“It’s kind of you to even call them after everything that’s happened.”
Misty shrugged. “Clara’s always been pretty decent to me. It’s her husband who has always been the issue. I’ve done everything I could to be nice to him, so I just gave up. As long as he’s good to my daughter, I’m good.”
“I have to say that I admire you, Misty. You’ve been a pillar of strength through everything. I find strength in a woman a very attractive quality.”
The waiter arrived with the dessert and two spoons.
“Did you know that John made me a beneficiary of an insurance policy?” Misty inquired. “I didn’t expect that at all.”
“All he ever told me was that he intended to make sure you and Talei were taken care of if anything happened to him.”
“Do you think he’s at peace now?”
He nodded. “I choose to think so—otherwise his death wouldn’t make sense to me.”
They finished off the brownie and ice cream.
Oma was in the kitchen when Misty arrived home an hour later.
“Hey, Mama. Where’s Talei?”
“She’s in her room watching a movie. I just came down to make her some warm milk.”
Oma retrieved a carton from the refrigerator. “How was your dinner with Leon?”
“Nice,” Misty murmured. “It was great being able to have a meal and conversation with a man with no expectations. Leon doesn’t drink. That was kind of nice, too. For the first time, I was able to see what it feels like to have a normal relationship with a man. Leon’s still grieving some, but he has such a kind heart.”
“Don’t judge him for what others have done to you in the past.”
“I’m not, Mama,” Misty said. “I’m not rushing into anything with Leon. We’re just building a friendship. If it goes further than that, then it does. I’m focusing on the present.”
She went to check on Talei.
“Mama, why didn’t you ever remarry?” Misty asked when she walked into the dining room.
“My focus was making sure you were going to be okay. I didn’t have time to meet men and determine if they were worthy of being in our life.”
“What about now?”
“I’m happy with my life the way it is, Misty. Your father was a good man, but then the alcohol changed him. It became his god. He chose it over his family. Then he started running around with other women. When I got the phone call from that woman bragging how she was pregnant with his child. I was done for good.”
“All I remember of my dad is that he was mean-spirited. I remember the way he used to treat you.”
“You have to forgive him, Misty.”
“I’m trying, Mama. I’m really trying to forgive him and John.”
When she was upstairs in her room, her cell phone rang.
Misty grinned when she saw the ID of the caller.
Picking up, she said, “Leon, hello.”
“Thanks again for having dinner with me.”
“I enjoyed myself,” Misty responded.
“Look, I’m not really good at this—more like out of practice—but I’d like to get to know you better,” Leon said. “I’m really not good at this at all.”
She smiled. “You’re doing fine. I want to get to know you better, as well.”
He released an audible sigh. “Now that we got that out of the way, I can relax some.”
Misty chuckled. “I know the feeling. It’s not like it’s been all that long, but it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve been on a date.”
“Maybe it’s because we’re both anxious about what could come of our dating.”
“I’m hoping for something good,” she confessed.
“I don’t intend to do anything to hurt you or Talei,” Leon stated. “I want a relationship of substance—something real.”
“We’re definitely on the same page, then.”
They talked for the next hour, discussing books, the island history and the things they had in common.
Misty fell asleep with thoughts of Leon dancing through her mind.
* * *
MONDAY AFTERNOON, MISTY met Brittany at a shop downtown for some retail therapy.
“Let me just get this out of the way by telling you that Leon and I have a date tomorrow,” she announced. “We’re leaving early and spending the day in Savannah. He’s going to be busy the rest of the week with Miss Eleanor and Rusty.”
“That’s right. The wedding is Saturday,” Brittany exclaimed as they wandered around the clothing boutique. “I’m not surprised that you’re going on a date with Leon. Girl, I knew you had a thing for him.”
“Okay you’re right. I really, really like him but I’m so nervous,” Misty confessed. “It’s actually been a while since I’ve been on a date. I know this is last minute, but do you mind watching Talei?”
“I don’t mind at all. That’s my little princess.”
“What should I wear?” Misty picked up a red sundress. “You like this one?”
“I like this better.” Brittany help up a strapless dress in yellow.
“It’s nice, but not appropriate for a day trip to Savannah.”
“Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes with something cute. Those cobblestone streets are agony on your feet.”
“I remember. That’s why I need to find something to go with my walking shoes. I’m looking for something in red or navy.” Misty walked over to the next clothing rack. “Congratulations again on making partner. It’s well deserved.”
Brittany held up a shirt against her body and eyed her reflection in the full-length mirror. “Girl, thank you. I’m excited about it. We’re actually planning to expand our office to Charleston.”
“Oh, wow. That’s wonderful.”
“Mary’s boyfriend lives there, and he’s asked her to marry him.”
“So, she plans on running that office while you manage the one on the island?”
Brittany nodded. “Exactly.”
“Thank you for babysitting Talei. You know how much I appreciate you.”
“Talei and I are gonna have a good time. Enjoy your day with Leon. Don’t worry about rushing back. She can just stay the night and I’ll drop her off at school. She and I will be fine. Talei loves her auntie Britt.”
Misty smiled. “Yes, she does. That’s because you spoil her.”
They left the store and walked across the street.
“Let’s try this place here,” Misty said. “I need to find something in the next ten minutes. I have to get back to work.”
Later that evening, Misty tried on the two different outfits she’d purchased earlier. She was having a difficult time trying to find the perfect one for her date with Leon.
It was past eleven o’clock by the time she chose the sundress in a hot pink color with white sneakers. Misty also retrieved a light white cardigan to take with her.
She climbed into bed and exhaled a long sigh of contentment. Misty propped herself up against her pillows and relaxed for a few minutes, then she slid out of bed.
Misty went downstairs to the kitchen. She’d made a decision to bake lemon cupcakes for Leon.
Misty wanted to do something special for him.
* * *
ELEANOR HANDED HER nephew a cup of coffee to go with his dessert. “So, you’re going out with Misty.”
“We’ve been spending time together,” Leon told his aunt. “We took Talei to see a movie, and we were together at the children’s festival... I’d like to get to know her better.”
“I had a feeling you two would be getting together,” Eleanor said.
Holding up his hand, Leon uttered, “Whoa, Auntie... We’re just learning more about each other. We’re not a couple or anything like that.”
“I have an instinct about stuff like th
is. You two gwine be a couple before long. Mark my words.”
Leon chuckled. “Do me a favor and don’t tell Misty any of this—I don’t want you to scare her off.”
“It’s good to see you going out. It’s about time.”
“Aunt Eleanor, I’m not going to rush into anything with Misty. I’m not even sure if I’m really ready for this, but I’m going to give it a shot. I can’t get her out of my head. I think about her all the time.”
“Vera never wanted you to become a hermit. You’re not the type of man meant to be single. You’re a family man, Leon.”
“I know, but Vee was the love of my life. Maybe that’s all we get—that one great love.”
“Sometimes that’s all we get,” Eleanor said. “But there are times when life surprises you with a new love...a new beginning.”
“I miss Uncle Walter.”
“I do, too,” Eleanor said with a soft sigh. “We used to close the shop, turn on our favorite songs and we’d just dance... Those were some good times.”
Leon chuckled. “I remember this one time when Trey and I were in the office—we heard y’all talking and laughing. We crept out and saw Uncle chasing you around the room. He caught you, then you two started kissing. Back then, Trey and I thought it was gross, but now I realize it was a really romantic moment between the two of you.”
“Your uncle was a very romantic man,” Eleanor murmured as she sat down at the table facing Leon. “I’m very lucky to have another good man to spend my life with. All those happy memories I have with Walter—they’re in my heart.”
“I know what you mean, Auntie. I keep all the memories I have of Vee close to mine.”
Eleanor reached over and took Leon’s hand. “She was a wonderful person.”
“Yes, she was,” he agreed. “We had so many plans for our life and our family. I never once thought Vee wouldn’t be here.”
“So, what do you really think of Misty?”
“I think she’s a nice person,” Leon said. “She’s attractive and appears to be a wonderful mother. I just want to get to know her better. I have no other expectations.”
“But are you open to the possibility?”
“Aunt Eleanor, I have to admit that I’m dealing with some guilt about seeing Misty. I feel like I’m cheating on Vera.”
“You loved being married, son. I don’t think I’d ever seen you so happy. You were meant to share your life with someone special.”
“I don’t know if I ever want to love that much again,” Leon confessed. “Losing Vera and Selena... My heart is still in pieces.”
“I have a feeling Misty may be the one to help put those pieces back together, sugar.”
“You are forever the matchmaker, Auntie.”
Eleanor broke into a grin. “It’s a gift. I have a real instinct about two people who belong together.”
He didn’t look convinced.
“Leon, just give yourself a chance to find love again. Be open to it.”
“I’ll try, Auntie.”
Eleanor pushed away from the breakfast table and rose to her feet, then frowned. “I was just about to do something but for the life of me, I can’t remember what it was. Rosemary told me I need to take fish oil, I think. She said it would help keep your memory sharp.”
“You should try it, Auntie,” Leon said. “But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. There’s nothing wrong with you.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
MISTY CURLED HER hair with a curling wand and applied her makeup with a light hand. She looked forward to spending this day with Leon. Misty decided not to look too much into the swirling emotions she felt—she had to take things slow. She couldn’t afford to make another relationship mistake.
Leon picked her up at 8:00 a.m. for the drive to Savannah.
They began their day in Forsythe Park.
Misty ran over to the nineteenth-century cast-iron fountain that was designed to resemble the grand fountain in Paris. She found it breathtaking. Camera in hand, she snapped several photographs.
They were surrounded by other couples lounging on colorful blankets beneath green shade trees.
“So, you’re a photographer, as well?” Leon asked.
“I guess an amateur one. I enjoy taking pictures,” Misty said. “I took a course online and watched YouTube. I mostly take pictures of nature—mostly flowers. I still have a lot to learn.”
“I’m sure you do a much better job than I can,” Leon said. “You’re the official picture taker on this trip.”
Misty chuckled. “Okay.”
When they sat down at a picnic table to have lunch, Leon said, “I noticed the white box you brought to the car.”
“I made lemon cupcakes for dessert.”
Leon smiled. “I could kiss you right now.”
“What’s stopping you?”
His kiss was sweet, surprisingly gentle and a delicious sensation.
After lunch, they strolled along the tree-lined pathways of Chippewa Square. Did you know that the north side was one of the locations in the film Forrest Gump?”
“I have a confession to make,” Misty said. “I have never seen that movie.”
Leon looked completely shocked. “We have to remedy that. You have to see Forrest Gump.”
“Why?” Misty inquired. “What makes this particular film so special?”
“Forrest Gump is one of those inspirational movies that show us how to turn our greatest weaknesses into our greatest strength. Forrest accomplished a great many things while facing adversities.”
“I’m willing to give it a shot, Leon. We’ll have a movie night one-night next week when you’re off.”
“Make sure you have a box of tissues on hand. You’re gonna need them.”
At dusk, they took a private carriage ride along the cobblestone streets to view some of the historic mansions.
“I have to say that you did a great job planning out this day,” Misty said. “I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
“I’m glad,” Leon responded. “This city is one of my favorite places to visit.”
“You showed me a side of Savannah I hadn’t really noticed before.”
“We’re going to have dinner at Elizabeth on 37th,” he announced. “It’s off the beaten path, but I’m sure you’ll appreciate the atmosphere and the cuisine.”
The moment they arrived; Misty instantly fell in love with the twentieth-century mansion that housed the restaurant.
Leon ordered the half-moon river clams with roasted Vidalia onions, country ham and truffle oil for the appetizer.
For her entrée, Misty ordered the spicy Savannah red rice with shrimp while Leon chose the roasted chicken with wild mushrooms.
When their appetizers arrived, Leon offered a quick prayer of thanksgiving.
“This is sooo delicious,” Misty said.
Leon nodded his agreement.
The entrées looked equally wonderful. Leon sampled the braised collards and corn bread dressing before cutting into the chicken breast. He glanced at her. “How is your food?”
Smiling, Misty responded, “I can’t complain about a thing.”
* * *
MISTY HAD A wonderful sense of humor. Leon couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so much. He was truly enjoying himself.
“I’m stuffed,” she murmured.
“You only ate half of your food.”
“I eat until I feel full. Don’t worry, it’s not going to waste. I’m eating the rest of it tomorrow for lunch.”
Misty’s smile warmed him. Leon had no idea why she affected him the way she did, but instead of dwelling on the thought, he pushed it to the back of his mind and focused on enjoying the rest of his evening with her.
Misty fell asleep in the car during the drive back to Polk Island.
“You’re fine. It’s been a long day.”
“Thank you for making today so special and memorable.”
Leon got out and walked around his car to open the door for Misty. “Don’t forget about planning movie night for next week.”
“Oh, I won’t,” she promised. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing Forrest Gump.” She kissed his cheek, then gave his hand a little squeeze. His flesh prickled at her touch, and his heart hammered in his chest at a steadfast rate.
Focus.
It’s what Leon kept telling himself, but it wasn’t that simple. Misty made him feel things he’d never experienced before. Or maybe it was because he was so out of touch with these particular emotions.
* * *
RUSTY HOSTED A family dinner the night before the wedding at his home. Maggie, Eleanor’s sister and her cousin Estelle arrived earlier in the day. Rusty also had a couple of relatives coming to the island from out of town. Many of his family members were local residents.
Leon received a text stating that his second cousin Howard had gotten in late the night before and was staying at the hotel on Main. He texted that he’d come to Eleanor’s house after his son and daughter’s flight landed. Trey’s flight was scheduled to land a couple of hours after the dinner.
He stopped by the church because he knew that Eleanor would be there with the florist going over the decorations.
Leon was surprised to see Misty with Eleanor, but it really wasn’t that surprising. She was always willing to help his aunt. She had such a warm, loving spirit and was always smiling. He loved her sometimes-quirky sense of humor, and the sense of freedom she seemed to have in her life. Not only was Misty beautiful, but she was intelligent and caring, as well. The more Leon got to know her, the more he wanted to know about her.
I have real feelings for this woman.
The silent declaration shocked him, but Leon didn’t bother to deny the truth.
He’d come to offer his assistance, but it looked like the women had everything under control. Leon decided to check on Rusty before meeting Howard at the hotel. He would see Misty tonight at the dinner. The next day, they were planning to help with last-minute wedding arrangements, which included moving Eleanor’s things into Rusty’s house. She’d decided to close up her house for now. They would decide later what to do with it.
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 61