“I’m so proud of you.” Myrna kissed her on the cheek. “Not just for this incredible meal, which I’m glad you paid attention back in high school. I could have sworn you were more interested in scribbling in that journal book. But also for that Center. Everyone back home keeps asking about it.”
“It’s been a great success so far. The application list for therapists and counselors is a foot deep, and donations keep pouring in.” Audrey pulled out napkins and silverware and set them on the counter. “Dad, can you set these on the dining room table?”
Without a word Paul complied, never setting down his beer can.
“And thanks to Ethan,” Audrey continued. “We have journalists writing pieces about us every week.”
“Have the Davises been by to see it yet?” Adam asked, carrying over a bowl of corn to the table.
“No. They’re coming in over Memorial Day to see it. Mrs. Davis agreed to speak about handling grief. A perfect topic for the women there. We have so many workshops set up over the next month, I’m so excited. After dinner, I’d like to take you all over for a tour.”
“As long as Ethan keeps that baby in his arms, I’m up for anything,” Sally laughed.
A short while later with Jackson resting comfortably in his car seat on the floor, everyone sat at the dining room table with the Easter feast in front of their noses. Audrey’s dining set only came with five cushioned chairs, so she and Adelaide sat in folding chairs, everyone rubbing elbows.
“A little smaller than Mama’s table,” Paul commented, placing a napkin in his lap. “But still cozy.”
“The pocketbook is still a little tight to look at houses.” Audrey filled her glass with wine. “Maybe someday soon.”
After they said grace, Ethan held up his glass of sparkling cider for a toast. “To family and full tummies.” He glanced at Jackson, sleeping away. “Happy Easter.” Everyone clinked glasses.
“Ethan, why don’t you carve the ham.” Audrey winked at him from across the table.
“Sure.” He stood and walked around the table. But instead of grabbing the knife, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box and set it on the table. Right on Audrey’s plate.
Silence spread across the room. Audrey caught her breath and looked at the box like it might disappear any second.
Suddenly, Adelaide giggled in quick, soft spasms. “Oh my God. Really? Oh my God!”
“Shh!” Sally hissed and held the girl’s hand.
The simple, small box was too pretty to open. If there were earrings or a pearl bracelet inside, Audrey would die of disappointment. She wanted a life with Ethan.
Could he have possibly realized it before me?
There’s no way I’m this lucky.
Her mother dabbed at her eyes with a napkin, grinning, while her father had an amused tilt to his lips.
Really? Even Dad is okay with this?
The thought of his approval, of his pride and acceptance, couldn’t have filled her with more joy.
Well, maybe one thing could do more.
She finally braved to look at the man still standing next to her. He had that playful smile that she loved.
Please don’t let this be a joke. A gimmick. A practical joke that would crush my heart.
“Don’t look so scared. Open it.” He put his hands in his pockets.
A heartbeat and deep breath later, she did. A keychain. With two silver keys attached.
“Please don’t tell me these are the keys to your heart. That is way too cliché for a gifted writer like you.”
“These are keys to something more practical.” He pulled out a folded paper from the same pocket and handed it to her. When she opened it, she gasped. A picture of a house. A gorgeous, but simple, one-story home with navy blue shutters and a glass door.
“The deed is in your name. We’re free to move in when your lease is up here.”
“How did you—”
“I used the money I saved for New York.” He pulled his hand from his other pocket and knelt in front of her. “A house to go with this.”
The diamond ring sparkled under her eyes, the silver band polished so thoroughly it was like a mirror.
Adelaide giggled again, only a little more hysterically.
“Addy, hush!” Adam whispered.
Ethan’s playful smile was gone, replaced with the same look he gave her when he woke up in the morning. Completely happy and serene.
“This was my mother’s ring. The one she sacrificed so I could go to college. That I bought back. It’s fitting that this one remaining token of my mother’s love resides on your hand. The only other woman I’ve loved.”
A small sob came from Audrey’s mother and she covered her mouth. Ethan smiled through it. “Your family gave me their blessing. The idea of a family has grown on me so much ever since I met you, there’s no other life I want. A life with you. I want to wake up with you every morning, live your dreams right beside you, and go to sleep every night the same way.”
Audrey’s eyes misted over until all she could see was Ethan’s face and the glittering diamond ring.
“Please marry me, Audrey.”
This wasn’t a practical joke. This was real. She couldn’t stop the giddiness inside of her if she wanted to. It was amazing this man realized the truth before she did.
“Hurry up and answer, hon,” her father grinned. “The food is getting cold.”
When everyone started laughing, Audrey leaned forward and kissed Ethan. “I will, you greedy man.”
A word about the author...
Susan writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction. After spending six years in the corporate world, her true passion wouldn't let go and she's been writing ever since. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and son.
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