With Jim and Elmer out of town, Gracey had Charles accompany her to the garden to cut fresh flowers for her room. Normally she gathered flowering perennials, but today she selected a vase full of lavender roses. Since Stone was spending more time in her suite than his, she thought it would be a gesture. He did seem to have an attraction to them.
While arranging the roses in a vase in her room, she looked down at her planner and realized it was the day before Father’s Day. Gracey was saddened it had been seven years since she had spent a Father’s Day with her daddy. But she had hope, maybe next year, she thought. Maybe next year.
That afternoon, Stone approached Gracey with his cell phone in his extended hand. “You have a call.”
“Hello?” Gracey said into the phone.
“Hi, baby girl,” John replied.
“Daddy, oh Daddy, I am so glad to hear your voice! How are you?”
“Stone set it up for us to talk. I just might like that boy yet. I understand you are staying with the Rudolphs now. Are you okay?”
“Has Stone told you what is going on with Rafer? It is okay, Daddy. I am safe,” Gracey reassured him. “I know the whole story Daddy. This will be over soon, and we will get you out of there.”
“You know the whole story? Everything?” John asked.
“Yes, Daddy. I know what you did to keep me safe. You are the best daddy ever! I miss you. I love you! Happy Father’s Day Daddy!”
“Thank you, sweetie, it will be now. Stone has asked me something important, Gracey. But first I need to know. Do you love him?”
“Yes Daddy, I love him.”
“He has asked for your hand in marriage. If you truly love him, and this is what you want, then you have my blessing.”
“Thank you, Daddy, I love you!”
“Love you too baby girl,” and the call ended.
“Oh, Stone how did you manage it?” Gracey exclaimed in total jubilation, running into Stone’s arms.
“Since it is too dangerous to travel to the prison with Jim and Elmer out of town I just made a call to my father’s friend, the warden.”
“I love you Stone that was the best present ever!”
“I love you too Gracey.”
Emerald Eyes Page 14
