by J. M. Hill
“Okay, Mom and Dad,” Miles announced loudly. “Before we have our dessert, Kate and Grace have a surprise for you.”
Kate was standing next to me, and I grabbed her hand nervously as everyone watched us expectantly, and I regretted our decision.
“Well,” Kate said with a smile. “At Thanksgiving, you asked if Gracie and I played duets, so we decided to play one for you.”
“Wonderful!” Ava exclaimed. “Let’s go.” She led the way to the music room and everyone followed. Will and Ava sat in the chairs closest to the piano and I glanced at Michael, who was smiling widely at me. I shrugged, and he chuckled as he lined up next to Garrett and Miles who stood beside the piano, with eager expressions on their faces.
Kate and I took our places on the piano bench, she on the left and me on the right. She looked over at me with her eyebrows raised.
“Ready?” She whispered.
I nodded and we placed our hands on the keys. She counted off and we began our rendition of “Sleigh Ride”. We played it every year for Uncle David, and he always loved it. I couldn’t be sure, but I think Kate and I had more fun than anyone else. It was like it had always been—she and I played together perfectly—neither of us missing a note. At one point, I glanced over at her and our eyes met, both of us grinning from ear to ear, and I heard the boys laugh. When we hit the last chords, everyone clapped, and Garrett whooped and hollered as we stood and just like in the music competitions, gave a curtsy.
“That was wonderful, girls,” Ava said. “Thank you so much.”
“You two are incredibly talented,” Will said. “Thank you.”
Garrett laughed as he picked me up in one of his bear hugs.
“That was amazing. You two might have to do that again.” Garrett set me down and Michael was standing beside him, smiling at me.
“It sounds like you two have been practicing for weeks,” he said. “How’d you do that?”
“We’ve played that so many times, we could probably do it in our sleep,” Kate said. “We were hoping we could pull it off since it’s been a while.”
Michael shook his head in disbelief as Kate left the room with Miles. My heart raced as he stepped toward me smiling his crooked smile.
“And I didn’t think you could surprise me anymore.” He held my gaze, and I tried to smile as my heart thrummed in my ears. Garrett cleared his throat loudly, and winked at me.
“So are we going to kill zombies or what?” I asked him.
Garrett grinned. “That’s my girl.”
I turned to Michael. “What about you? You gonna help save the world from the undead?”
He took my hand. “Let’s go.”
We went downstairs and I kicked my shoes off, sitting on the sofa between the two of them and we started the game. We played until late again, and when we finally made our way to our rooms, Garrett reminded me they got up early to open presents.
“I’ll be ready,” I promised, and for the first time in years, I was excited for Christmas morning.
THIRTEEN
“Gracie. Wake up.”
Someone gently shook my shoulder. I opened my eyes to see Garrett hovering over me, smiling widely, still in his tee shirt and flannel pants.
“Merry Christmas. Come on. Hurry.” He left the room, and I rolled over to see Kate still trying to wake up.
She yawned and stretched. “I swear. He’s like a giant kid.”
“For sure,” I said groggily. “Merry Christmas, Kate.”
“Merry Christmas, Gracie.”
The Andersons were all sitting around the enormous tree in their pajamas and robes, with smiling faces. I sat down on the couch beside Michael and he handed me a cup of coffee.
“Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” I smiled, and took a sip of the coffee he’d prepared for me, nodding my approval. “Perfect. Thanks.”
Garrett was rooting through the presents, and just like a kid, looked at Ava, asking permission to start. She nodded for him to proceed, and Garrett pulled presents out for Ava and Will first, then one for the rest of us.
“Okay, I’m opening Gracie’s present,” Garrett announced.
The first present was two CD’s, one of Mozart concertos, and the other a collection of Chopin nocturnes. He made a funny face—like a kid who had just opened a present with socks inside—and then he opened the next box. It was an official Denver Broncos practice jersey worn and signed by Champ Bailey—one of Garrett’s favorite players. It was evident I’d made a good choice, because he jumped from the floor and crushed me into the couch trying to hug me.
“Gracie, you’re the best,” he said. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Merry Christmas.”
He kissed my forehead and folded the jersey carefully, putting it back inside the box, and handed me a present.
“This is from me,” he said waggling his eyebrows. I laughed at him as I opened his present—a Yankees cap and matching Derek Jeter jersey. “Just what I wanted.” I put the cap on my head. “Thank you, Garrett.”
He grinned his dimpled-grin, and turned to pull another present from beneath the tree.
“This says it’s for all of us, from Gracie.” Garrett read the attached card, and handed the gift to Michael.
“There’s actually one for your mom and dad, too,” I told Garrett, pointing to the identical package under the tree. “I wanted you to open them together.”
Garrett handed the present to Ava and she smiled at me.
“It’s for all three of us?” Michael asked, and I nodded.
Garrett sat on the sofa next to Michael, while Miles leaned forward trying to get a closer look. Michael and Ava tore away the wrapping at the same time. When Michael opened the box his brows came together, and Garrett and Miles were quiet. I got nervous right away, afraid I’d made a bad decision.
I cleared my throat nervously to explain my actions.
“Um, your mom gave me most of the pictures, and I made copies,” I stammered. “I also found some at your house.”
Michael opened the scrapbook I’d made, and the three boys looked over each page carefully. Black and white photos of their sister Rachel, beautiful pictures with her three big brothers who loved her so much. There were also photos of Rachel with Ava and Will. Each picture was evidence of the love and adoration they had for each other. I loved every picture in the album. As I made the album for them, I fell in love with the Andersons even more, not thinking that was even possible.
The minutes seemed to tick by slowly as I waited nervously for them to say something, but they kept looking through the pages. I glanced at Michael and noticed his bottom lip quivered slightly, which made my heart sink. He looked up at Ava who was smiling sweetly at him, she wiped a tear from her cheek. Garrett and Miles watched me intently, and I started fidgeting with my fingers.
“I’m sorry,” I said nervously. “I just thought they were so beautiful, and I didn’t think you’d mind.” Everyone was quiet, and I looked at Michael worriedly. “Don’t you like it?”
Michael set the album on the coffee table in front of him and stood. He pulled me up from the sofa, removing the baseball cap from my head, and wrapping his arms around me tightly. “This is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given us,” he whispered. “I couldn’t love it more.” My heart pounded as he squeezed me again and then released me, gazing into my eyes. “Thank you.”
Garrett stood, his eyes glossed with tears. “Thanks, Gracie.” He hugged me tightly. “It’s beautiful.”
Miles embraced me without saying a word, and returned to his seat beside Kate. Ava and Will both thanked me, Ava wiping at tears and Will rubbing her shoulders in comfort. I sat back down next to Michael, and he took my hand in his, squeezing it tightly as I breathed a sigh of relief.
When the presents were opened, Kate and I made a breakfast of bacon and mushroom quiche, fresh fruit, and biscuits with sausage gravy. We all sat around the kitchen table, enjoying Christmas breakfast together.
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The time went too quickly, and soon we were saying goodbye to Will and Ava. The same twinge of sadness I felt at Thanksgiving returned. I was going to miss them. On the way home I fell asleep on Miles’ shoulder, those late night video game battles obviously catching up with me. When we pulled onto the private drive, Miles nudged me gently and I jerked awake. Michael turned around and gave Miles a pointed look. Garrett pulled up in front of the house and got out quickly, running to our house, unlocking the front door and closing it behind him.
“What in the world?” Kate said. “Is he okay?”
Miles didn’t respond as we got out of the car. When I started toward the back of the car to unload our bags, Michael took me by the hand and led me to the front door with a wide smile.
“We have a surprise for you and Kate,” he said. “But you have to close your eyes.”
I glanced at Kate who just shrugged and closed her eyes. Kate loved surprises and never took much convincing when it came to the ‘close your eyes’ part. Miles chuckled and put his hands on her shoulders, guiding her through the front door.
“Come on, Grace,” Michael encouraged. “Trust me.” I closed my eyes and he took me by the hand, leading me inside the house slowly, and then turned me so I was positioned where he wanted.
“Now you two, keep your eyes closed,” Miles said. “Promise?”
We promised, and I could feel Kate fidgeting next to me. I reached for her hand and she giggled. There were loud rustling noises and the boys were murmuring quietly to each other. I noticed a familiar smell, like sawdust and lacquer. After what seemed like forever, Miles told us to open our eyes. I took in a quick breath as my brain attempted to catch up with my eyes.
A music room.
And in the center of the beautiful room, on a raised floor, was our piano with a small but elegant chandelier hanging over the center. A lump formed in my throat, and I tried hard to swallow it down.
The Anderson brothers built us a music room.
“It’s Michael’s design,” Miles said proudly. “Garrett and I took care of the rest.”
The room extended from our living area with an A-frame roof. The wall to the left had built-in shelves painted white to match the shelves in the living room, while the back wall and the wall to the right was floor to ceiling windows. The floor was the same knotted pine that ran through the rest of our house. There were two off-white, tufted chaise lounges in either corner, as well as a bench seat that extended across the length of the back wall, covered in the same fabric as the chaises, with pillows and a quilt with the same palette of soft blues and yellows that matched the rest of our décor.
The shelves had old music books that Kate and I had put in storage with the piano, along with newly framed photos I’d never seen before. Photos of my mom and Aunt Beth sitting at the piano, Kate and I in our Christmas costumes playing for the school pageant, some of me and my dad, and Kate and I with Uncle David. The top shelf was lined with trophies and music awards that Kate and I had won over the years.
I stepped onto the raised floor and ran my fingers across the familiar piano. It wasn’t a Steinway, though it was a grand piano. It was so beautiful to me, because it was the same piano my mom and my aunt Beth used to play.
“Kenny gave us the key to the storage facility,” Garrett said. “He also arranged to have the piano tuned.”
I felt tears coming down my face, and Kate too, had tears.
“How did you guys do this?” I asked, still trying to take in every detail.
“Gracie, it’s what we do,” Garrett replied. “We’ve been planning since we left Mom and Dad’s at Thanksgiving, pulled permits and ordered materials so we could start as soon as we left for Christmas.”
I wiped my cheek and looked over at Michael.
“When we saw you and Kate play at Mom and Dad’s…” his voice was quiet, “we knew we needed to do this for you. We’ve had our crew working day and night to finish.”
“Kenny told us about the trophies and photos in the attic,” Garrett added. “Miles took the photos to get framed.” He handed me a portrait I had never seen. “This one is my favorite.”
The photo was black and white, with yellowing around the edges from aging. My mom and Aunt Beth were sitting at this very piano, with Kate and I on their laps. Kate and I weren’t much older than five, and we were laughing, while our mothers smiled at the camera. I cried as I looked at how beautiful they both were.
The boys were standing together by the back wall, watching Kate and I carefully, and I felt so much love for them I could hardly stand it. Kate jumped into Miles’ arms and cried. I set the picture on top of the piano and strode toward Garrett, and he bent down so I could put my arms around his neck.
“Thank you, thank you,” I sobbed. “I can’t believe you did this.”
He hugged me and chuckled softly. “We did this because we love you.”
“I love you too, Garrett,” I said, still crying. “Thank you.”
Michael’s expression was uncertain as I stepped over to him. He pulled me close to him, and rested his head on top of mine. Whether it was the gratitude I felt because of the music room, or the overwhelming love I felt for Michael at that moment, I cried even more.
“Michael, thank you so much, it’s just beautiful.” I choked between sobs. “No one has ever done something so wonderful for us before. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Grace,” he continued to hold me, stroking my hair softly.
“I love you,” I whispered.
The words came out before I had the chance to think, but I said it and I didn’t care. I didn’t care if he thought I was talking about loving him as my friend or not. He pulled me tighter and I closed my eyes, wishing I could stay in his arms forever. When I pulled away from him, his eyes studied my face intently and then the corner of his mouth turned up into the crooked grin I loved. At that moment I wondered if there was a possibility that he might love me the way I loved him.
FOURTEEN
During the following week, the TV was rarely on, except for football games because Kate and I played the piano almost constantly. Sometimes just one of us, other times we’d play duets. We’d found the music for a “William Tell Overture” duet, and had been practicing.
New Year’s morning I was on the porch tying my shoes, freezing my butt off, waiting for Michael to show up for our morning run. Even though our New Year’s Eve was rather uneventful, we’d still stayed up way past midnight, and I’d wanted to stay in bed. But, who was I kidding? I’d never pass up any opportunity to be with Michael.
It was after eight when I trudged to the middle of the drive. I glared at the Anderson’s door, waiting for it to open because Michael was late. I stood there for a moment kicking the gravel at my feet, and then turned to walk back inside. I heard a door close, and I turned around to see Michael jogging toward me. I narrowed my eyes at him, and pointed to my watch.
He grimaced as he looked down at me. “Sorry.”
“Mm-Hmm,” I said, shaking my head. “You were almost in some serious trouble, mister. I wanted to stay in bed today.”
He chuckled and we started our jog. We ran in silence for quite a while, until he cleared his throat. “So did you make any resolutions this year?”
“Yeah,” I said scowling at him. “I resolved never to make my running partner wait when it’s friggin’ freezing outside.”
He laughed and shook his head. “I said I was sorry, I forgot to set my alarm.”
I rolled my eyes.
“So did you make any resolutions or not?” He asked with a grin.
“Yeah, the usual, quit smoking, lose ten pounds, try to stay away from alcohol—”
“Okay.” He laughed. “So I’m guessing there were no resolutions this year.”
“I kind of forgot about the whole resolution thing this year,” I told him. “But I’m sure there’s more than one thing I could change.”
He snorted a laugh.
“What?” I raised an ey
ebrow. “You think I need to work on some things?”
“No, that’s why I laughed. I can’t think of a single thing you need to change. Well, except for the smoking thing.”
I laughed. “What about you? Did you make any resolutions?” He shrugged.
“Care to share?” I asked him. “Or is it personal?”
He smiled. “I resolved to be more honest with myself.”
I nodded, even though I had no idea what he was talking about. I couldn’t help but stare at him. He was so gorgeous, and I loved that smile. He glanced over at me, catching me in my stare. I turned quickly feeling my face turn red, and heard him chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, not looking at him.
“Nothing,” he said, reaching over and tugging the end of my ponytail gently. “I just love it when you blush.”
Once in front of our houses, we each walked toward our own doors.
“What’s for breakfast?” He asked
“Um, waffles I think. You coming?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Are you going to be late?”
“Very funny, Burke.”
I waved with a smile, and he laughed as he turned to go inside. I went into the kitchen, where Kate was making breakfast, looking adorable in her USC sweatshirt, and Miles was stirring something on the stove.
“Morning,” I said.
“Morning, Gracie,” Kate said as she poured batter on the waffle iron. “You have time to shower if you want.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Do you need any help?”
“We’ve got it,” Miles assured me.
I went to take a quick shower, and got dressed in my holey jeans and favorite USC sweatshirt. I dried my hair straight, pulling half of it up into a barrette, and put on a little makeup. When I returned to the kitchen, Garrett greeted me cheerily and Michael was leaning against the counter. He was wearing the USC sweatshirt I gave him when I found out he had no SC garb.
“I like your shirt.” I nodded my approval. “Fight On.”
