That nearly caused an international incident.
“Mom,” Brenda said when I entered, “you really didn’t make anything?”
“You told me not to.”
“I know, but I assumed you’d ignore me.”
“That sounds like a dangerous system.”
She laughed and kissed my cheek.
At dinner, Paisley stood beside her chair.
“I have an announcement.”
Everyone became solemn.
She unfolded a piece of paper.
“Grandma is going on an adventure.”
I stared at Brenda.
“You told them?”
“She overheard.”
“Where am I going?”
Paisley consulted the paper.
“Portugal.”
My mouth fell open.
Gregory grinned.
“What?”
He slid an envelope across the table.
Inside was a brochure.
Portugal.
Lisbon.
Porto.
The Douro Valley.
For years, Robert had wanted us to go.
I stared at my children.
“I didn’t book anything,” Brenda said quickly. “Nobody booked anything.”
Gregory added, “No decisions were made on your behalf.”
Jennifer smiled.
“We’re learning.”
