Hearts Unfold

by Karen Welch

  “You got all that while eating dinner with them?”

  “Well, I've thought about it some, too. Even when you were there with me, before Jack came, I thought about the people who loved you, who would be frantic to know where you were. You're the kind of person who inspires nothing less than total devotion. Anyone who cares for you would have to care passionately.”

  “You knew that by watching me lie unconscious for hours? You may be less of a realist than I took you for.”

  “No, I think it's totally realistic. A person's face when they're sleeping says a great deal about them. Yours is sweet, gentle, vulnerable. I was sure there was a woman, a friend or a lover, who was waiting to nurse you back to health.”

  For an instant, he seemed at a loss to respond. “But there was no woman, darling. Until you.”

  “Maybe, but I prayed for her.”

  Stani pressed her head to his shoulder with a little chuckle. “Maybe it was that slightly chubby, middle-aged nurse who gave the pain injections. Maybe she was the one you prayed for. She certainly kept me out of touch with reality for a number of days.”

  “Maybe, but I somehow doubt it.” She gazed up into his face, as if waiting for him to say more. “Anyway, I think you underestimate how much they all love you. And speaking of loving you, now they all must know you're in love. How are you going to handle that?”

  “I thought I already had. While that kiss was totally spontaneous, I think it was the perfect way to tell them. Of course, it may have gone right over Milo's head, but it took care of everyone else. If they love me the way you seem to think, they should be happy for me.”

  “I wish they knew how completely I intend to love you, to take care of you. I hope in time they'll accept me, even Milo.” She curled against him, stifling a yawn.

  “They will, once they know we plan to spend our lives together. But since you insist on waiting to tell them, they'll just have to speculate, won't they?” As he kissed her again, she stretched her arms around his neck. “You've had a busy day, little girl. Should you go to bed?”

  “No. I want to stay with you as long as I can. We don't have much more time, and then you'll be halfway across the world. Just let me stay a little longer.”

  “When you put it that way, how could I ever refuse?”

  When John stopped in for his final check at midnight, he was treated to the sight of Emily curled on the couch, sound asleep. “Shh, let her sleep.” Stani let him in with a grin. “I'll get her downstairs eventually. Tonight was difficult for her, but I think it went well, don't you?”

  “I'd say so; and if the look on Milo's face was any indication, you made points. That was a brave speech, lad. I was proud of you myself. Now if you and sleeping beauty there will excuse me, I'll be off.” He turned back at the door, a twinkle in his eyes. “Just remember, you're not made of stone.”

  Chapter Fifty-five

  Stani stirred at six, at first surprised that he’d slept so well here on the couch. In the next instant, the heart thumping reality jolted him awake. Emily was curled at his side, her head on his shoulder, her hand tucked sweetly inside his shirt. Easing himself away from her, he tiptoed to the bedroom and phoned room service to order their breakfast.

  Waiting as long he dared, he finally kissed her awake. “Don't panic, love. We both fell asleep. Breakfast will be here soon,” he whispered, hoping she would wake slowly, but she sat up with a start, gazing around in confusion. As her mind cleared, she smiled, and then to his utter amazement, she laughed.

  “I have been totally corrupted. I spent the night with a man in a hotel room. Isn't it wonderful?” She stood up, rising on tiptoe and stretching her full length, lifting her hair and letting it cascade around her shoulders. For a moment, Stani could only stare in awe at the dance-like grace of her movements. Then, with another gurgle of laughter, she spun into his arms.

  “You goose! Here I was terrified you'd be furious with me, or worse, in tears. Wonderful, is it? You've ruined my reputation and you think it's wonderful?” He hugged her close, eye to eye now. “Won't you stay with me forever? Get your passport and follow me all over Europe, sleeping in my hotel rooms, eating breakfast with me every morning. We could sneak down to city hall and make it all legal. Anything you want, if you'll just stay with me!” Lifting her off her feet, he twirled her around the room in a waltz.

  At the discreet knock on the door he released her and as she struggled for breath, he went to admit the waiter, tossing a roguish grin over his shoulder.

  Over breakfast, he resumed his plea. “You can plant your garden next year, after we're over the first blush of marital bliss. I'll even help you, if you think I'm teachable. But this would be such a wonderful adventure, our first trip to Europe together. Please at least think about it?”

  “I have thought about it. Do you think I want to be separated from you for so long? But this is my one chance to test my dream. I know it's not much of a dream compared to a trip to Europe with you, but I want to do this, Stani. Plus, I need to get back to work. Maybe this is something we're supposed to do, be apart for a while. I love you for wanting me, but you'll still want me next tour, won't you? And by then we'll be married and I promise I will put my garden on hold for my husband. Besides, I don't even have a passport.”

  “Who ever thought I'd bow to the needs of cabbages and cucumbers? But will you promise to get a passport, and soon? What if I get hit by that bus and need you to rush to my side? I could languish for weeks waiting for the State Department to get your paperwork in order. Or you might decide you can't bear to be away from me any longer and fly over to surprise me. That would be romantic, wouldn't it?”

  “Romantic and expensive. And don't even mention that bus! You know how I worry, so don't play to my weakness. Now finish your breakfast and let's talk about what we're doing today. I refuse to think about the fact that in a week's time, you'll be thousands of miles away, with an ocean between us. Aren't we supposed to take a field trip to Tiffany's today?”

  “Ah, that's right, to see the marvelous Miss Marshall. But right now, I think you had best get out of here. John should be here any time, and while I'm sure he won't judge, I did make a big deal of our not sleeping on the same floor. He'll lose respect for me, if he knows you forced yourself on me last night.” His dark eyes gleaming with laughter, he ducked as she tossed her napkin at his head.

  Marching to the door, she opened it with a flourish, only to be greeted by John's teasing grin. “Good morning, sleeping beauty, I see the prince finally showed up.”

  In the sunroom of Peg Shannon's palatial townhouse, while Stani rehearsed in the second floor ballroom, Emily sat listening to stories of his early career. Peg described in detail his transformation from awkward teenager to superstar, recalling the image of the painfully shy boy she'd first seen perform. Her obvious pride in his success, the light in her eyes when she talked of his intelligence and willingness to learn, confirmed much of what Emily had already surmised about the relationship they had shared.

  When Peg went on to talk about the days after the accident, the months of recovery, her emotions betrayed her. Her voice quavering, she told Emily that she had feared at one point Stani would never be himself again. He had retreated into some dark place, shutting her out, she said. But then he had asked to hear the Mendelssohn recording, and after that day he had started the journey back. “It's been long and difficult, and if the truth were known, I doubt he's satisfied yet. John thinks he pushes himself too hard. You know he's started composing?”

  “I know he plans to. He seems to have endless energy.”

  “No one has endless energy. Some of us just don’t know when to quit. From what he tells me, you push yourself pretty hard, too. The two of you will have to learn to watch out for each other. I suspect he loves you very much, Emily. I've never seen him so relaxed and happy. Seeing him smile, hearing him actually laugh, is something new for all of us. He's never been really happy. Oh, he's sweet tempered, don't get me wrong. But he
's always seemed a little sad, never quite pleased with himself. You've no idea the changes in him in the past couple of months. Meeting you, seeing the two of you together last night, I understand. I always told him he'd find the perfect partner.”

  With a chuckle, Emily replied, “If he hadn't been so persistent, I'd probably still be holding on to the idea that we're too different to ever be together. But he wore me down. He can be very persuasive.”

  “He said something last night that shocked me a bit. He mentioned God, as if he might have found religion. Is that the case?”

  “Maybe he should tell you about that himself. I know how much he values your friendship. He says you saved him from being a total disaster, when you took him under your wing. To hear him tell it, you taught him almost everything he knows, except how to play the violin, of course.” Observing the wistful smile that crossed Peg's face, as she so clearly looked back at that time now past, Emily was momentarily embarrassed. Her impressions had been correct, and she could almost feel sorry for Peg. “Speaking of music, do you think we could listen in for a few minutes? I'd love to hear them rehearse.”

  She followed Peg up the stairs, the sound of strings growing ever clearer. When they reached the ballroom door, Emily hesitated, doubting her own ears. The melody was a familiar one, but the setting was new. She watched Stani, when the piece had come to a close, speaking to the other musicians.

  “Thank you, gentlemen. I’m glad you agree this will be the perfect encore. And I know a young lady who, I hope at least, will be particularly grateful that you learned it so quickly.” The others chuckled with him, apparently sharing some private joke, and began to pack up their instruments. Emily stood in the doorway, unsure of what to do, until Stani turned and his eyes met hers. A sheepish grin split his face. “You caught me!” he called across the room.

  When she had crossed the expanse of floor, he captured her in his free arm. Still holding violin and bow in his left hand, he hugged her close. “Gentlemen, this is Emily,” he said pointedly. To her astonishment, the three men stood and applauded. In confusion, she looked down and her eye fell to the sheet music on the stand in front of her. The title of the piece they had just finished was written in Stani's unmistakable hand. “Emily's Theme—Simple Gifts.”

  “You said it could be the theme for your life? Now it is. I was planning to surprise you tonight,” he said softly, as he watched her eyes fill with tears.

  When no words would come, no way to say what it meant that he had done this wonderful thing for her, she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Once again, the three men applauded. Across the room, Peg raised her hands and softly joined in.

  They had been to Tiffany's, spending considerable time learning about diamonds, cuts and settings, quality and brilliance. In the end, Emily had chosen a traditional setting, instructing the very kind Miss Marshall to make sure Stani didn't buy anything too showy or expensive. “I can't wear a huge rock on my hand when I'm digging in the dirt, or even when I'm caring for patients. And I don't plan to ever take it off,” she confided.

  In the car, they nestled together in the back seat while Robert patiently drove them around town, taking the long way back to the hotel at Emily's request. “Don't you think there's something very seductive about the back of a limo?” She slipped her hand into the front of Stani's overcoat, resting her head on his shoulder.

  “I think there would be something seductive about the back of a subway car, if you were there. You do realize Robert is supposed to have us at the hotel in time for me to dress and get back to Peg's by six? John will be your escort for the evening, and you won't have to be there nearly so early. Are you wearing another of Martha Jean's inspirations tonight?”

  “Oh, yes, the very best for last. You'll just have to be surprised. No previews tonight.” Snuggling closer, she gazed out the window at the passing scene. “Stani, when were you planning to tell me that you and Peg had been lovers?”

  Instantly, she felt him stiffen. “She didn't. . .she promised me,” he choked.

  “No, of course she didn’t. She didn't have to. I suspected it the first time I met her. I couldn't imagine the two of you spending so much time together without becoming. . .close. After seeing the way she looked at you last night and hearing her talk about you today, it was obvious. I can only assume you were going to tell me at some point.” She lifted her head to look at him, a sympathetic smile in her eyes. “I don't mind, you know. I knew there had been women, you told me so. I'm actually relieved that at least one of them was someone who cared so much for you. It may be somewhat irregular, but it's not something I can't live with. Don't look so miserable, Stani. I'm not angry.” She stroked his face, as if to ease away the tension.

  “You're sure? I was afraid if you knew, you would resent her, or me. What happened with Peg, with us, it's hard to explain. I'm not sure I understand it myself.” His eyes were dark, his expression so intensely pained, she pressed her fingers gently to his lips.

  “You don't have to explain anything. I may understand it better than you do. Loving you, I can see how Peg would too. Let's promise never to mention it again. I just wanted you to know that I knew, so you wouldn't feel you had a secret to keep from me. I may be naive, but I believe with all my heart that you are committed to me, to us, as completely as I am. All that matters is what we do together, from now on. Now will you tell me you love me and promise you'll be happy for the rest of the time we have together?”

  In the rear view mirror, Robert was treated to the sight of two heads bent together in a very long, exceptionally tender kiss. His face wreathed in a smile, he said softly over his shoulder, “Sir, we're coming up on the hotel. Should I just keep driving?”

  Chapter Fifty-six

  For John, this evening offered a rare treat. To dress in his own tuxedo—which he usually shunned unless he was required to blend into the crowd at a particular function—and play escort to a beautiful young lady was not part of his customary duties. Granted, the young lady could have been his own daughter, but still, it made a man take more pride in himself knowing he was to be seen with such a vision. And a vision she was. When Emily opened the door to his knock, he’d been warmed by the sight of her. In her slate blue dress, the flowing cut of which displayed every line of her slender figure, she was glowing. Her winter tan, her pale eyes, and the mass of dark hair swept back from her face struck him as somehow exotic. The sleeveless dress had a modestly high neckline, but it bared her shoulders, and she had draped a shawl, a tapestry affair of sapphire and gold, over her arms. Her only jewelry was the locket Stani had given her for Christmas. She had smiled up shyly, asking if she looked all right.

  “I'd say. Poor Stani, once he gets sight of you, everything he knows about that violin may go right out of his head.” Taking her wrap, he laid it on her shoulders, and as she arranged her hair and adjusted the collar, he went on. “He's a lucky boy, our Stani. I hope you know what you've done for him, how changed he is since he found you.” John could feel the blood rising in his face, but he wanted to take this one opportunity to tell her what it meant to him. “He’s truly happy for the first time. He smiles. And laughs. Never, even when he was just a little thing, did he laugh so much. He's going to be all right now, with you. Thank you.”

  She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “And thank you, for taking such good care of him. Maybe between us, we can keep him safe and happy. He can't do without you, John. And I have a feeling I won't be able to either.” She slipped her arm through his. “Shall we?”

  They had mingled with the elegant guests, stood briefly talking with Jana and Milo. For a time, Peg had dragged Emily away, introducing her to carefully selected individuals she especially wanted her to meet. When the time came to go up to the ballroom, John had taken her to the seat Stani had chosen. It would give him the best view of her while he was performing he'd said. He wanted to see her reaction to the music. The seat was also away from everyone else, in a little alcove, where she would be m
ore at ease he knew.

  She had told John in the car that she had never seen Stani perform. He had played her father's violin for her at Christmas, but she said that wasn't the same as seeing him in front of an audience. She’d heard people talk about how exciting he was, how charismatic. Yes, John had agreed, she was in for a treat. Even he found it hard to take his eyes off Stani once he began to play, and he'd been watching him for years. With a grin, he told her that as a little boy, Stani had caused old ladies to weep when he played. Now it was the young ladies who seemed to get emotional at the sight of him. He hoped Emily would not be so swept away tonight.

  “I would hate to have to protect him from you, girl, but that is my job.” She had laughed, an enchanting sound that he hesitated to term a giggle, and promised to keep herself under firm control.

  When the four musicians had taken their places, all her attention focused on Stani, a hint of a smile fixed on her lips. Leaning forward in her seat, her hands clasped in her lap, she seemed to be bracing for the music. John had thought Stani might acknowledge her presence, but his eyes never came her way. Instead, as first violin, he turned his attention immediately to the other players. With his usual intense concentration, head down, eyes closed, he and the others began to play.

  John thought he heard a little gasp, and turning he saw that Emily's eyes were wide and shining. The smile had spread into one of rapturous proportions, a dimple appearing in one cheek. Slowly, she raised her hand to the locket, touching it tenderly. He only wished he could adequately describe to Stani later the way she'd looked, the effect he'd had on her, as if she were falling in love all over again with this new image of him.