Desert Exposure
Page 24
Ah, to hell with it. She looked so damn happy, and all because he’d said the word girlfriend, or that he’d apologized. “You know what?” he asked, and then smiled softly. “Maybe we can take it a step further? Let’s see how this plays out, you, me, and Ralph.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I love you. I’d like to put something sparkly on that ring finger. A Christmas gift, maybe?” Then his grin widened, and instead of warming to the idea, all of a sudden there was a hot explosion in his head. This was exactly what he wanted. He wanted a family…this family. He grinned even wider. “And we can go house hunting together. We’ll need a place big enough for all of us, and maybe some kids, and another dog for Ralph.”
“Wait a minute,” Rachel said, laughing. “Slow down there big boy.”
“Hey, where’s all this spontaneity you’re so good at?” Michael stretched his good arm wide and encouraged Henry into the circle. “Come on, Henry, group hug.”
“You bet,” Grandpa said, walking over from the sidelines.
Something shifted in the reeds at the shore and Rachel turned. Michael followed her gaze. Four white pelicans moved around with ease.
“Grandpa,” Rachel whispered, and pointed in their direction.
One pelican spread its large wings and flew off in a lazy way as if it didn’t have a care in the world. Michael watched as it swooped down to the water. It was soon followed by the other three, and their pure white bodies were a magnificent contrast to the bright blue sky and the sparkling water below. One by one they dove down to the water.
“Lunch,” Henry said, and then he laughed.
Michael had never been this close to such beautiful birds, ever. He held his breath in awe. He looked from Rachel to Henry, his arm encircling him, and Rachel pressed up against his sling. Ralph was in Rachel’s arms and he watched but never let out a peep. He’d been in this same position before and knew to stay quiet. Michael understood now why they did this. Why they kept coming to this isolated place and photographing birds.
He hadn’t understood it before, hadn’t taken the time. But now he got it. It was such a pure, magical moment.
Henry smiled, his eyes bright, his face softening. He looked years younger. “I knew they’d arrive this week. Four of them, like us…that’s gotta be a sign.”
“You’re going to live with us, Henry,” Michael said, pulling him closer. And he knew he wasn’t overstepping his mark. They were a foursome. “We can rebuild the cabin, but keep it for weekend getaways. Fishing. That sort of thing. Maybe you can even teach me wildlife photography. Okay?”
“Okay.” Henry brushed at his eyes. “You’ve got my blessing, Rachel. This one’s a keeper.” Then he looked across Michael’s body and winked at her. And she winked back. And Michael grinned, until it felt like his face would split.
Rachel sighed, and looked up at him with huge eyes filled with love. She put Ralph down onto the sand, and he barked, and ran in crazy circles around all of them. Grandpa went back to sit on a rock. And Michael turned back to Rachel, amazed at the tender look on her face. Then she slid her hand into his, warm and soft, and she gently wove her fingers through his. Michael drew her close. There were no more questions.
He guessed there was something to that saying of “when you know you know” because he knew. And Grandpa knew. But most of all, Rachel knew.
Hell, even Ralph knew.
A word about the author...
Robena Grant is Australian by birth, resides in Southern California, and is the proud mother of two adult children. She enjoys reading and writing stories about ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances.
She may be reached at www.robenagrant.com
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