Roger’s eyes dimmed. Daniel glanced at Marienne, and she nodded.
Daniel took a breath and looked his father in the eyes. “We know you’re heading back to England soon, but we were hoping that when you plan your next trips to the States you could keep a few dates in mind.”
Roger’s eyebrows rose. “What sort of dates?”
“Well, the holidays, if you’d like. And we thought it might be nice if you could be here sometime in mid-April.”
“Mid-April.” Roger nodded. “Easter is it?”
Daniel shrugged. “I don’t know. We just thought you’d like to be around to meet your newest grandchild.”
“Grandchild.” Roger’s eyebrows drew together.
Daniel waited for him to process what he’d said. He saw that Marienne was watching too.
Roger’s mouth fell open. He turned to Marienne. “Are you expecting?”
Marienne’s face blossomed into a grin. She nodded.
“Congratulations.” Roger gave her a big hug. “That’s wonderful. Simply wonderful news.” Clearly elated, he turned toward Daniel and extended his hand.
Daniel took it, shaking firmly.
“Congratulations, Daniel.” He raised his other hand to clap Daniel’s shoulder.
Daniel stepped toward him and gave him a brief hug. “Thanks, Dad.” The word felt odd coming out of his mouth, but when he caught the expression on Roger’s face as he pulled away, he was glad he’d said it. His eyes were moist, grateful, and full of love.
Ella called in from the other room. “Are you coming?”
Roger cleared his throat. “Yes, Ella, be right there.” He gave a nod to Daniel and ran his hand down Marienne’s arm then turned and left the room. “Now, where’s this new kitten of yours?”
Marienne slipped her hand into Daniel’s, her warm fingers linking with his. “I’m so proud of you.”
THE END
About Karen Stivali
Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.
Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another, so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details.
Holding on is a sequel to Karen’s first full-length novel, Meant To Be. Ever wonder how Daniel wound up married to his first wife, Justine? For a glimpse into their past, check out “All I Need” in TMP’s Foreign Affairs anthology.
Visit Karen’s website at karenstivali.com.
If you enjoyed Karen Stivali’s Holding On,
you might also enjoy these authors
published by Turquoise Morning Press:
Margaret Ethridge, author of Contentment
Jennifer Johnson, author of Rescuing Riley
Maddie James, author of Crazy for You
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Holding On Page 28
