Chapter 7
San Diego, California …
“Grace, you have a visitor,” Katelin told her the next day.
Grace looked up to see Katelin grinning at her broadly. “Where is he?” already knowing who had stopped in for a visit.
“In the auditorium. He said to tell you he wasn’t going anywhere until after practice, so you didn’t need to hurry down on his account.”
“Thanks. Have the kids started arriving yet?” Grace asked, referring to the three hundred and some kids who would be arriving in the next fifteen minutes for choir practice. The Southern California Children’s Choir had embarked on a brand new format this term thanks to the generosity of Michael’s parents.
They had funded the entire season and then some, leaving Grace and her assistant more than enough time to plan and find new and exciting music. Today, they were introducing a brand new Aaron Copland piece that would be used to open their end of the term concert. The piece was one of the most difficult pieces they’d done with the group of child singers, and they would be adding choreography in as well. They only had eight weeks to get it ready for the concert, and they would need every rehearsal until then.
“There were only about twenty down there when I came up, but the bus from across town hadn’t arrived yet.”
“Fine. Do we need to go back over any of the movements for the first melody?” Grace asked, trying hard to remember if they’d covered everything.
“I don’t think so. I went through the entire piece a while ago and it seemed like we caught everything. I just hope the kids can remember what to do.”
Grace smiled, “Have some faith in our young charges. They are quicker than you think.” Grace grabbed the stack of music and headed towards the auditorium, Katelin on her heels.
Choir practice went fairly smoothly, despite the fact that several of the kids appeared to be catching colds. “Now remember, we don’t want everyone to get sick, so if you are still coughing on Wednesday, we want you to stay home.” It wasn’t often that Grace made such a request, but they already had a scheduled rehearsal off on Friday, so that would give those who were getting sick almost a week to recover before returning. “Also, please memorize the words to our new song. We want to start choreography on Monday, so it’s important that everyone has the words memorized before then.”
Grace and Katelin watched the kids as they all nodded their acceptance of her directions and then Katelin began their traditional “Goodbye” song. A haunting melody that had become set to the traditional Gaelic poem and had become the trademark for the choir seven years ago. It was still used to end each rehearsal, and also to say “Goodbye” to choir members who were either moving, or had become too old to participate the next year.
It was set in three-part harmony, and never failed to bring tears to the eyes of both the audience and Grace herself-
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
Until we meet again
And May God hold you
In the palm of his hands
As the soft melody drifted away, she closed her eyes briefly, letting the momentary silence soothe and nurture her soul. Music had always been a source of strength for her, and as she opened her eyes and dismissed her young charges, she hoped that music would be with them always.
“That always gets to me, you know,” Michael’s voice sounded from behind her.
Grace turned with a smile and squatted down so that she was on eye-level with him as he stood on the auditorium floor. “Yeah? Me too. What are you doing here?”
“Well, I have something to show you and was hoping you’d take a ride with me before you headed home.”
Grace smiled at him and then shook her head, “I can’t. I have to pick the girls up at the school,” she glanced at her wristwatch, “in twenty minutes.”
“What if I could get someone else to perform that task? Would you come with me then?” Michael asked, already pulling his phone from the clip on his belt.
“Well, I would have to give it serious consideration at that point.”
“Done.” Michael watched her with a smirk on his face, having already planned this out and only needing to give the plan a green light. “Hey, bro.” Michael chuckled at something that was said and then grinned, “Sure.”
Grace watched his side of the conversation, knowing she’d just been had. Michael wasn’t the spur of the moment type of guy, so whatever he wanted to show her had been carefully planned out in advance.
“Okay.” He pocketed the phone and then looked at her, “Now that the girls are taken care of, go grab your stuff.”
Grace crossed her arms over her chest, and prepared to give him a hard time, but never got the chance. A young body slammed into her from behind, wrapping skinny arms around her legs and squeezing. “Bye Miss Powers!”
Almost as soon as the impromptu hug began, it ended and the little body took off in a flash of energy towards the exit. Grace watched in bemusement at a mother ruffled the hair of her exuberant son, a newcomer to the choir this year, and one of the recipients of the generous grant Michael’s parents had bestowed upon the choir.
“One of these days they’re going to knock you right off the stage,” Michael commented, reaching up and lifting her bodily off the stage. “You need to give yourself a buffer zone of six to eight feet. That way if they accidentally knock you over, you don’t fall off the stage, only onto it.”
Grace put her hands on Michael’s shoulders as he set her down, keeping her feet inches from the ground for a moment too long. She looked into his eyes and her heart melted, as it did each time she looked at him. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” she whispered, amazed at the fullness this one man had brought to both her and her young daughter’s lives.
“You must have been very, very good this year. Just think of me as an early Christmas present.”
Grace chuckled as her feet finally found purchase on the ground, “Christmas was only about seven weeks ago. You’re a little early, aren’t you?”
“Not at all. The way I figure it, I’m a few years late. Now, enough stalling woman. Go grab your stuff and meet me out front. I want to show you something!” Michael said it with a smile and a gentle push towards the side door, which would take her upstairs to her office.
Grace managed to retrieve her purse and briefcase without getting waylaid by anyone, an amazing feat considering how many people were still in the building at this time of day. It was Monday, and that meant the symphony orchestra would be arriving soon to practice, as well as the adult chamber choir. The building was always being used for something, but Mondays always seemed to be particularly busy.
She entered the foyer of the building, not seeing Michael, and then headed out the front door. Several people were milling around outside and she waved at them, heading straight for the sleek little sports car that sat waiting by the curb.
She got into the car and then buckled up, “So tell me, where exactly we are going?”
“It’s a surprise. Now, close your eyes and tell me about your day.”
Grace smiled at him, but willingly played along. This playful side of Michael was one she adored, “Well, after getting Daniella ready for school, we went next door and helped Emily do the same. Victoria was feeling slightly better today, and with the exception of still suffering from a headache, she was actually up and dressed when we arrived.
“Daniella insisted on holding each and every puppy before we could leave for school. She seems to think they will remember if she ignores them and doesn’t want to hurt their feelings. Oh, and she now has names for all nine of them. She and Emily seemed to have formed some sort of cooperative with the single-minded goal of driving both Tori and I into an early grave.”
“What are the two princesses up to now?” Michael asked, having been witness to the ‘we only want to
keep three puppies’ debacle from a few days ago.
Grace sighed, still keeping her eyes closed and hoping their destination wasn’t much further. She’d not slept well the night before, having heard noises outside around 11 p.m. and then unable to sleep as her mind had taken a detour down the road to paranoia. She hid a yawn behind her hand.
“Tired?” Michael asked, having noticed the dark circle beneath her eyes and curious as to what had kept her from sleeping.
Grace yawned again, “Yeah. I have to tell you if I have to keep my eyes shut much longer, there is a definite possibility I may fall asleep.” She felt the car stop moving as she ended her prediction and then she waited.
Michael came around to the passenger side of the car, “Keep your eyes closed for another minute or two.” He gently helped her from the car, having parked where the pavement slowly climbed to meet the sidewalk so she would have less chance of stumbling.
He steered her around the building and then said, “Open your eyes.”
Grace opened her eyes to see a majestic building standing in front of her. The sign on the building announced the reason for their visit. “New Home of the Simpson Pediatric Cancer Center” and she smiled before flinging herself into Michael’s arms. “You did it!”
Michael grinned back and nodded his head, “Yep. Mom and dad couldn’t wait to jump on board with the idea, and I’ve already had calls from several colleagues who want to be a part of it. By the time we’re through putting everything together, this will be the premier treatment center for pediatric cancer patients in North America.”
“Don’t you mean the world?” Grace laughed, looking at the sign one more time in wonder.
“Well, I was trying to be modest, but – yeah! In the world. Finally, I’ll have everything I need to really help sick kids get better and stay that way. I realize I can’t cure everyone, but with the right combination of personnel and treatments, I can sure give them all a fighting chance.”
“Michael, I’m so proud of you. I can’t believe what you’ve managed to put together in just a few short weeks! Wow! I mean, really – just Wow!” Grace leaned up and kissed Michael on the lips, intending to pull away, but he held her close and deepened the kiss before letting her go.
“Now it’s my turn to say ‘Wow!’ Grace, I know it’s quick and everything is changing in my life, but I can’t imagine doing this without you. I can’t explain it, but you and Daniella have become a part of my life.” He searched her eyes, looking for any signs that he was moving too fast. What he saw reflecting back at him made him want to shout for joy! “I think we definitely have a future together. What do you think?”
Grace looked into his eyes, amazed at full her heart was at the moment. “Michael, I know there’s something happening between us, and I want to explore that…”
“But…”
“I have to be careful, not only for myself, but for Daniella. She gives her affections so easily; I couldn’t bear to do anything that would eventually cause her hurt.”
Michael sobered and felt his heart become even more endeared towards the lovely woman in front of him. “That is just one of the many things that draws me to you. Daniella is a true Princess and I would never cause her harm. I understand that you need a little time, but I’m putting you on notice now. We have something special here and I can’t wait to see where it leads us.”
Grace gave him a tender smile, reaching up and laying a hand along his strong jawline, “Me too.” She looked at the sign one more time and then asked, “So, when is all of this supposed to finally come together?”
“By the end of the summer. There’s quite a lot of work to be done on the inside of the building. Contractors are coming next week to start the demolition work, and then another team is coming in from the east coast the week after that. Things will really be underway by the time you get back from Jane’s wedding.”
Grace looked at him in confusion, “By the time I get back? Aren’t you coming too?”
Michael secretly pumped his fist in the air, but calmly asked, “Did you want me to? I wasn’t sure…”
“Of course I want you to come along. That is, if you can get away from all of this,” Grace gestured towards the building.
Michael smiled, gave her a peck on the nose and then nodded his head, “I was kind of planning to come all along, but I didn’t want to assume too much. I would love to escort you to Jane and Samuel’s wedding. In fact, I’ve already kind of commandeered my dad’s private jet to fly us to Montana. If that’s okay with you?”
Grace laughed and slapped him gently on the shoulder, “You’ve been very busy today.”
“Yes, ma’am. I certainly have. Now, I believe a certain young Princess is waiting at home to have a grand tea party with myself and the guest of honor – you. When I stopped by the school earlier to speak with Brad, she was adamant that a tea party happen this evening. I kind of promised her it would.”
Grace chuckled as he led her back to the car, “You and your promises. I need to hide a video camera in her room and record these events for my future viewing pleasure.”
“Don’t you dare! I can just see it now. The first commercial for the new facility will be a picture of me, sitting between the stuffed teddy bear and her stuffed rabbit, wearing the purple tiara and earrings, with the pink boa wrapped around my neck.”
By the time he finished describing a typical dress-up outfit, required attire for one of Princess Daniella’s tea parties, Grace was laughing so hard she had tears leaking from her eyes. Once she gained control of her laughter, she told him, “That would make a great ad campaign. Don’t you think? Maybe the other doctors who sign on to work there could dress-up as well. You could make the tea party a weekly event for the kids that come there to be treated.”
Michael looked at her in shock, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Why not? I heard you tell Dani that laughter was sometimes the best medicine. If the staff was on board with it, it could be a weekly event that all of the kids looked forward to. You could even get some manly costume pieces. Things like crowns, and shields – you know, princely items.”
The wheels began to turn in Michael’s head and his smiled continued to grow as the idea took shape. “I love it! I mean, what other facility could boast of such an activity?” Michael navigated the last turn leading him back to where Grace had left her car parked, “Could you help me with the costume pieces?”
Grace shook her head, “Not me. But I just happen to know where you can find an expert in all things bling and tea party.”
“Oh, that’s perfect. I’ll take Daniella to the costume store with me!”
Grace opened the car door, “She’d love it. You do know she will expect to be invited to each and every tea party?”
“Of course. She will be the reigning Princess and in charge of making everyone else feel included. She does that really well already, and she’s only four!”
“She’s bossy! What you’re assuming is kindness is her manipulating you until you do what she wants,” Grace told him with a grin. “Are you coming back to the house to have dinner with us?”
“Yes. Brad and Teresa were stopping by to pick up a couple of take-and-bake pizzas before running the girls home. If Victoria’s feeling up to it, maybe you could convince her to join us for dinner.”
“I hope she is. She needs a change of scenery, that’s for sure. I’ll see you back at the house,” Grace told him before closing the car door and jogging over to her own vehicle.
She mused about the adventure Michael was getting ready to embark upon and offered up a small prayer for its success. He was a wonderful, compassionate man, who had taken those traits and used them to help sick and hurting children. He had been wonderful with Dani when there’d been a possibility that she had leukemia, helping calm her fears in the hospital and then calming her mother’s fears in the waiting room. As Grace drove home, she glanced in the rearview mirror to see Michael following right behind her. She relaxed as
she replayed his comments about seeing where their relationship led. She couldn’t imagine a better plan than that.
Chapter 8
Castle Peaks, Montana …
“Mr. Mercer, what your architect has drawn up is amazing!” Jackson commented, still looking at the blueprints that had been delivered only moments before.
“Well, he had quite a bit of input from Sara and Dr. Baker. And I want you to feel free to make as many changes as you think are necessary. Oh, and call me Bill!”
Jackson nodded his head, still glued to the papers in front of him. The Mercer-Brownell Foundation was going to become the go-to place for respite care of cancer patients across the country. It would cater not only to their physical needs, but the focus would be on stabilizing their medical condition and pain so that they could get back to living. Whether that be in full remission, or only for a few more weeks. The center’s main goal was to improve the quality of whatever time its patients had left.
Jackson was a realist, and he had seen firsthand how devastating cancer could be on both the patient and their extended family. Having the resources to alleviate as much pain and suffering as possible, all located in one place, was an amazing feat. One he was proud to be a part of.
“Once you’re done looking at them drawings, I thought I drive you over to see the Beckett place. Dillon called this morning, and all of his siblings are in agreement to sell the place. I’ve already made him an offer and he’s accepted it.”
Jackson stared in wonder at the older gentleman standing next to him, “You bought a house?”
“Well, you can’t live in the B&B forever! And if you’ll remember, it is the only vacant house in fifty miles.”
Jackson nodded his head, still shocked that this man had purchased a house, sight unseen. “What if the house is all rundown?”
Romance: New Beginnings (Young Adult and Adult Romance, Christian Christmas Fiction book as a Love Story) (Second Chances Trilogy 3) Page 5
