hall, eager to show off.

First up, as always, were Grandpa and Grandma.

Their house always smelled like cedar and old books, and the warmth inside chased away the last bit of winter chill. The family dog, Buddy, thumped his tail in greeting as we stepped inside. He always knew when we were coming.

When we arrived, Dad had already been there for a while.

He was sitting at the kitchen table, coffee mug in hand, chatting with Grandpa about the best way to smoke a brisket. The sight made my heart feel full—everyone together, just as it should be.

That saved us a trip to his place.

Jamie squeezed my hand, both of us a little relieved. Less running around meant more time with the people we loved.

I cleared my throat, trying to remember the words Grandpa liked best. "Grandpa, Grandma, wishing you both a long, happy life together—may your years be as strong as the old oak in spring, and may you always have each other."

I said it just the way Grandpa liked, with my best Sunday-morning voice, and Jamie chimed in at the end. We both gave them big hugs, squeezing tight.

After the hugs, we stood when Grandpa and Grandma asked.

Grandpa patted Jamie on the back, while Grandma fussed with the collar of my shirt, making sure I looked just right.

"Grandpa, Grandma, do you like my new outfit?"

I spun around, letting the skirt flare out, and struck a little pose. "Jamie made them for me!"

"Beautiful, beautiful!" Grandma grabbed my hand, her face shining with pride. "Our little Lila looks good in anything!"

She winked at Grandpa, who nodded along, his eyes twinkling.

Jamie blushed, ducking his head, but I could see the smile tugging at his lips. It felt good to have something to show off, something that was ours.

Grandma nodded, not holding back her praise. "Jamie’s so talented—these are gorgeous."

She leaned over and gave Jamie’s hand a squeeze, her rings clinking softly. "You’re a keeper, Jamie."

She opened the box next to her and took out a gold locket. "I had this made for you—wear it and you’ll look even better!"

The locket gleamed in the morning light, delicate but sturdy. I could tell Grandma had spent hours picking it out, maybe even more choosing the inscription.

You don’t say no to a gift from your grandparents.

I bowed my head and let Grandma fasten the locket around my neck. Truthfully, I was a bit old to be wearing a locket like this, but a gift from my grandparents was precious. In front of them, I was happy to play the part of their little girl.

The cool metal rested just above my heart, and I caught a whiff of Grandma’s lavender perfume as she clasped it shut. For a moment, I felt like I was six years old again, running barefoot through their backyard.

Every year, Grandpa and Grandma had a new locket made for me. When I was little, they were just simple metal; as I grew older, they became silver, and this year, a gleaming gold one.

I kept every single one in a little wooden box under my bed, each with its own story. I could almost hear Grandpa’s voice from years ago: "For luck, Lila."

Just four words on each one: “long life and happiness.” That was it.

The letters were always a little crooked—Grandpa insisted on doing it himself, even if his hands shook. That made them even more special.

Grandpa and Grandma never wished for too much—just that their little Lila would be safe.

Their love was simple, steady—like the way Grandpa always had a peppermint in his pocket, just for me. I could still taste the cool sweetness.

"My granddaughter is so beautiful."

Grandma’s eyes were full of love as she turned to Grandpa and Dad. "Isn’t that right?"

She squeezed my hand, and for a second, the world felt gentle.

Grandpa and Dad nodded quickly. "Beautiful, beautiful!"

Dad ruffled my hair, making me laugh, and Grandpa winked like we were sharing a secret.

Whatever Grandma said went—neither Grandpa nor Dad ever dared contradict her.

It was a running joke in our family: Grandma ruled the roost, and the menfolk wouldn’t dream of crossing her.

Jamie and I, following Grandma’s lead, sat cross-legged on the soft rug beside her.

Jamie settled in beside me, his knee bumping mine. The rug was thick and warm, and I could feel the hum of old family stories in the air.

As soon as we sat down, Grandpa spoke up.

He cleared his throat, and I braced myself—Grandpa loved a good tease.

"Lila," he called, a teasing smile on his face, "I hear you’re getting married?"

He dragged out the last word, just to watch me squirm.

Hear from whom?

I glanced at Dad, who was pretending nothing had happened, and instantly guessed who the “source” was.

Dad suddenly found the ceiling very interesting. I rolled my eyes—he was never as sneaky as he thought.

No wonder he’d shown up so early. Dad really was something—moving so fast without even talking to me, not giving me any time to prepare.

I made a face at him, but he just shrugged, like, "What can you do?"

Oh well, what’s said is said. No big deal.

I straightened my shoulders. If Grandpa wanted to tease, I’d give as good as I got.

I shot back, all confidence: "That’s right."

Jamie nearly choked on his coffee, but I just grinned wider.

"And you better be in charge of the barbecue at my wedding!"

I wagged my finger at Grandpa. "Only if you promise not to burn the burgers this time!"

"Congratulations!" Grandpa offered his blessing, then nodded solemnly. "Don’t worry, little Lila. I’ll make sure your wedding is the talk of the town!"

He puffed out his chest, as if the whole county would show up just to see me wed.

Grandma couldn’t stand our back-and-forth, so instead of scolding me, she smacked Grandpa lightly. "Speak properly!"

She didn’t use much force, but Grandpa acted deeply wronged.

He clutched his chest dramatically, shooting me a look like, "See what I put up with?"

He was about to retort when Grandma cut him off again: "Always teaching silly habits—now Lila’s picking them up from you!"

She wagged her finger at him, but there was a smile tugging at her lips.

It’s true—people really do get more childlike as they age.

Grandpa grumbled under his breath, but I caught the twinkle in his eye. He loved every minute of it.

Unable to out-argue Grandma, Grandpa crossed his arms and gave a sulky “hmph.”

He looked like a kid who’d been told to eat his vegetables. I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

Grandma shot him a look, and he reluctantly put his arms down.

She had that look—don’t even try me. Grandpa caved instantly. Some things never change.

I struggled not to laugh out loud—if I did, Grandpa would only feel more wronged.

But clearly, Grandma wasn’t too concerned with Grandpa’s feelings. She cared more about my marriage. Seeing Grandpa just joking around, she took matters into her own hands.

"Before long, Lila will be grown," she said, a bit wistfully, stroking my cheek. "…Almost an adult now."

Her thumb brushed my cheek, soft as a butterfly. For a moment, I saw a flicker of sadness in her eyes—time moves too fast.

"I don’t like to beat around the bush, so I’ll ask directly."

She looked at me, then at Jamie. "Are Lila and Jamie really in love?"

Her gaze was sharp, but kind. I felt my cheeks warm.

I nodded hard, sneaking a glance at Jamie.

He looked like a deer caught in headlights, but his eyes shone with something fierce and gentle all at once.

Maybe my hopes were too obvious, because his cheeks quietly flushed red.

He ducked his head, but I could see the tips of his ears turning pink. I squeezed his hand under the edge of the rug.

"Grandma," he replied, gentle and firm, "I love her, too."

His voice was steady, and for a second, everything else faded away.

He looked at me, eyes full of affection.

It felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of us, right there in Grandma’s living room.

I’d never really known what it meant to be shy, but under the elders’ gaze, I actually felt my face heat up a little.

I tried to play it cool, but I could feel the blush creeping up my neck. Jamie squeezed my hand again, and I squeezed back.

"Good, good, good!" Grandma repeated, her voice teasing and full of warmth. "Grandma knew, but I had to ask… Otherwise, I’d have missed seeing Lila so bashful!"

She laughed, the sound bright and warm. I groaned, but couldn’t help smiling.

Grandma was wrong—clearly it was Grandpa who set the bad example, not me.

I shot him a look, and he just shrugged, as if to say, "What can you do?"

But it didn’t matter. I was generous enough. If she wanted to laugh, let her. As long as Jamie and I could be together in the end, that was all that mattered.

I let the teasing roll off me—love was worth a little embarrassment.

When Grandpa got serious, he was steady.

He leaned forward, voice softening. The room seemed to settle, like we were all holding our breath.

Seeing Grandma in such good spirits, he forgot his earlier grumbling and said, "Lila and Jamie’s wedding—we’ve got it in mind. But it’ll have to wait a bit. After Henry’s graduation, I have something I’ll need you to do."

His words were gentle but carried weight. I nodded, knowing Grandpa never said anything lightly.

I didn’t ask what Grandpa wanted. He always had his own plans.

He winked at me, like we shared a secret. I trusted him—always had.

Speaking of Henry’s graduation, it really was time.

We’d talked about it for months, and now, with everyone together, it finally felt right.

He’d reached the age long ago, but for various reasons, the party had been delayed. Now, with Dad and the others all here, we had to make it a lively event.

A graduation in our family wasn’t just about a diploma—it was a rite of passage, a chance to mark the moment a kid became an adult.

Once his ceremony was over, I’d be next, and Grandpa and Grandma could finally relax.

I caught Grandma’s eye, and she smiled, the lines around her mouth deepening with pride.

After all—

Without the graduation, you couldn’t really be considered an adult.

In our town, folks took that seriously. You could drive a truck or fix a roof, but until your family handed you that cap, you were still someone’s kid.