Misty looked around the dining area. “It feels good being out on such a beautiful night. I’m excited about the concert. I can’t wait to see Kem perform. I love all his music.”
After signaling for the check a short time later, Leon inquired, “Are you ready to party?”
She awarded him a smile. “Definitely.”
They left the restaurant and drove down the street to the park. There were cars everywhere, but Leon found an empty space a block away from the location.
He held Misty’s hand as they walked.
“You were lucky to find that parking space. I thought we’d end up having to walk at least three or four blocks.”
“I’m glad we left the restaurant when we did,” Leon said. “Great timing.”
At the park, Leon set up their chairs.
Misty settled in her seat. She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of the night air on her face while enjoying the music on the deejay’s playlist. The concert wasn’t due to start for another forty minutes.
Leon brought her hand up to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on it. “I can’t believe that I found someone as wonderful as you.”
She felt a warmth wash over her like waves.
Turning her to face him, Leon leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips. “I have been wanting to do this from the moment I arrived at your place to pick you up.”
In response, Misty pulled his head down to hers. Their lips met and she felt buffeted by the winds of a gentle harmony.
Breaking their kiss, Leon said, “I love you.”
His words caught Misty by surprise. Tears glittered in her eyes as she responded, “I love you, too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
MISTY FELT LIKE she was floating on a cloud. Her evening with Leon couldn’t have been more perfect. Sharing delicious food and great music with the man she loved equaled the making of wonderful memories.
She checked on Talei when she got home, then had a glass of wine with Brittany.
“Thank you so much for watching her.”
“We had a good time. She was showing me how to do the candy dance. At least I think that’s what it was called.”
Misty laughed. “She performs it at the powwows.”
“We also did some shark dance, too.” Brittany sat her glass down on the counter. “Girl, I’m tired.”
They broke into laughter.
After Brittany left, Misty went upstairs to her room and showered.
She came out of the bathroom ten minutes later and checked her phone. Misty smiled when she read the sweet good-night text from Leon.
Tonight was perfect!
* * *
LEON WENT TO the cemetery to clean up around the graves of his parents and Vera. He also wanted to put out some fresh flowers. After pulling all the weeds and tossing them in a garbage bag, he took a seat on the cement bench at the foot of his wife’s grave.
“I can’t put into words how much I miss you, Vee. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and our daughter. I wanted to let you know that I finally have the strength to move on. I told you about Misty... Well, we’ve been seeing each other, and things are good between us. I love her, Vee, and I’m happy.”
He sat there, taking in the warmth of the sunlight. “I feel like you’re looking down on me and smiling. Probably giving me your I told you so look.”
“I had a feeling I’d find you here.”
Leon glanced over his shoulder. “Auntie, you had a mind to come to visit the family, too?”
“I did,” she responded. “The weather’s nice today. I figured I’d come put some fresh flowers on Walter’s and my parents’ graves, then I saw you sitting over here.”
Eleanor sat down beside him. “It gets a little easier with each passing day.”
“Yes, it does,” Leon said. “Spending time with Misty has helped. I still grieve, but it’s not as intense as it was before.”
“Do you still feel like you’re cheating on Vee?”
He nodded. “A little. I know she’s gone and it’s okay for me to date in my heart—I just need my mind to fully catch up.”
“Why don’t we get out of this cemetery,” she suggested. “Let’s go grab some lunch.”
Leon stood up, then assisted Eleanor to her feet. “I think we should hire a groundskeeper. I’d like to have flowers on all the graves. Maybe we can plant a garden over there near Polk’s grave.”
“I agree,” Eleanor said. “That’s a good idea.”
“Where would you like to eat?” Leon asked.
“I’m in the mood for seafood.”
He chuckled. “You always want seafood. That’s not surprising.”
The only vehicle parked on the street was Leon’s truck. “You walked here?”
“Yeah,” Eleanor answered. “It’s so nice out.”
He unlocked his truck and opened the passenger side door.
Eleanor climbed inside.
They drove to an oceanfront restaurant.
“Thank you, son” she murmured, taking a seat in the chair Leon pulled out for her.
He walked around the table with the vibrant red tablecloth and eased into a chair facing her. Leon picked up his menu. “I always have a hard time deciding what I want to eat whenever I come here. Everything is delicious.”
“I can tell you and Misty are becoming close,” Eleanor said. “You’re falling in love with her.”
He gave a slight nod. “Not falling, Auntie. I’m in love with her.”
“I’m relieved to hear this. I had hoped this was the case and not because you want to take care of her and Talei out of loyalty to John.”
“I think it may have started that way,” Leon confessed. “I really have strong feelings for Misty. It’s crazy, but whenever I’m with her, the world feels different. I’m sure that makes no sense at all.”
Eleanor smiled. “Actually, it makes a lot of sense. That’s what happens when you fall in love.”
Leon laid down his menu. “Misty told me that she loves me, too.”
“You seem surprised.”
“I guess I shouldn’t be,” he said. “I know she cared something for me, but I wasn’t a hundred percent sure that it was love.”
* * *
MISTY SHOWED BRITTANY the cake she’d designed for the historical society gala taking place tomorrow night. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful. Meredith is gonna love it.”
She closed the box back up. “Thanks for the referral. Miss Eleanor said this is the first year that we were asked to do the cake.”
Lowering her voice, Brittany said, “Meredith broke up with the guy who provided the cakes in previous years.”
“Oh, wow.”
They sat down at an empty table in the bakery area.
Brittany chuckled. “I take it that things are still good between you and Leon?”
“They are,” Misty stated. “Our relationship has hit another level.”
“Another level...meaning?”
“We love each other.”
“So, you’ve said the actual words?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Leon is one of the good ones.”
“That’s the biggest relief,” Misty said. “After all the bad choices I’ve made in my past relationships... It’s great to have someone so nice in my life.”
“He’s got you glowing, that’s for sure.”
“I feel really good about us. Life is so drama-free and I love it.”
“Well, all the bad stuff is over now,” Brittany said. “Enjoy.”
Misty smiled. “I intend to do so. Now we’re supposed to be talking about your wedding cake. Do you know what you want?”
“Nothing too fancy,” Brittany said. “Rick and I both want carrot cake—it’s our fav
orite. I was thinking that we could have cupcakes for the guests that may want something different.”
“I like that,” Misty said. “Do you want the frosting to match your wedding cake?”
“Yes. And can we have flowers instead of the bride-and-groom topper?”
“Sure. You can have whatever you choose. I can create them, or you can have your florist create a topper with the wedding flowers. I’ll need it the day before the ceremony.” Misty quickly typed in notes on her iPad.
“I’ll see her when I leave here, so I’ll get back to you on that,” Brittany responded. “You know I want you to be in the wedding. I’d like you to be a bridesmaid. My sister is my maid of honor.”
Misty was genuinely touched by her offer. “I’d be honored to be a part of your wedding. Thank you.”
“Girl, thank you. We’re not having a big wedding. I want to keep it small and intimate with three in my wedding party only because Rick has three brothers. Some of my friends are seriously tripping and arguing about who should be in my wedding. I told them to be happy that they’re getting an invite.” Brittany shook her head sadly. “Unnecessary drama.”
Misty chuckled. “Wow.”
“Oh, and I want Talei to be my flower girl.”
“Oh, my goodness! She is gonna love that, Britt. We won’t be able to convince her that she’s not a princess.”
“March can’t come quick enough for me. I’m so ready to become a wife.”
Smiling, Misty nodded in understanding. “I loved being married—it just wasn’t to the right man. I haven’t given up on love everlasting though. Even if it turns out that Leon and I aren’t meant to be, he’s given me a peek into what it looks like. I’ll always be grateful to him because of that.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
WHEN LEON AND MISTY entered the ballroom, they were immediately enveloped in a warm haze of music and happy voices. A harpist played something slow and lovely in the background beneath a strong undercurrent of conversation that rose and fell like waves crashing against the shore.
There was a sea of people dressed in tuxes and bright, colorful dresses roaming around talking and taking photographs. Leon saw it all, yet the woman on his arm kept his full attention. Misty stood out. Each time he looked at her, he felt a strange mixture of calm and excitement churning through his bloodstream.
Misty, dressed in a deep purple gown, did one final check on the cake. She wanted it to be perfect for the gala. Her hair was a tumble of soft curly tendrils that called out to him to run his fingers through their silkiness. Leon inhaled the light floral perfume Misty wore, flavoring his very breath with her scent.
Fresh flowers in vases and small plants graced every tabletop, and the soft lighting reflecting off the mauve wallpaper created a magical glow.
“You need to relax,” Leon said. “The cake is beautiful, and it looks delicious. Half the people in here have tasted your baked goods. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you for saying that,” Misty responded. “I’m just nervous because this is the first time they commissioned us to do the cake.” Her gaze traveled from his head to his shoes. “Oh, my... You look so handsome.”
“And you’re stunning in that dress.” In truth, Misty was electrifying.
Smiling, she lifted her chin, tossed her hair away from her face and placed her hand in his. “We should find our table.”
Leon looked down into Misty’s sparkling brown eyes.
He was in deep trouble. His feelings for her were intensifying so much that the very air around him seemed electrified.
She picked up her wineglass and took a sip. “You do realize that you’re staring at me.”
“I’m sorry,” Leon responded. “I don’t mean to stare but I can’t help it. You’re a beautiful woman.” Everything took on a clean brightness when she was with him. Each time Misty smiled at him, the pull was stronger.
They made small talk with the other guests at the table while dining on filet mignon, baby asparagus and large, fluffy baked potatoes.
“Now you’re the one staring,” he said, feeling the heat of her gaze on him.
“Guilty,” Misty murmured.
“Would you like to dance?” Leon asked when the deejay put on a popular R&B song.
“I’d love to,” she responded as she rose to her feet.
Swaying to the music, Misty took his hand and led him to the dance floor. “I love dancing.”
Leon smiled. “I know.”
They danced through two songs, then returned to their table.
All around them, people were enjoying themselves, leaning toward each other, smiling, laughing, talking. The clink of glassware and the waves of conversation became a white noise pulsating in the background, but Leon had eyes and ears only for Misty.
He stared into her eyes and resisted the urge to reach out and touch her face. There was so much Leon wanted to say to Misty, but it would have to wait until later when they were alone.
The music called out to them once more, prompting their return to the dance floor.
* * *
AT THE END of the night, Leon parked at the curb outside her condo.
Even in the moonlight, he could see the colorful flower beds nestled around the grounds.
Leon’s gaze stayed on Misty as they made their way to her home and she unlocked the door.
He walked in behind her, taking in the eclectic decor and artistic pieces of Native American art displayed around the living room.
When Misty hit a switch, pools of golden light fell across the hardwood floors.
Leon removed his tuxedo jacket and draped it across one of the dining room chairs before joining her on the dark green leather couch.
“You really mean the world to me, Misty,” he murmured without thought. “I wasn’t expecting this. I never thought I’d feel this way again. I didn’t think it was possible.”
Leon pulled her in close and kissed her, then said, “You and Talei are an important part of my life. Misty, I’m not looking for something recreational. I loved being a husband and I wanted to be a father. I want all that again.” Leon paused a moment. “I hope I’m not scaring you. I’m not real good at this, but I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
Misty smiled. “We’re definitely on the same page, Leon. I’d never really given much thought to the idea of getting married again...until I met you.” She leaned into his embrace, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.
“Do you have any plans for tomorrow?” Misty inquired.
“Nothing concrete. What’s up?”
“Clara called me earlier and asked if I’d bring Talei for a visit tomorrow. I told her I’d come, but I would like you to join us.”
“What time do you want to leave?” Leon asked.
“I was thinking around nine in the morning.”
“I’ll be here.”
She smiled. “Wado, my sweet Leon.”
“Hawa.”
* * *
LEON GLANCED OVER at Misty and asked, “Ready?”
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” she responded. Biting her lip, Misty looked away. She wasn’t worried about Clara, but Elroy... Misty would’ve preferred to have avoided him at all costs.
“I ready,” Talei interjected from her seat.
“Let’s hit the road, then.”
They weren’t down the road a good thirty minutes before Talei was sleeping.
Amused, Leon glanced up at the rearview mirror. “That didn’t take long.”
“Thank you for coming with me,” Misty said. “I didn’t want to deal with Elroy alone.”
“I understand,” Leon said. “When I first met Elroy, I felt like he couldn’t stand me. It took a minute, but he eventually warmed up.”
“Well, he hates me,” Misty stated. “From the moment John intr
oduced me to his family, that man never had a kind word to say about me. I’m to the point that I don’t care how he feels about me personally—this is about my daughter.”
He wasn’t going to let Elroy attack Misty any longer. Leon fully intended to speak up on her behalf. He hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but he was prepared if it did.
They talked, sang along with the radio, then talked some more, but the closer they got to Orangeburg, the quieter Misty became.
“You okay?” Leon inquired.
“I’m just bracing myself mentally for whatever Elroy has to say. I haven’t spoken to him since that day at the funeral home. Clara and I communicate regarding Talei. But since I’m going to be at his house, I’m sure Elroy won’t hold his tongue.”
Leon parked in front of the Hayes’ ranch-style house.
Misty got out of the vehicle, saying, “Here goes...”
She gently woke Talei. “Hey, sweetie. We’re at Paw Paw’s house. You ready to see Grandma and Paw Paw?”
Talei nodded, then stretched and yawned.
Clara opened the front door. “Leon, hello. We didn’t expect to see you.”
She stepped aside to let them enter.
“I asked him to come with me,” Misty interjected. “I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course,” she responded. “C’mon in. He is always welcome here.”
Clara led them to the den. “Make yourselves at home.”
“Looks like you two have gotten mighty close,” Elroy stated when he walked into the room.
Misty stirred uneasily in the chair. Before she could respond, Leon said, “We’re dating.”
Talei ran over to him. “Paw Paw.”
“Hey there, baby girl. I’ve missed you something fierce.”
“Would y’all like something to drink?” Clara inquired, breaking the tense silence that enveloped the room.
“I’m fine,” Misty and Leon said in unison.
“I just want to make sure I understand what’s going on. Are you two involved?”
“Why is that important, Clara?” Misty asked. She and Leon weren’t doing anything wrong and she refused to allow her ex-in-laws to make her feel otherwise.
“I’m sorry if I’m being intrusive.”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 67
