First Thing I See
Page 16
“Actually, I don’t plan on going to any functions or traveling anywhere without Hope, now that she is moving to Chicago.” Kennedy didn’t look at Candace as he spoke.
“That’s what you say now, but things can change.”
“Candace.” The whole room went quiet at his one word. His tone said it all.
But Candace never knew when to stop. “Well someone has to look out for our little Hope. I’m just afraid that she will wind up all alone while Kennedy is busy in his world.” The words sounded inconspicuous, but I knew what she meant. We were from different worlds and I didn’t belong in his.
“They will be fine. And I don’t think this is the time or place to discuss any concerns you might have.” My Dad rarely raised his voice, but his curt response was loud and clear.
Kennedy stood and I was afraid that he had reached his limit and had enough. I knew he was protective of me; I walked toward him needing to touch him to keep him calm.
“That’s okay, Joe. I’d like to put Candace’s mind at ease, so that she isn’t concerned.” Kennedy reached out and took my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the top of my hand gently. He looked me in the eyes. “Candace doesn’t have to worry about me being busy in my world without you, because you are my world.” He paused but his eyes never looked away from mine. “I don’t have any functions anymore, we have functions.” I watched as he looked to Dad and Dad gave him a smile and head nod. Then he turned back to me. “But there is one thing Candace is right about, things can change. And I hope they will, really soon.” He looked down and reached into his pocket. “I’ve been carrying this around in my pocket since the night you were in the accident. It was my mother’s ring. But tonight I asked Joe for his blessing, and he thought you should have this one instead.” He fished into his pocket again and I saw my mother’s ring. My eyes filled with tears. Shock. Excitement. Love. Happiness. I wanted to scream and jump up and down, but I was frozen.
His large hand gently cupped my chin and tilted it up to meet his gaze. “Hope Marie York, I know I’m not good enough for you, but will you let me spend the rest of my life in your world?”
My head started to spin and I realized I had been holding my breath. Kennedy leaned down, his head next to mine, he whispered. “Breathe angel, breathe.”
I exhaled and the tears started flowing uncontrollably.
He wiped my tears away. “Give me an answer beautiful.”
“Yes.” I whispered.
“Yes?” He whispered back and smiled down at me.
“Yes!” I yelled. “Yes, Yes, I want to marry you!” I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tight. He smiled and looked down at me.
“Welcome to the family son.” Dad patted Kennedy on the back. I hugged Dad.
“Thank you Dad.” I whispered as I hugged him. Over Dad’s shoulder I saw Candace’s face and could barely hold back hysterical laughter. Her mouth was hanging open and she was pale, as if she had just seen a ghost.
***
By the time we went to bed that night, I felt as though I was floating. I was happier than I ever thought possible. I was going to marry the man of my dreams, who loved me and would protect me with his life. I stared at my mother’s beautiful ring as Kennedy climbed into bed next to me.
“I love you.” I said softly.
“I love you too beautiful.” His mouth covered mine for a soft kiss.
He lifted his head to look me in the eyes as he moved his body over mine, resting his weight on his arms. I felt the stiffness between his legs brush my leg as he shifted his body to settle between my legs. “Now I’m going to give you the present I have been saving for you.” I saw the corners of his dirty smile and caught a glimpse of his dimples as he reached up and turned off the light. And then he gave me another present.