The Surprise

by Alice Ward

“It’s okay.” She tried to move my hand, but I held it firmly in place. “She won’t mind, I promise.”

  “But… I mind. Come on. I want to make a good first impression. Please.”

  “You’re nervous,” Dani teased. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me hard on the lips. “You’re totally nervous about meeting my mom.”

  “Of course, I am,” I said. “Wouldn’t you be?”

  “Nah.” She shrugged. “I wasn’t nervous at all when I met your mother.”

  “What about my father?” I shot back.

  She gave an exaggerated shiver. “That wasn’t nerves either. That was downright terror.”

  I laughed, and she kissed me again. This time, she lingered longer, and I held her against me. I didn’t want to let her go. We’d only been freely together for a week. Everything about our fake marriage had been tense and confusing, but this was different. We were finally together, a real couple, and I loved every single second of it.

  I gave her another lingering kiss before pulling away. “Let’s go. We’re late.”

  “Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes and following me out the door. “But I want to see the painting when we get back.”

  “You will,” I promised, dragging her along behind me.

  I knew she was just as eager to see her mother as I was. She hadn’t seen her in a couple days, and it was obvious how much she loved and missed her. When we weren’t making love, we talked about our childhoods, our hopes and dreams and even our fears. When I wasn’t trying to figure out what to do with my life now that I’d left Gaston Pharmaceuticals, Dani and I were holed up in my apartment. We made love and cooked together. We snuggled on the couch and spent evenings out on my terrace. I felt like I was living in a romantic comedy montage, but I didn’t care. Every moment with Dani was beyond perfect.

  She finally admitted that her mom was the reason she needed the money. She said she only agreed to stay married to me to help her mom. I had no idea that was her motivation, and I felt like even more of an ass. Now that I’d fallen for her, I would have helped her with her mom’s care without a second thought.

  When we finally arrived at the assisted living home, I hopped out of the car and ran around to Dani’s side. Before she could move, I opened her door and helped her out. She smiled gratefully and tangled her fingers in mine. We walked hand in hand toward the front door, and I tried to calm my nerves. I took deep breaths and told myself everything would be fine. Dani’s mom would love me, I was sure of it. She would see how happy Dani and I were together and that would be enough for her. That would be enough for any mom. Or so I hoped.

  “Relax,” Dani whispered as I walked down the hall toward her mom’s suite. “It’s going to be great. My mom is easy. She loves everyone.”

  “Everyone?” I asked doubtfully.

  “She even liked Perry,” Dani said with raised eyebrows.

  “You’re kidding.” I laughed.

  “Nope,” Dani said. “She’ll love you, I promise.”

  I tried to believe her as we stepped into her mom’s room. The apartment was small but cozy. I could see why Dani chose this home out of all the others. It was nice without being overly fancy, and it looked like someone could really make a home here. I smiled and looked around, my eyes falling on an older woman sitting in an armchair by the window. She was looking outside, her eyes fixated on the world around her. I glanced at Dani, waiting for her to take the lead. She was smiling as she led me forward and cleared her throat loudly.

  “Mom.”

  The woman turned toward us, a blank look on her face. Beside me, Dani slumped, like all the air had been let out of her. Then, the woman blinked and her eyes cleared. “Oh, honey. It’s you.”

  Dani smiled, relief flooding her features as she hugged her mother. “I’ve missed you so much.”

  She kissed her daughter’s cheek. “I’ve missed you too.”

  “Mom,” Dani began brightly. “This is Talen, the man I’ve been telling you about. Talen, this is my mother.”

  “Mrs. Brooks,” I said, smiling and stepping forward. I extended my hand to her. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

  “Oh, put that away,” she said, waving my hand away and getting out of the chair. “I’m a hugger.”

  She wrapped her arms around me and held me close. I was immediately taken aback by the warmth of her welcome, but I loved it. She reminded me of my own mother, full of love and grace. I smiled and hugged her back tightly. When she let me go, she held onto my shoulders and held me at arm’s length. Looking me up and down, she smiled and nodded. I wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but I could tell she was happy.

  “You’re exactly how I pictured you,” she said. “Dani, he’s handsome.”

  “He is.” Dani laughed. I smiled, and the three of us sat down to talk.

  We spent the entire afternoon visiting and getting to know each other. Mrs. Brooks told me stories about Dani when she was young. I couldn’t believe that she’d always been an artist. Even as a toddler, she loved to draw and paint. Her mother said that she was never without her sketchbook.

  “It’s definitely her calling,” I agreed. “I went to her last show and was just blown away.”

  “She’s amazing,” Mrs. Brooks gushed.

  “Enough,” Dani said, embarrassed.

  “I’m serious,” her mother said. “I’ve never been prouder of you, honey. Your life seems to be moving in the perfect direction.”

  “I hope so,” Dani said, glancing at me.

  “It is,” Mrs. Brooks nodded. “I can see it. You’re happy. Happier than ever.”

  “I hope that’s true,” I said, taking Dani’s hand in mine.

  “It is.” She smiled and leaned her head against my shoulder.

  We spent a couple more hours with her mom before it was time to leave. It was almost dinnertime, and we didn’t want to interrupt her mother’s schedule. We all hugged goodbye and promised that we would visit again soon. This promise was one I felt certain I could keep because I was desperate to get to know her mom even more. I knew how sick she was and that time was limited. I didn’t want to miss out on anything. And I especially didn’t want Dani to, either.

  On the way home, I felt my stomach tighten with nerves. Dani was going to find out which painting I bought, and that would open up a door to our future. There were so many things up in the air between Dani and me, so many things we hadn’t yet discussed. I wasn’t sure we were ready, but I knew I was. I loved her, and I never wanted to lose her.

  “Show me,” Dani said the second we walked through the door. I laughed and grabbed the package.

  Moving toward the middle of the living room, I set the package down and slowly unwrapped it. I made sure it was facing me and not Dani when it was finally revealed. Dani was vibrating with anticipation. I laughed at her eagerness.

  “Stop torturing me and just show me!” she insisted. “I can’t take the suspense any longer.”

  “Okay.”

  In one motion, I spun the painting around so Dani could see. Her mouth fell open, and her eyes immediately began to fill with tears, one slipping down her cheek. I didn’t know what she was thinking, but I felt like I’d done the right thing. This was the one painting that called out to me the most at her show. I knew I couldn’t leave without buying it. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if someone else snatched it up. It was mine, and it always would be.

  “I can’t believe you bought this,” she breathed. “I wasn’t even sure I was going to show this one.”

  “Why not?” I asked. “It’s amazing, if I do say so myself.”

  Another tear fell. “It’s humiliating.”

  “I think it’s perfect,” I said. “I love it, and I love you.”

  My words echoed through the apartment. Dani’s eyes snapped to my face, and she stared at me in shock. We hadn’t yet said these words to each other, and I knew she was completely surprised. Still, I had to tell her. It was the truth. I loved her.<
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  “Dani,” I said, taking a step forward and setting the painting against the wall. “Listen, I know we started this relationship in a really odd way, but I’m so glad we did. You’re amazing, and I love you. I’ve loved you for a long time now, but I was afraid to tell you. I didn’t know if you felt the same, and I was scared. I’m not scared anymore. I love you, and you need to know that.”

  Tears slid down Dani’s face as I spoke. She moved closer to me and grabbed my hands. Still crying, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed me deeply. I kissed her back, letting all my emotions pour out into that one kiss.

  “I love you,” I said again as we pulled apart. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too,” Dani whispered before she kissed me again.

  We quickly lost ourselves in the feel of each other. We kissed so deeply that I never thought we would come up for air. When I led her to my bed, she came along eagerly, and as we made love, we whispered our love for each other with each breath, over and over again.

  Epilogue

  Dani

  I made breakfast for Talen, trying to keep the noise to a minimum. He was still sleeping, and I desperately didn’t want to wake him. After leaving his father’s company, he’d spent an entire year rebuilding his life and yesterday had been the fruition of that work. At two o’clock yesterday afternoon, we’d cut the ribbon for Gaston Research, a company dedicated to the research of dementia and other brain disorders.

  Even though we could have lived a lifetime on the money he’d saved from his years at his dad’s company, he wanted to make a difference in the world. He’d chosen research because it was the one part of working in his father’s business that he loved the most.

  I couldn’t have been more proud.

  This breakfast was a celebration of his success. I wanted him to know how much he meant to me, that I would stand by his side no matter what happened. Even if his new business tanked, I would still love him, and I would always support him. Our time together had been the best of my life. Talen was my inspiration for everything, and I wanted nothing more than to be the same thing for him. He’d given me an entirely new life, and I could never repay him for that.

  Still, I wanted to try. I cooked breakfast, making only his favorites. As I turned pancakes, my eyes kept falling on the painting hanging on the wall. I remembered how I felt as I made those paint strokes over a year ago now. How I felt when he bought it. How I felt when we placed it on the wall together.

  I was continuing to grow as an artist and it felt wonderful to contribute to our household through the paintings I sold. It wasn’t that we needed the money, but it felt good all the same.

  Talen was still my main inspiration. Whenever I felt stuck, like I didn’t have anything to paint, I would think of him, and an idea would come to me. I never stayed stuck for long because Talen kept me feeling alive every day.

  As I finished breakfast, I loaded it onto a tray and carried it through the apartment. I pushed open our bedroom door and stepped inside. Talen was still asleep, lying face down on his pillow. I smiled at the sight and walked around the side of the bed. Placing the tray gently on the nightstand, I slid over and kissed his bare shoulder. He stirred slightly but didn’t open his eyes. I kept kissing him softly until he finally rolled over, ready to wake up. His eyes found me, and he smiled my favorite smile.

  “Hey you,” I said. “Good morning.”

  “What’s all this?” he asked, sitting up and blinking sleepily at the breakfast tray.

  “Just a little celebration.”

  His grinned his adorable grin. “What are we celebrating?”

  “You,” I said simply.

  “Me?” He raised his eyebrows as he took a sip of coffee. “Why?”

  “Are you kidding?” I laughed. “Your firm is finally up and running. It’s everything you always wanted, and now, it’s real. You did it! You actually made it happen, and it’s amazing, Talen. I am so proud of you.”

  “Thank you,” he beamed. “But you didn’t have to do all this. The company is still new. Who knows what may happen.”

  “Don’t think like that,” I said. “It’s going to be a success. I know it is.”

  He snagged a piece of bacon. “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am,” I promised.

  He kissed me quickly, and we began to eat our breakfast. We talked about Talen’s plans for the future of the firm and about my next art showing. I hoped to have my own gallery by the end of the year, but that was just a pipe dream. I had no idea if it would ever happen. Still, it was nice to dream of these things with him. Sitting there in bed, eating breakfast, and talking about our future felt right. It felt real. Perfect.

  “So,” Talen said. “I talked to my mom yesterday.”

  I smiled. “How’s she doing? I miss her. When does she get back from New York?”

  He shot me a look. “She doesn’t.”

  My mouth dropped open. “What?”

  “Well,” Talen began with a small smile on his face. “She left my dad.”

  For several moments, I couldn’t speak. “Are you serious?”

  “Yup,” Talen said with a nod. “I couldn’t believe it either. She said that she just couldn’t do it anymore, you know? That after all these years of putting up with him, she was just done. I was so happy when she told me that I cried. I swear, this is the best thing for her. She’s going to be so much happier without him holding her down.”

  “How did he take it?” I asked.

  “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” Talen shrugged, but deep down, I knew he did care. “I haven’t spoken to him in a year, and I don’t plan to, ever again.”

  “Don’t say that,” I said softly, rubbing his arm. “He’s an ass, but he’s still your dad. You two will work it out one day.”

  “Maybe,” Talen shrugged. “But for now, I’m just happy that Mom can finally live her own life. She deserves it, you know?”

  “She does,” I agreed. “She’s an amazing person.”

  It was true. Over the last year, Victoria and I had gotten closer. My own mother’s dementia was worsening by the week, and most of the time, she was more confused than not. Still, she was alive, and that was what mattered. Talen and I visited her three times every week, and it brightened her mood every time, even when she didn’t recognize me. I loved my mother, and I missed her terribly. I missed the woman she used to be, and Victoria had begun to fill that void.

  She would never replace my own mom, but it was nice to have her around. Whenever life got stressful or complicated, I could always call her for some advice. She loved me just as much as she loved Talen, and it felt incredible. While I couldn’t burden my own mother with my problems, Victoria was always around to talk to. I loved her.

  “Come outside with me,” Talen said when we finished breakfast. “It’s a beautiful day.”

  “Okay.” I smiled and jumped off the bed.

  “I’ll meet you out there,” he said. “I just want to put some clothes on.”

  “Do you have to?” I gave him a sultry stare, my eyes dropping down his inspect his gorgeous body. He still took my breath away.

  “Go…” he laughed, shooing me away. “I’ll be there in a second.”

  Still smiling, I walked out onto the terrace and leaned against the stone railing. I could never get tired of this view. Ever since I first stepped foot inside Talen’s apartment, I was in love with this view. It was gorgeous and always filled me with a sense of peace. Now that the apartment was also mine, I spent more time outside than I did inside. I often painted on this terrace, letting the view and fresh air inspire me. It always did.

  As I stood there, I heard Talen walk outside to meet me. He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I leaned my head back against him, and he kissed my cheek gently. I smiled and sighed. These were the moments when I was the happiest, when everything about our life together felt perfect. Talen fit with me in so many small ways that I could never explain, but I could feel
it. Whenever he held me, I could feel how much he loved me, and I was grateful because I loved him just as much.

  “Dani,” he whispered in my ear. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too,” I whispered back. I turned around and kissed his lips gently. He pushed me back against the stone wall and deepened the kiss. His tongue tasted mine hungrily, and I moaned against him. So many mornings had begun just like this, with us kissing on the terrace. We would make love outside, feeling uninhibited and free. Those mornings were my favorite, and I was ready for another.

  Instead, Talen pulled away from me. I frowned in protest and tried to kiss him again, but he held me back, a shy smile on his face.

  “Hold that thought,” he said.

  “Why? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “That’s just it. Nothing is wrong.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Ever since you and I got together, nothing has been wrong,” he said. “For the first time, my life feel likes my own. I feel free and happy, and it’s all because of you. Dani, you’ve changed me in so many ways that you’ll never be able to understand. The man I was before you. I hated that man, but now, I’m finally proud of the person I’ve become. I owe all of that to you, my love.”

  I shook my head. “You did all the work, babe. I was just along for the ride.”

  He pushed my hair back from my face, cupping my cheek with his palm. “No. You are my inspiration. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I wouldn’t have opened Gaston Research. I certainly never would have left my father’s company. Honestly, I think you’re even the reason my mom finally left him. You walked into our lives and showed us what real love looks like. You showed us what compassion is.”

  I blushed and blinked away tears. Talen’s words melted my heart to pieces. When he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box, I lost it. The tears flowed freely down my cheeks, and I couldn’t breathe.

  “Dani,” he said, getting down on one knee. “We’re technically married, but we never had the wedding you deserved. The wedding where we actually remember saying ‘I do.’”