Barefoot Bay_A Family for the Holidays
Page 12
AJ complied with such enthusiasm, Mike had to turn away or he’d be taking Kelly upstairs. He checked his watch. “Isn’t it about time to go see your mom? You like to be there for lunch, right?”
“I do. Let’s go. Then, after lunch we can stop at the store and buy more lights for the tree.”
Mike groaned. “Good grief, Sky’s infatuation with the holiday season is contagious. Brace yourself, AJ. By the end of the week this place is gonna look like the North Pole.”
“When you get back, I have some good news for you, Mike,” AJ said. “A couple of my clients are willing to back your new fitness center, for a very reasonable return on their investment.”
“That’s great news, AJ. Thanks!”
“No problem, man. Glad I could help.”
“Come on, Ebenezer, let’s go,” Kelly urged. “I don’t want to miss lunch with Mom.”
The drive to Naples was short and when they arrived they found the staff busy adding holiday touches to the foyer.
“I guess everybody is getting into the holiday spirit early this year,” Mike said. “Let’s go see how your mom is doing today.”
Kelly signed the visitor’s register and they made their way to her mother’s room.
Elizabeth was seated in her usual chair by the window, appearing none the worse for yesterday’s escapade.
“Hi, Mom.” Kelly went over and kissed her on the cheek. “How do you feel?’
Elizabeth studied Kelly for a moment, then caught sight of Mike in the doorway. “Hello there, young man. Do I know you?”
Mike came over and took her hand. “We’ve met before, Elizabeth. My name is Mike.”
Elizabeth gave him a charming smile. “I can’t imagine that I would forget a handsome fellow like you, Mike. And who is this pretty lady with you?”
“I’m Kelly, Mom. Your daughter, Kelly.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Kelly.”
Mike watched the hope fade from Kelly’s eyes and resignation take its place. She reached out and took his other hand. He gave it a squeeze.
“Why don’t we go to the dining room, Elizabeth? It’s time for lunch,” Kelly said.
“Is it lunchtime already? I just got back from breakfast a few minutes ago,” Elizabeth said.
Kelly pointed to the clock. “See? It’s already past noon. Let’s go see what’s on the menu today.” She helped her mother to stand and the three walked the short distance to the dining room.
With the two of them encouraging her, they got Elizabeth to eat a good portion of the food on her tray. For the tenth time, Elizabeth asked, “Aren’t you going to eat? I’m sure they’ll give you a tray if you ask them.”
Mike reassured her again that they had already eaten lunch before they came. When she steadfastly refused to eat one more bite, he suggested they go outside for some fresh air.
“Oh, yes. I’d like that,” she said, giving him a big smile.
Kelly whispered in his ear, “You’ve made a big hit with my Mom, Mike. I think she’s in love with you.” She poked him in the ribs.
Glad she could find some humor in her mother’s behavior, Mike slipped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. “Unfortunately, my heart belongs to someone else,” he whispered in her ear.
They settled in chairs near a small fountain.
“This is such a lovely place,” Elizabeth murmured.
“I’m glad you’re happy here, Elizabeth,” Kelly said.
She frowned and grasped Kelly’s hand. “I’m so sorry, dear. I’ve forgotten your name.”
“It’s Kelly, Elizabeth,” Mike said before Kelly could reply. Maybe he could use some of the infatuation Elizabeth had with him to help her focus. Even for a few minutes. He left his chair and crouched down in front of her, taking her hand in his. “Elizabeth, today is a very special day, in case you didn’t know.”
That got her attention. Her eyes widened and she leaned toward him. “I didn’t know. I forget so much nowadays. Why is it special?”
Mike reached into his pocket and brought out a small blue velvet box. “Because today is the day that I’m going to ask your daughter, Kelly, to be my wife.” He kept his gaze locked on Elizabeth for a moment, hoping the intensity of his feelings would help imprint these few minutes on her memory.
He heard Kelly’s gasp of surprise at his announcement and smiled as he turned toward her chair. “I love you, Kelly Singer, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. You are the light of my life, my friend, companion and lover. You are my soul mate, and I gladly put my heart in your hands.” He opened the box and offered her the ring. “Would you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?”
The sunlight shimmered in her hair and danced in her blue eyes as she smiled back at him. “Oh, Mike, I love you, too. So much. Of course I’ll marry you, you wonderful man!”
He slipped the ring on her finger.
“It’s beautiful, Mike,” she breathed. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him tenderly.
Elizabeth cleared her throat and dabbed at her eyes. “That was a beautiful proposal.” She beamed from one to the other. “You are both so lucky to have each other to share your lives with. I wish you much joy for the future.” Then her gaze softened. “I don’t remember any man asking me to marry him.” She felt the wedding ring on her finger and murmured, “I guess someone did, though.” She sighed. “I’ve forgotten so much.” Then she brightened and looked at the two of them. “I’ll remember today, though. I’m going right back to my room and write your names down, so I don’t forget them.”
Kelly reached over and hugged her. “Don’t you worry, Elizabeth. We’ll be around to remind you.”
Elizabeth whispered in Kelly’s ear, “You are lucky, dear. He’s such a handsome man.”
Kelly had to laugh at the coyness in her voice. “Yes, Elizabeth, he certainly is.”
They walked to the car holding hands, both smiling as only people in love smile. Before she got in, Kelly brought his hand to her lips and kissed it. “Thank you, darling, for including my mom in the happiest day of my life. You are incredibly thoughtful and tender hearted.”
A year ago he never could have imagined how happy he’d be with Kelly by his side. Now he couldn’t imagine life without her. Chances were good that her mother wouldn’t remember today. But they’d remember.
This Christmas would be his best ever. They would figure out a way to bring Elizabeth with them to Philadelphia for the holiday. Maybe they’d get lucky and have a white Christmas. At Thanksgiving, Kelly had confided that she had never seen snow, so that would be nice.
But snow or no snow, he’d give her the one present that would make her giddy with joy. A family who would love her as much as he did.
The End
Table of Contents
From Roxanne St. Claire
Acknowledgments
Other Books by Karen Ann Dell
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven