Magic in Our Hearts

by Jeanne Mccann

  “I’m glad.”

  Taylor ran her fingertips along Brett’s face memorizing her smile as she spoke.

  “She loves you, Taylor.”

  “I love her.”

  “I’m going to miss her so much.” Brett’s eyes overflowed with tears.

  “I know, honey. I’m so sorry.” Taylor pulled Brett into her arms and held her tightly. There was no need for any more talking. They took strength from each other lying together in each other’s arms. As long as they were together, they could handle anything life dealt them.

  CHAPTER 16

  “Mother, may I speak with you?”

  “Of course, Brett, come on in.” Roselin saw her daughter’s beaming face and her heart settled in her chest. She didn’t have to be told her daughter had found her heart.

  “Are you feeling okay?”

  “I’m fine, sweetheart, just a little tired is all.”

  “I could use your help,” Brett spoke softly as she took a seat on the side of her mother’s bed. Roselin put down the book she was reading.

  “With what?”

  “I need you to help me plan a commitment ceremony. Taylor agreed to marry me.”

  Roselin’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out for her daughter’s hand. “I’m so happy for you both. I’d be more than pleased to help you.”

  “We don’t want anything large or too fancy, just family and close friends, here in the back yard.”

  “That sounds perfect, honey. What do you want me to help with?”

  “Could you help me choose what to wear and who to invite? I also need you to help us pick out the invitations.” Brett wanted to include her mother as much as possible.

  Roselin didn’t know if she had the energy to accomplish these small tasks, but she would do as much as she could for her daughter. She hoped she lived long enough to see the ceremony.

  “Mother, there’s one other thing we’d like to ask of you.”

  “And that is?” Her daughter’s dark brown eyes were so full of happiness. Roselin felt that she would be able to let go now. God could take her at any time and she would be ready.

  “Would you give us both away?”

  Roselin couldn’t have been asked anything more special than giving her daughter and the woman she loved away. “Oh, honey, I would be honored.”

  “Good. I’ll let you rest now. Taylor’s going to stop in to visit in a little while.

  She had some calls to make. I’m going to go work out.”

  “Brett, I’m so very proud of you.”

  Brett turned in her mother’s doorway, stopped, and then turned to face the woman she respected more than anyone. “That means everything to me. I’m not going to disappoint you and Taylor.”

  Her daughter left, and Roselin closed her eyes in thanks. She had lived long after her two husbands and it was time … time to let go and let God and nature take its course. Her daughter would be fine with Taylor watching over her. And she knew her daughter had rediscovered her strength. There was new determination in her voice. When Brett put her mind to something she couldn’t fail.

  Taylor called Jeb first to tell him the news. She was bubbling over with emotion. Close to tears, she waited impatiently for him to answer his telephone. He was her family and she had to share her happiness with him.

  “Mind and Body Clinic and Spa, Jeb speaking.”

  “Hi.”

  “Well, hello partner.”

  “Jeb, Brett asked me to marry her.”

  “It’s about time!” he teased. He had heard the tremor in Taylor’s voice and knew she was close to tears. “You okay, sweetie?”

  “I’m fine, just a little bit overwhelmed. Everything is happening so fast.”

  “But you’re in love with her.”

  “And she’s in love with me, but it’s still overwhelming and I need your help.”

  “You name it. By the way, I’m very happy for you.”

  “You and Rex are my family I want you to be here with me.”

  “Name the date and time. We wouldn’t miss it.”

  “I’ll let you know just as soon as everything is firmed up. Anything I need to know about at work?”

  “No, other than that the spa is booked solid for the next two weeks.”

  “You’re kidding! That’s good.”

  “Yeah, and the clinic is bursting out of its seams.”

  “So we should have an excellent quarter.”

  “We’re having a record quarter, and that’s what I want to talk to you about. I think we’re due for some expansion.”

  “We talked about growing our space out.”

  “Yeah, but I’m thinking maybe a second space.”

  “You think it’s time?”

  “Yep, and I’ve already considered some locations.”

  “Good, let’s hear them.”

  “I thought I could come to visit you and we could go over some ideas I’ve been tossing around in my head.”

  “That’ll work. When do you want to visit?”

  “How does Thursday sound?”

  “This Thursday?”

  “Yes, I can get a late flight out on Wednesday afternoon. Be there in time to take you and Brett to dinner. We can talk Thursday, and I can be home that evening.”

  “You can stay here. I’m sleeping in Brett’s room, so you can have mine for the night. Roselin, Brett’s mother, is living here now. She’s not doing very well.”

  “How’s Brett dealing with everything?”

  “Okay, so far. She’s had to deal with quite a lot in a short time.”

  “How’s she doing with the alcohol?”

  “She seems to be dealing with it. She actually doesn’t talk much about it. I know she still wants to drink, but she’s been handling it.”

  “I’ll see if I can get some time alone with her. She might find it easier to talk to me than you about this. It’s not going to go away over night. She’s going to be struggling with her alcoholism for the rest of her life.”

  “I know. I would like it if you talked to her about it.”

  “So, you think Thursday will work? It won’t disrupt Roselin too much?”

  “Thursday is perfect. I’ll talk to Brett as soon as she finishes her workout. Roselin will be fine.”

  “I thought you worked out with her?”

  “Only three days a week. She wants to learn to do it herself, so once a week I check on her program. She’s also eating very healthy food even though her first choice would be chips and salsa.” Taylor started chuckling.

  “And you aren’t cashing your checks from Mrs. Camden.”

  “How do you know?”

  “She’s sending them to me.”

  “I can’t take money from Brett’s mother, especially since I’m going to marry her daughter. Please don’t cash them. I’ll pay you back for my time.”

  “You sure as hell aren’t going to pay me, and I’m not going to cash them,” Jeb laughed. “She sure is persuasive.”

  “So is her daughter,” Taylor admitted with a grin.

  “I’ll e-mail you my flight information.”

  “I’ll pick you up and make reservations for dinner.”

  “I miss you, partner.”

  “I miss you. See you Wednesday night.”

  “You bet.”

  Taylor was smiling when she headed upstairs to visit with Roselin. She knocked quietly on Roselin’s bedroom door and entered when Roselin’s faint voice invited her in.

  “Hello, Taylor. Congratulations.”

  Taylor sat down on the chair next to Roselin’s bed. She looked so pale, so weak, that Taylor caught her breath. “Thank you, Roselin, but I think you already suspected this might happen.”

  The tiny twinkle in Roselin’s eye made Taylor laugh and reach out to grasp her hand, squeezing it with affection. “I only gave fate a little nudge. Taylor, I need to speak to you about something. I’m not going to last more than a month or so and I want so badly to see you and Brett celebrate yo
ur commitment. If you’re agreeable, would you suggest to Brett that you plan your ceremony no later than a couple of weeks from now?”

  “Roselin, I’m so sorry.” Taylor couldn’t keep from crying.

  “Taylor, it’s time sweetheart. But Brett is going to have difficulty accepting my death. I know I’m asking a lot of you, but can you help her? She’s just getting back to being her old self and I don’t want my passing to keep her from all that she’s capable of. I know she’s still struggling with alcohol, too.”

  “I’ll always be there for Brett, I promise you that. I love her.”

  “I know you do, and she loves you.”

  “I’ll talk to Brett this afternoon and suggest that we plan to have our ceremony in a couple of weeks.” Taylor smiled. Roselin was an amazing woman. “My business partner, Jeb, is coming to visit for a day to go over some business opportunities with me. Roselin, he’s a recovering alcoholic and is going to talk to Brett about what she’s going through. He wants to make sure she knows he will help her if she needs it.”

  “That’s good. I understand what she’s dealing with. She will need all the support she can get. Is your business doing okay?”

  “It’s fine! It’s bursting out at the seams. We’re talking about expanding.”

  “I’m glad. My checks aren’t being cashed.”

  “Roselin, I don’t want to be paid for being here. I want to be with Brett and I just can’t accept your money. I hope you understand.”

  “Taylor, I can’t think of anyone else I would want my daughter to be with. I’m glad she met you.”

  Taylor blushed with embarrassment. “I love you and Brett.”

  “We love you. I want to thank you for moving your commitment ceremony up. I know that it isn’t fair for me to ask that the two of you change your plans for me.”

  “Roselin, both of us want you to be there with us. What matters is that our family is there. I consider you family.” Roselin reached up and placed her hand against Taylor’s cheek. “You’re my family, too.”

  Taylor and Roselin had been talking for about thirty minutes when Taylor noticed Roselin’s hand was trembling in hers. Her eyes were also drooping. “Taylor, I’m going to have to shorten your visit. I’m a little tired.”

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have stayed so long. Do you need anything?”

  “No, sweetheart, I think I’ll just take a short nap.” Taylor stood up and then bent down and kissed Roselin’s pale, dry cheek before leaving her room. She closed the door and then leaned back against the wall as hot tears streamed down her face. She didn’t have much family of her own, but Roselin was special to her and Taylor grieved over her impending loss.

  She had enormous respect for her and was hoping to have more time to spend with her. She also knew that Brett was unprepared to lose her mother, and Taylor was at a loss to find the best way to help her.

  “Taylor, what’s wrong? Is Roselin okay?” Fran came up to Taylor, concern on her face.

  “Yes, but she’s very tired so she’s having a nap.”

  “She’s not eating enough to keep a bird alive.”

  “I need to talk to Brett. We need to make arrangements for our commitment ceremony in the next couple of weeks. Roselin is certain she isn’t going to live much longer and she wants to be there.”

  “You go talk to Brett. Helen and I will help with anything you need. We’ll have a beautiful party.”

  “Thanks, Fran, I appreciate that very much.”

  “Go! Brett’s trying to convince Helen to make hamburgers for dinner.”

  “The heathen!” Taylor grinned and headed down the stairs intent on stopping Brett from a total downfall from healthy eating. Besides, Taylor loved hamburgers. She entered the kitchen in time to see Helen agree to barbequing.

  “Quit harassing Helen, she has her orders. You’re to eat healthy meals. It’s part of your therapy.”

  “But they’re barbecued hamburgers with mushrooms.” Brett reached out and gathered Taylor to her, sliding her arm around her waist. “Please?”

  “Well, I do love a good hamburger.” Taylor grinned at Helen. “Excellent!”

  “Do you have a little bit of time? I need to talk to you about a couple of things.”

  The two women walked hand in hand into the living room and sat down on the couch. Brett turned to face Taylor and then leaned into her and whispered in her ear. “Do you think anyone would notice if we disappeared for an hour or two?”

  Taylor’s grin was so sexy. It was all Brett could do to not to drag her back into bed. “I think someone might notice. Brett, I need to talk to you about our commitment ceremony.”

  Brett’s smile disappeared as she looked at Taylor. Oh God, she’s changed her mind and doesn’t want to get married. Brett trembled, and her heart lodged in her throat. Panic made her shake as she looked at Taylor.

  “Honey, don’t look so scared, I want to plan the ceremony in a couple of weeks.”

  “A couple of weeks?” Brett went from fear to shock.

  “Honey, your mother asked me to talk to you about moving it up. She wants to make sure she’s still feeling well enough to participate.” Taylor picked up Brett’s hand and kissed her fingers one by one before saying what she knew was going to hurt her. “Brett, your mom is failing very rapidly.” Brett’s eyes filled with tears that spilled down her cheeks. She hated to think about her mother dying. She wasn’t sure she could handle that along with everything else.

  “I’m sorry, honey.” Taylor wrapped her arms around Brett’s neck and held her tightly.

  “Are you okay with planning our ceremony so soon?” Brett’s voice was uncertain.

  “Brett, look at me, please. I love you. I will love you for the rest of our lives. I would marry you today. So my answer is yes. What I don’t know about is everything else. My business is in Los Angeles, and I have to talk to Jeb about how I can live with you and still be his partner.”

  “Are you worried about money, because I can support you? I made a lot of money skiing, and my father left me an inheritance that I haven’t really touched.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m not worried about money, but I can’t just walk away from the business.”

  “We can live in Los Angeles.”

  “No, we can’t. You’re going to coach the U.S. Ski Team here in Boulder.” Taylor responded with a shake of her head. There was no way she would let Brett give up her dreams of coaching.

  “I don’t have the job yet.”

  “You will. Honey, Jeb is coming to town Wednesday night and staying through Thursday. He wants to talk about the business. I also want Jeb and Rex to come to the ceremony. If we’re planning something for a couple of weeks from now, I can let him know exactly when.”

  “So when shall it be?”

  “What do you say to a week from this coming Saturday? Helen and Fran will handle the food and prepare the house. I can find something for your mother and me to wear this week and arrange to have someone come fix your mother’s hair.

  That leaves you to find something for yourself to wear and get someone to perform the ceremony. And if you give me a list of friends and family to invite, I’ll call everyone. That just leaves music and our vows.” Brett slowly relaxed as she listened to Taylor’s calm recital of the list of tasks.

  She wasn’t backing out. “Do you want to write our own vows?”

  “I would like to, if you agree.”

  “I really want that to be something we do together.”

  “I’d like that very much. So what do you think about everything else?”

  “I think it sounds perfect, and I’m really glad you didn’t cancel on me.” Brett may have had a smile on her face, but she was deadly serious.

  “Brett, look at me, please. We’re in this together for the rest of our lives. I didn’t take this ring from you lightly. The minute I said yes, I made a promise to you. Trust in that, please.” Taylor’s blue eyes gazed back at Brett.

  “I trust you. It’s just so
amazing that we found each other again. I love you so much.”

  “Good, now we need to talk about a ring for you.”

  “I’d like to have a wide gold band. I also have the wedding band that goes with your ring in my desk.”

  “Do you want to pick a ring out or do you trust me to choose?”

  “I trust you.”

  “Do you like diamonds?”

  “I do, but I am not the solitaire type.”

  “I think I can find something you’ll like.”

  “If you pick it out, I’ll love it.”

  “So, we’re getting married a week from Saturday.” Taylor leaned her forehead against Brett’s as she spoke.

  “Isn’t that amazing?” Brett responded, and then slid her lips against Taylor’s in a soft kiss. Silently they acknowledged the huge step they were taking and how very much it meant to both of them. It might not be a legal ceremony, but it was a commitment in front of family and friends and just as binding as any law could make it.

  CHAPTER 17

  Jeb stepped through the airport gate and his eyes located Taylor immediately despite the crowds of people moving through the bustling airport. She was grinning from ear to ear, her stunning face glowing with happiness. Jeb couldn’t have been more delighted. He wanted Taylor to find the one woman that could love her for the rest of her life. Brett had been that woman years earlier, but Taylor hadn’t trusted her. Jeb had. He’d seen the look on Brett’s face when she had shown up at the spa hoping to convince Taylor to see her. Jeb could remember that conversation as if it was yesterday.

  “Jeb, could you talk to Taylor, please? I didn’t sleep with any one else. I love Taylor.” Brett had looked exhausted, her eyes red-rimmed and full of tears. She had shown up at Jeb’s office after Taylor had refused to speak to her for the third time.

  “Brett, I’ve tried to talk to her. She simply won’t listen.” Jeb had argued over and over with Taylor to give Brett a chance to explain. Taylor had refused to see her, and Jeb had finally given up. No amount of talking would make Taylor change her mind.

  Brett’s eyes spilled tears as she looked back at Jeb. “I really do love her, Jeb. I will love her for the rest of my life.”