Rose laughed. "Actually, so am I. I wasn't looking forward to sitting in another hospital waiting room. I've had enough of that to last a lifetime." She liked the sound of his voice. Even through the phone he excited her.
She knew she'd enjoy her visit, now that she was here and could relax, but she couldn't wait to get home. She wanted to feel Stephen's arms around her again. She had finally come to terms with the idea– she was in love with him, and nothing she could do would change it. She didn't even want to.
Rose enjoyed the next two days with her family. They took her on a tour of the city and ate out every day except Saturday. That's the day they decided to celebrate Christmas and open all their gifts. Rose was glad she had shopped for her grandkids. Plus, she got to see them open their gifts. Besides the money, she had bought earrings, necklaces and bracelets for her granddaughters and model airplanes for her grandsons. Funny they both loved airplanes.
Francis and Jennifer got Rose a beautiful black sweater with rhinestones around the neckline. Rose held it up. "It's beautiful."
"It fits with your new image." Francis said. "I see you bought some new clothes yourself."
"Yeah, I did. I decided you were right. Those other ones were old lady clothes."
"Well, I must say, it's a much better look. I love your new hairstyle too. You look fantastic, Mom." Francis leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I think Stephen Daniels agrees with you."
Rose blushed. She couldn't help herself. Just the mention of Stephen's name did that to her.
She opened Melinda's gift next. A red blazer. "Oh, Melinda, it's gorgeous."
Melinda smiled. "Francis told me about your new wardrobe so I figured it'd fit in. It's going to look fantastic on you."
"Francis told you. How..." Rose laughed. "You and Stephen have been having some interesting conversations. What else did he tell you?"
"Only that he's crazy about you." Francis had a sneaky grin on his face.
"And..." Rose asked.
"And that he thought you were a little jealous when an old friend stopped by."
Rose laughed. "A little wasn't the word for it. I was green."
"Hmm," Melinda said. "Is something going on here more than we know about?"
Rose sighed. "Well, let's just say Stephen is very special to me, and leave it at that."
She was glad the kids didn't object to her spending time with Stephen. In fact they seemed quite happy about it.
The rest of the visit they spent playing games, laughing and joking like they had before they moved away. Francis left on Sunday.
"Work tomorrow. You know how it is. Back to the old grind."
One more day and she'd be back in Stephen's arms. Funny, never thought she'd look so forward to another man's arms around her. But she could hardly wait.
* * *
Monday morning, Rose got up early and finished packing her bag, trying to find room for the kids' gifts. Somehow, she managed to stuff everything in. All in all, she had enjoyed visiting with her kids, but she was glad to be going home. Not just to Stephen but to her house. Her life.
Melinda and Harold took her to the airport and kissed her goodbye. "Hope you're not upset with us for tricking you that way," Harold said. "I only agreed to the crazy plan because Melinda begged me to."
Rose hugged Harold. "I'm only glad you don't have to have that surgery."
"You're glad. How do you think I feel?" He laughed.
"Don't forget, Mom, you promised to come this summer. We're looking forward to it." Melinda squeezed Rose and wiped a tear.
"You bet I remember. With the two of you reminding me every time we talk, how can I possibly forget?" Rose kissed her daughter again and laughed.
She waved goodbye and went through the security gates and blew them a kiss. Great kids, but in a few more hours she'd be home with Stephen. She could hardly wait for Christmas.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Christmas morning, Rose woke at seven o'clock, excited as a small child. She couldn't wait to see Stephen's reaction to the Ansel Adams prints she had purchased for him. The man at the camera shop guaranteed her any photographer, amateur or professional, appreciated his works. He promised if Stephen already owned the prints, he could exchange them.
After she showered, she set the table in the dining room, grateful once again that Francis had insisted she replace her Christmas dishes. Then she prepared the quiche Lorraine for brunch. The doorbell rang just as she put it in the oven.
She opened the door and Sarah bounded in wearing a new furry jacket. "Look, look, Mrs. Asbury, look what my parents sent me." She danced around the foyer and into the living room. Stephen followed behind, loaded with gifts.
"What in the world?"
"I hope you don't mind, I brought the rest of Sarah's gifts. She was so excited after opening the jacket, and it was getting late."
"Not at all, here let me help." Rose took the top packages from Stephen and put them under the tree. "Sarah, can I hang up your jacket?"
"No!" Sarah pulled the jacket tight around her.
"She's not going to give it up." Stephen laughed. "She hasn't taken it off since she opened it."
"That's fine, but it's going to get awfully warm in here with the fireplace going. But if you change your mind."
"Can we open our gifts now, Mrs. Asbury? Can we please?" Sarah danced around the room.
"That was my plan. I just put a quiche in the oven, so it'll be a while before its ready. That's okay with you isn't it, Stephen?"
Sarah ran to the gifts and pulled one out. She brought it to Rose. "This is from me."
Rose's throat tightened. She hadn't expected this. She knew Stephen would bring a gift, but this surprised her.
"Open it. I made it myself."
Rose peeled back the homemade wrapping paper. Tears welled up in her eyes. It had been a long time since she received a homemade gift. She opened the velvet box. Inside laid a green and tan oriental beaded bracelet. She lifted it out of the box.
Sarah watched - anxiety on her face.
"Oh, Sarah, it's beautiful." The beads and workmanship were equal to any Rose had seen at the mall. She put it on her wrist. "Perfect fit, thank you." Rose wiped a tear. The beauty and thoughtfulness of the gift overwhelmed her. She held her arms out to Sarah for a hug.
Stephen sat at her side on the couch. "After that, I'm not sure I'm going to let you open mine. That's going to be a hard act to follow."
Sarah danced around the room and giggled. Rose sat on the floor near the tree, like she had when her kids were little. It was easier to pass out gifts. She found one for Sarah and handed it to her.
Sarah carefully opened the paper– drawing out the time it took her to open the gift.
Rose understood the reason. She used to do the same thing, when she was a child. It prolonged the mystery. Rose hoped Sarah liked the denim jumper and blouse. She knew most of the kids wore them. Sarah finally opened the box and moved the tissue paper aside.
She pulled the jumper out and held it up in front of her. "I love it. Thank you, Mrs. Asbury." She stood up and held it in front of her and twirled around."
"Sarah, I think it's time you called me Rose."
Sarah stopped dancing and stared at her. "Really, Mrs... I mean Rose?" She looked at her grandfather as if to get his approval.
Stephen came and sat on the floor next to Rose. He smiled. "If that's what Rose wants, that's fine."
"Mrs. Asbury is too formal, besides we're friends. Right, Sarah?"
"May I?" Stephen reached for a package and Rose nodded. He handed it to Sarah. Sarah laughed at the book about homework. "How did you know I hate to do homework?"
Rose laughed. "Don't all kids?"
They continued to exchange gifts until only two remained. The prints for Stephen and another package with her name on it. She handed Stephen the gift.
After he opened it, he stared at her. "How did you know?"
"A little bird told me."
Stephen leaned towar
d her and kissed her. A gentle, soft kiss, then he handed her the last package.
Rose opened it with the same cautious care that Sarah had opened her first gift. Once she removed the paper, a small jewelry box remained. She looked at Stephen. His eyes sparkled and he nodded. She opened the box to reveal diamond studded earrings. Breathless and speechless, she leaned over and kissed him. How had this man won her heart in such a short time?
"Do you like them?"
"Like them?" She wiped a tear. "I love them. Oh, Stephen, they're beautiful." She took one out of the box and put it in her ear.
Sarah jumped up and clapped. "You did it, Grandpa, you topped my gift."
After she put both earrings in, Stephen helped her up. She put her arms around him and kissed him. "I don't know what to say. This is the best Christmas since... I can't remember when."
The timer buzzed for the quiche, breaking the mood. They ate and then began preparations for dinner, while Sarah watched a Christmas movie. Rose enjoyed working in the kitchen with Stephen. She liked the way he helped and yet stayed out of the way. Made suggestions, yet didn't insist on it being done his way. She liked the way he accidentally on purpose bumped into her every time he walked to the sink or stove. Even the slight bumps sent shivers through her.
It wouldn't take much to grow used to his companionship and camaraderie. Something told her he'd help her cook every day if she allowed it. And why not? She was entitled to some happiness. Whatever was dead inside her, this man had brought back to life. She liked feeling alive. Liked the feelings he renewed in her. Liked feeling young and pretty again. She liked everything about being with him.
"See, Rose," Emma said. "And all this time you fought it. Foolish old woman."
Rose ignored it. Emma couldn't ruin today. She was enjoying it too much.
The rest of the day they spent in the same relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Sarah finally relented and took off her jacket. She placed it on top of her gifts, rubbing her hand across the soft fur.
Rose sympathized with her. How hard for a child with both parents gone, Sarah had adjusted quite well under the circumstances. The small rebellious acts were nothing compared to the problems that were possible in the situation. She attributed Stephen's patience and love for that.
Later, after dinner and an exciting, exhausting day, Sarah fell asleep while they watched the original version of 'A Christmas Carol' on television.
Rose sat next to Stephen on the couch, her head on his shoulder. She almost felt like Ebenezer Scrooge. Thank goodness she didn't have to experience the ghosts. At least not three of them.
"Ah, but you did in a way, Rose," Emma laughed. "In all the memories of the past weeks, you experienced all of them. Too bad it took you longer than one night."
Rose nuzzled against Stephen. Emma was right, it had taken her a lot longer. So, she was a slow learner.
A feeling of contentment welled up inside her. Stephen brushed her hair with his fingers. The sensation excited her with every pass.
"Merry Christmas." Stephen nibbled her lip.
"Merry Christmas." She nibbled back.
"You know I'm in love with you?" he whispered
Rose caught her breath. "I'm in love with you, too. I didn't think it possible to love again after Frank, but..."
Stephen interrupted her with a deep, soul-searching kiss. Rose let out a low moan and tightened her arms around him.
"I know it sounds soon, but maybe we should think about making this permanent. How do you feel about a June wedding?
"Maybe we should." She pulled him closer and kissed him again. "I love June weddings."
Epilogue
Sun streamed through the window, promising a beautiful June day. Rose stared at the reflection in the mirror.
"You look beautiful, Mom." Melinda put her arm around Rose. "You're a beautiful bride."
Rose wiped a tear. Could it have been only six months ago that her life made such a drastic turn around? Stephen waited downstairs along with the guests. Francis waited at the top of the steps to give her away.
Rose turned to the door, ready to make her grand entrance when it flew open.
"Rose, look! Look!" Sarah burst into the room, pulling a young woman behind her. "I knew they'd come. I knew it."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Asbury, I tried to make her wait but..."
"Nonsense," Rose went to the young woman and held out her hand. "I'm glad to finally meet you, Lisa. And, please, it's Rose. Sarah's been so excited knowing you were coming home. I'm so glad you made it for the wedding."
"Grandpa doesn't know yet." Sarah bounced from her mother to Rose. "We have to go tell him. Daddy's waiting for us."
"Sarah, we can't hold up the wedding." Lisa took Sarah's hand. "Mrs. Asbury, I mean Rose, I'm sorry. We tried to get here earlier, but..."
"Don't be silly, Lisa, by all means hold up the wedding. Stephen would be furious otherwise. He's been so anxious to see you. The wedding can wait. Besides he wants Michael to stand up for him. Go, go see him."
"I told you." Sarah laughed and pulled Lisa to the door. "Come on, hurry."
"Melinda, go tell Francis to let Pastor John know we'll be a few minutes late."
Rose looked back in the mirror. Stephen was going to be so excited to see Michael and Lisa. When they set the date for their wedding, they made sure it would coincide with their return. Yeah, right. As with all things with the military, things changed and their homecoming had been delayed twice.
Michael had insisted they go ahead with their plans against Stephen's better judgment. But Michael wouldn't back down, and finally Stephen agreed.
"Besides," he said. "I'm afraid if we don't go through with it now, you'll change your mind."
Rose smiled at him. "Not a chance of that happening."
Finally, the strains of the wedding march reached her. Francis opened the door and Sarah came in.
"I'm ready, Rose. Grandpa is so happy." Sarah stood on tiptoes and kissed Rose's cheek. "And me too."
Rose smiled and hugged Sarah. "So am I, Sarah, so am I. Come on let's go." She took hold of Francis's arm, glanced at the picture of Frank on the nightstand and could have sworn he smiled.
"Look how happy you are," Emma said. Rose swore she wiped a tear.
Rose nodded at the shadowy figure next to her. As usual, Emma was right. Too bad she had been so stubborn.
Stephen waited for her at the bottom of the steps. He held a single red rose in his hand.
"What's that?"
"It's a red rose. It means love. It reminded me of you." He kissed her and led her the rest of the way to the minister.
Rose smiled and took his arm. It was time to love again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Multi-published author, Roseanne Dowell, writing instructor and former school secretary, is an avid reader and writes various types of romance – paranormal, contemporary and mystery. Living in Northeast Ohio with her husband of forty-nine years, she has six grown children, fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. She spends her time between writing, quilting and embroidering. She's been published since 2006 with five releases this year and seven new releases coming in 2011. She also enjoys blogging, tweeting, facebooking and posting on various writers groups. To learn more about Roseanne check her website: www.roseannedowell.com or her blog http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com
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