“Nolan, you’re avoiding my question. I saw something in your eyes. What’s wrong?”
Marci watched the scenario with excitement. An engagement was looming. Nolan listened earnestly to something Grace said before bending low to whisper into her ear. Marci’s romantic side drank in the scene. Grace wrapped her arms around his neck before handing him the camcorder. Marci drove off with a wave and a sigh. It couldn’t happen to a nicer couple.
Grace waved to Nolan and Marci as she hurried back into her house. She had a busy day ahead of her, and she needed to get to work. They were having dinner at Craig’s house that evening, so she wanted to be well rested before they left.
~*~*~*~
The conversation around Craig and Melanie’s table was full of Christmas plans and special secrets. Nolan seemed jittery and nervous, which bothered Grace. Before she could gently kick his shins to catch his eye, Nolan stood.
“I have a, well, toast isn’t correct. Hmm… I guess I have a request to make of you, Craig.”
Grace’s eyes opened in surprise. This was not what she’d expected from him. Before she could react, Craig spoke. “Anything for you, Nolan. You’re almost like family now.”
Nolan swallowed hard at the word “family.” How would he ever say this right without looking like a fool? “Craig, I would formally like to request your blessing on my pursuit of Grace’s hand…”
A deep hush fell over the table as Craig worked his jaw trying to contain his emotions. Grace, strained to the emotional breaking point, finally spoke. “That’s odd.”
Nolan swallowed hard and asked, “What’s odd?”
“You only want a hand? No feet, legs, head, arms?” Grace interrupted Nolan’s rumbling chuckle with one last barb. “Oh, and by the way; if Craig won’t give his blessing, I will.”
~*~*~*~
Grace found his “Lily Maid” goat’s milk soap assortment a hysterical alternative to a lawn full of cows and milkmaids. “Where did you find this?”
Nolan’s laughter seemed to wash away the edginess that surrounded him. “My mother.”
Grace quirked a single eyebrow. He explained that his mother had purchased the lot of soap from a schoolgirl selling soaps and lotions to go to camp. “It was either give you Mom’s soaps or buy you some cheese with a feminine sounding name. I opted for the soaps. I called the company; they say that it’s perfectly safe to use the soap, and they still smell nice.”
Grace cut him off with a smile. “You don’t have to apologize. You gave me a piece of your mother. That’s a pretty special gift.”
“Piece of Mom?” Nolan shook his head in confusion.
“The story, Nolan. Your mother bought something from a little girl, something she probably didn’t want. She made a little girl’s dream possible. That’s a side of her I expected, but you hadn’t shared yet. Thanks!”
The couple had been talking on their way to church, and as they pulled into the parking lot, Grace smiled over at Nolan. “This has been the most fun week I’ve ever had. Have I thanked you?”
“Of course, Grace, if you hadn’t voiced your appreciation, your eyes, your smiles, and even your occasional tentative affectionate expressions have told me that you were pleased.”
“Tentative, huh? Maybe I need lessons in showing proper affection.”
As they walked up the steps, Nolan whispered one last thought into Grace’s ear. “I’d be happy to volunteer as your teacher.”
~*~*~*~
Monday morning found him at a jewelry store explaining his mission to the woman behind the counter. “I want a diamond in it. Something small. She likes pearls and opals, but the last jeweler I spoke to said that they’re too soft for everyday wear. I’m hoping she’ll never want to take this off. I also want plenty of gold in the lower part so it can easily be sized in pregnancy. I don’t want her to have to go without if her fingers swell.”
The sales clerk became caught up in the excitement in finding the perfect ring. When Nolan requested Black Hills Gold, she’d assumed that the man was working on a budget. She kept showing him inexpensive alternatives until he realized what she was doing. After assuring the woman that he’d pay thousands for just the right ring, the search was on in earnest.
Nolan checked his watch again. What was keeping Paige? She’d agreed to meet him at the last jewelers an hour before. He stared at his phone before deciding to call. As Paige answered with her trademark, “Good Morning,” Nolan felt a tap on his back. Turning, the man laughed, slid his phone shut and gave Paige a fierce hug.
“I’m so glad you got here. I was getting worried.”
The sales clerk watched and sighed. It was so romantic to watch them talking and laughing. “Well, are we ready to look again? Mark is going to bring out another tray that we had in the vault.”
Turning to the woman at the counter, Nolan introduced Paige. “Beth, this is my…”
“Fiancée. Nice to meet you, Grace. You are a very lucky woman. Nolan is a great guy.”
Paige shook her head violently. “Nope. Nolan’s not mine. Would you like to see a picture of Grace? She is my best friend, and Nolan is pretty lucky to have her.”
Beth gave polite attention to the photo and turned back to her job of selling jewelry. Paige waved everything aside. “No. This isn’t right at all. I saw one on my way in. It’s perfect. That’s what took me so long. They’re holding it for us right now.”
Torn between wanting to rush to purchase the ring, and feeling a desire to purchase something from his helpful sales clerk, Nolan turned to Beth and asked for one more item. “I need a charm. For a charm bracelet, of course. Something that has to do with money. A piggy bank, dollar sign—anything that makes you think of money.”
Paige looked at him questioningly, but Nolan was too absorbed in a display of charms to notice. “What about that one? The penny. That’s original. I like it. I’ll take it. Can you wrap it up and when I get back, I’ll put it on my card? I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Tossing his business card on the counter for Beth to use in typing up his receipt, Nolan hurried off with Paige to purchase the ring Paige had picked out for him. As he examined the ring his shopping companion had chosen, Nolan smiled. It was perfect.
A full-blown, tri-colored gold rose was nestled in a swirl of gold. A single tiny diamond created the center of the rose and shone beautifully. It had all the originality of Grace and yet the traditional diamond that just seems to belong with engagement rings.
The store engraved the date he planned to propose into the band for Nolan’s benefit. He knew that he’d not be tempted to postpone it if there was something written in gold telling his original intentions. They picked up the gift-wrapped charm and strolled out of the mall. Paige teased him all the way to her car. After setting the packages in her trunk, Nolan gave her a brief hug, thanked her, and walked back to his car. In thirty-six hours, he’d know if Grace meant it when she gave her blessing to him proposing.
In Brunswick, Nolan stopped at the dance studio and called Grace. He’d made arrangements to have a single private class with the instructor before paying for nine weeks of ballroom dancing. He stepped outside, crossed the street, and entered the same coffee shop that he’d seen Grace and that officer talking near.
She walked in looking rosy and happy. “Verily was going shopping so he dropped me off at Grant’s.”
He watched the emotions glowing in her eyes and worked hard not to laugh. Craig had assured him that Grace wouldn’t object to the dancing lessons, but he wanted to be certain.
“Grace. This is day nine. Nine ladies dancing. What do you think about dancing, anyway?”
Grace gave him a wry smile. “What kind of dancing and who’s doing it?”
“Well, Craig assured me that it would be ok but—” He swallowed hard. “I’ve always pictured myself having a very special dance at our—with my—” He swallowed hard.
“What is your gift? If you and Craig are in favor of it, I dare say, I will be too.”
~*~*~*~
For the first time in his life, Nolan understood the common phrase, “she took my breath away.” Grace appeared in the living room, ready for the party at Mike and Traci’s. The emerald green sweater looked marvelous with her eyes. She wore her charm bracelet on one hand, its lone charm dangling from the center.
Thankful for the lack of an audience, Nolan swallowed the lump in his throat. “Grace, you look…”
A slow smile crept across Grace’s face. “Really? I look all right? Am I overdressed? Under dressed? Both?”
Nolan tucked a stray hair behind Grace’s ear and whispered, “You look perfect. I have something for you.”
Grace accepted the wrapped box. Not sure what to expect from Nolan, she opened the box gingerly. Nestled in the bottom of the tiny box lay a golden ‘penny’—a charm for her bracelet. “Thank you, but what does the penny signify?” She smiled as she turned it over in her hands.
“Your fears. You said that you wanted to make a bracelet of all of your fears. You’re not truly afraid of money, but you do allow your pride to make you fearful of spending it. So, I thought it might be appropriate.” He hoped she’d understand. Grace was so strong in so many ways, he hadn’t been able to come up with any other fears, other than the fear of driving, and Melanie had already shown him the little VW Beetle charm that they’d purchased for her stocking.
On the way to Rockland, Grace toyed with her charm. The motion and movement made Nolan wild with frustration. Every movement seemed to grate on his nerves. Eventually, his hand slid across and picked up hers. “Do you mind?”
She found his request endearing. Wrapping their hands in her other hand, she left that for her answer. Looking down into the valley that Rockland encompassed, the lights of the city were breathtaking. Unconsciously, she began singing her favorite holiday song, “Silver Bells.” Nolan’s rich baritone joined her and the car resounded with harmony as they sped toward their destination.
“Grace, that was marvelous. I’ve heard you sing, but it’s always been in mock exaggeration with those funny old songs you love so much. I had no idea your voice was so lovely.”
Grace beamed at Nolan’s compliment, learning to appreciate and bask in the wonderful opinion that Nolan seemed to have of her. Rather than doubt his words, she smiled. “I’ve wanted to sing with you ever since I heard you singing behind me that first Sunday at The Assembly.”
“Want to sing with me at the party? Traci usually plays the piano and always tries to get people to do an ‘impromptu’ talent show. I generally do “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” since it was my father’s favorite. I’ve sung it at these parties since I was four, but I’d love to sing with you instead.”
Grace nodded. Looking at the clock, she gave a murmur of dismay. “Um, Nolan? Aren’t we going to be early? Should we stop and get a cup of coffee or something? It’s only six o’clock now, and you said the party starts at seven.”
Nolan sagged in relief. He’d been praying that Grace would notice and save him from making the observation. He didn’t want to be too obvious. “Hmm… you’re right. We didn’t hit much traffic, did we? Well, I know where we can get the world’s best hot chocolate and a beautiful view of ice skaters. Some are budding professionals.”
“That outdoor skating rink down by the park? I’d love to see it. My father took me when I was ten, but I was lousy on ice skates.” Grace sat up in eager anticipation. Nolan’s relief was lost on her as she watched for the right exit and chattered about the falls and tumbles she’d taken on her one and only jaunt on the ice.
In minutes, Nolan and Grace were wrapped in blankets on the benches near the ice, sipping cocoa and watching the skaters. One little girl, hardly over five or six years, spun and jumped like a professional. “I’ve watched her go from barely moving across the ice, to her first jump that she landed, to spinning like that. She’s incredible.”
Grace looked at Nolan in surprise. “What’s her name?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve wanted to ask her mother—that’s her, over by that tree, but I always thought she’d think I was some kind of creep.”
“What are we going to sing?” Grace was cold. Talking would keep her teeth from chattering, so she worked hard to keep the conversation flowing.
Singing was the last thing on Nolan’s mind. His throat thickened, and his mouth went dry. He ordered a second cup from the mobile vendor as the man passed by again and seared his tongue drinking too quickly.
“How about one of your oldie songs? Are there any that I know? It might be a nice change.”
Grace rattled off the names of dozens of songs, most of which Nolan didn’t know. Out of desperation, she began rattling off the names of songs in every musical she’d ever seen. From Anchors Aweigh to Sound of Music, Grace tried to find the right song. By the time she got to My Fair Lady, Grace was certain that the idea was doomed to failure. “‘On the Street Where You Live?’”
Nolan’s voice rang out clear and true before Grace could suggest any other song. Taken aback, it wasn’t until the line about being several stories high that Grace picked up the harmony. People stopped skating to listen as the song carried across the frozen rink. Muffled applause filled the air around them as people clapped through their mittens as they finished singing.
Gathering his nerve, Nolan turned to Grace. “Grace, I—” Words escaped his memory. All the practice that he’d done in the last few days was for naught. Looking into Grace’s eyes, all Nolan could think of was the pain of possible rejection. Finally, in a moment of determination he spoke. “Grace, I love you.”
“I think I am beginning to realize that you really do.” Grace looked intently into Nolan’s eyes. Smiling softly, and with the hint of tears in her eyes, she voiced her feelings for the first time. “I love you too, very much.”
Her confession of love for him demolished any remnants of the beautiful proposal he’d formulated. Somewhat panicked, Nolan gathered Grace into his arms. Holding her closely, he tried again. “Will you marry me, Grace? I—” Nolan’s mouth went dry again.
Before he could swallow and try again, Grace began weeping. Not knowing whether to continue his proposal, Nolan tightened his arms about her and pulled her closer to him. Whispering into her hair, Nolan tried again. “Oh, Grace, I—”
A burst of sobs cut him short. He smoothed her hair and tried to soothe her. “I’m sorry. I botched this terribly. I really wanted to make it special for you, but all I did was hurt you. Please, Grace, just don’t tell me that you’ve decided against me. Maybe we need more time. I’ll wait for you to be ready…”
“No, Nolan. That’s—”
“No?”
Grace smiled up at him through the tears that still streamed from her eyes. “I meant yes. I’ll marry you tomorrow if you want me to. I was just overcome… I’m either in love or ridiculously hormonal, or maybe it’s this stupid medication.”
Deep chuckles erupted as Grace burst into a fresh round of sobs. Moments later, Nolan and Grace dissolved into chuckles and giggles as the absurdity of their behavior hit them. “It’s the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me, and I’m crying like I’ll never see you again.”
Nolan smiled tenderly at her as he pulled the ring box from his jacket pocket. A crowd had gathered several yards away to watch the proceedings, but they were too engrossed in each other to notice. As Grace opened the box and saw the ring lying there, she looked back into Nolan’s eyes. “Are you sure, Nolan? Once this is on my finger, you’ll have a terrible time getting it off me, so I have to know. Are you sure?”
“About you?” Nolan was eager to see it as well. He had no idea how to answer Grace’s questions.
“You had very specific ideas about what you were looking for in a wife. Do I really meet those criteria? I don’t ever want to wonder if you ‘settled’ for me. Can you understand that? I mean, am I really what you’ve been praying for?”
“Grace. I don’t want that list. I just want you. If you
didn’t fill everything on the list to perfection, I wouldn’t care. I’m just doubly blessed that you do.”
A moment of uncertainty passed as Grace digested his words. Another awkward moment almost passed as she handed the ring to him. Surprise and pain crept into his eyes until she said, “Nolan, would you put this on me? I have enough schoolgirl romance in me to think it’d be special to have you put it on for me.”
As Nolan slipped the ring on Grace’s finger, a cheer went up from the crowd. Surprised, and more than a little embarrassed, Nolan and Grace hurried back to the car and drove toward Mike and Traci’s. They rode in a sweet silence until Grace finally spoke. “What will your friends say? Will they approve of me?”
Nodding, Nolan traced the outline of her hand with his fingers. “Mike knows that I planned to propose. Now I know why he told me to bring you in the back way. He thought you might want a moment to yourself.”
“I guess Traci cried when he proposed.”
“I guess so. I think I remember my mom saying she laughed and stalked out of the restaurant.” Nolan parked the car in Mike’s driveway.
“You’re kidding! What did your dad do?”
“Followed her, stopped her, pulled her into a nearby doorway, and kissed her. Apparently, that kiss changed her mind.”
Grace gave him a sidewise glance. “Maybe I should have said no.”
~*~*~*~
“I’d like to make a little announcement. Well, maybe it’s not so little, but Nolan asked Grace to marry him tonight, and she has accepted!”
Mike’s announcement was received with cheers and warm wishes. The women surrounded Grace, hugging her and commenting on her unique ring. The men laughed and clapped Nolan on the shoulder. Nolan reached Grace’s side quickly. With his arm around her shoulder, it was obvious to the entire room the pride he felt as Grace’s fiancée.
Hours later, as Nolan bid goodbye to his friends, Grace and Traci cleaned up in her kitchen. “I can’t tell you how happy we are that Nolan found you. He’s been so alone in the world since Mom and Pop Burke died. The women at church, you met them, they’re wonderful women, but Nolan was always looking for someone like Mom Burke, and our ladies are too sophisticated for that. You’re real.”
Noble Pursuits Page 23
