Coming Home

by Kimberly McKay

  As the interns wheeled their empty carts away, one of them smiled to Chad and said, “You’re up dude. Knock her dead.”

  “I’ll try.” Chad’s tight face spoke volumes. What was he thinking? This could all blow up in his face.

  “Chad! You’re on!” Janie, who ended up going to work for Anne, nudged him from behind. “Go!”

  “Okay, here goes.” He breathed in, closing his eyes.

  Anne watched the back door and smiled to her floor producer. “Anyone want to tell me what’s going on here? Did you guys get me a birthday cake?”

  It’s the only thing that made sense. Chad must have planned a surprise birthday party. That must be why her guest canceled, and why they were changing up her production schedule.

  Within seconds, Chad stepped out from behind the open partition and approached the kitchen on-set. He was wearing a dark pair of jeans, and an unstructured jacket with a soft tee underneath and was holding another pudding in his hand.

  He looked tailored yet comfortable … but inside he was a mess.

  “Well, you know how to make an entrance.” Her face lit up as he approached.

  She met him in the middle of the set, kissed him on the cheek, and tried to take the glass from him - but Chad had an unearthly grip on it.

  “Um, okay. You can keep it.” She laughed and walked him back to her kitchen.

  Chad was watching her, as if he were studying her every move.

  “Is everything okay?” She asked him, before turning to the audience, with an awkward smile. “He brought me my dessert, but won’t give it to me.”

  The crowd laughed, as she laid a hand on his arm.

  Chad was hoping Anne would notice that within the garnish set a simple engagement ring, but she was too focused on her job see it.

  Anne squeezed his arm. “Man you’re tense. Does someone need a drink or what?”

  More laughter erupted from the studio, but they soon quieted down when they realized Chad was silent, not partaking in the humor around him. Anyone could see the nerves displayed across his face and through his body. He looked like he was about to pop. Finally, with a nervous smile, he led her to the front of the kitchen, where the audience had full view.

  He let out a shaky breathe and bent down on one knee, lifting the glass so that Anne could focus on what was right in front of her.

  “I brought you something special with your dessert.”

  Anne’s hands flew to her mouth, as she saw a large marquise diamond paired with a diamond-studded band, sitting perfectly on top her dessert. She lifted her eyes to meet Chad’s eyes, which were threatening to tear up.

  Her surprise and lack of words, took his nerves and amped them up notch. Yet, the simple fact that she hadn’t run away screaming gave him hope. That’s when he went all in. He rose from his knee, brought one of her hands down from her face, and led her closer to the audience, where their family and friends could see what was about to transpire up close.

  Although part of him was kicking himself for coming up with this elaborate surprise, he knew it was appropriate since they started their relationship on television to allow America to see the next step.

  As she’d yet to say a word, his mind whirled with doubt. Even though 99.9 per cent of him was sure she’d say yes, there was always that tenth of a percent that could knock him on his butt.

  Anne couldn’t believe her eyes. Every second since she saw the ring, she felt like she was watching from the outside looking in.

  Chad once again gently dropped to one knee. He was so close to his family that he heard a few sniffles from the front row, where his mom and sister were sitting. It was a defining moment.

  Thankfully, he had a microphone on him, because he wasn’t sure his voice was strong enough to project for anyone to hear.

  Here goes everything…

  “When I first saw you I was stunned at your presence. You were a breath of fresh air. In fact, you barely even acknowledged my presence in the restaurant, where we first met.”

  Anne giggled, saying, “I was trying to act cool. You were a star, and I was just some girl.”

  “No, you were never just some girl. You were always the girl. I never knew love at first sight existed until you. Then when you ended up being on the show I thought it was too good to be true, except to find out you hadn’t auditioned at all. You were nominated and showed up not knowing who the bachelor was.”

  It was then Chad heard a burst from behind him.

  Guy yelled loud enough to be heard, “You’re welcome!”

  More laughs ensued but quieted quickly as Chad turned to the audience, and grinned toward Guy, saying,

  “Thank you.”

  Chad quickly brought his attention back to Anne, who had tears in her eyes.

  “You gave me a run for my money.”

  She laughed, “And you chased me through the woods.”

  Chad chuckled at the memory, and stood to join Anne. He held her hands and looked down with love.

  “I’d do it all over again. You’re worth everything I’d go through to have you at the end. You weren’t anything I expected, but everything I needed. You make me feel like I’ve come home. You’re my heart, and without you … well, I can’t imagine a life without you and don’t want to. Anne, will you be my forever?”

  Unable to speak, she nodded her head, as tears of joy flowed from her eyes. She knew she loved this man, but was so happy he felt the same.

  Chad took a small step back, releasing every bit of energy he’d been holding in.

  “Yes?” He asked, wanting to be sure.

  “Yes!” She threw her arms around his neck.

  The audience erupted in applause and cheers, as Chad pulled back to place the ring on Anne’s finger and lifted it up for the camera to zoom in on.

  Anne heard the familiar voice of Janie in her ear, saying, “It’s about time LaSal. Cut in tight with camera two. I have a feeling there’s about to be a kiss.”

  Anne willingly obliged and brought her lips up to meet Chad’s for a brief but sensitive kiss.

  “I love you,” she breathed, as she came back down from her toes. She tilted her head once more for a simple sweet kiss, before turning back to the camera and grinning from ear to ear.

  The next thing she heard was from within her earpiece, as Janie said, “And that’s a wrap.”

  Here’s a preview of Kimberly’s next book - Saving Grace:

  Salty air whipped through Grace’s long jet-black hair, as she sat behind her house, on Montauk beach. It was times like these, as she watched a few select families walk the shoreline, that she could recall any memories of her parents.

  Although flashes of her mother’s smile or the sound of her father’s laughter faded over time, the feelings she had anchored deep within her, from spending time at the beach with her family, didn’t.

  And as hard as she tried to remember her father’s eyes, the only thing that tied her to him was the way his hand felt while they walked along a beach, similar to this one, so many years ago.

  Grace dug her toes deep within the warm sand, and wistfully smiled at yet another family, as they passed by. She lifted her hand and half waved at the eight year old, who flashed a toothless grin in her direction, before grabbing her mom’s hand and pulling her down the beach.

  She watched the little girl with interest, reflecting that this month symbolized the thirteenth year since losing her parents. The pain still hit her, like it was yesterday.

  In her mind’s eye, she could see the four of them … father, mother and two daughters … playing in the ocean and making foot prints in the sand, much like the family, which was running toward the water.

  Grace sighed and closed her eyes. In her heart of hearts, she knew her parents were still with her in moments like these. She only wished her sister, Anne, who was still living, could be.

  Anne had been her rock and only safety net after the loss of their parents. In a flash, they went from a happy family of four, to being orph
aned, unaware of how they were going to make it. Anne and Grace’s biggest concern was moving into separate foster homes, never to see one another again.

  Grace remembered those first few sleepless nights within the system. She clung to her teddy bear praying all night that she’d not lose her sister too. She didn’t understand why God took her parents, but begged him to leave her with her sister wherever they went.

  Within days, grandparents, whom they never knew existed, stepped forward and moved them to the Hamptons, where they lived on a large estate. They were led to oversized bedrooms, with overstuffed beds, and had overwhelming options at their disposal.

  It was a staggering and whirlwind experience for seven-year old Grace. Each night, she snuck into Anne’s room to be close to her one and only family member she had left, grateful that God has answered her prayers. That is … until Lilah found out and encouraged her that ‘big girls’ slept in their own beds. In trying to accommodate her newfound grandmother, she did her best, but most nights she ended up crying herself to sleep. On those nights, Anne was the one, who would sneak into her room, to wrap her arms around her and rock her to sleep.

  Once Anne was old enough for college, Grace remembered minimal contact. There were phone calls but no visits home. And before too long - her sister faded away from the family all together.

  To this day, Grace still didn’t understand how or why Anne disappeared from her life, but one thing was for sure - she never felt more abandoned than she did by her big sister.

  Even today, at fresh young age of twenty, she still wasn’t sure of all the details. She just shuffled through alone, the best she could, without her support system to help her through. This left her relying on her grandmother Lilah more than she’d like to admit.

  Lilah took care of her external needs well enough. Grace ate wonderful meals, could buy what she needed at any given notice, and most recently, was able move into her beachfront home, giving her access to the ocean as much as she wanted. However, when Grace tried to express her feelings, or talk about her family - she was immediately shut down.

  Lilah disapproved of talking about feelings. She would rather discuss what event the family was expected to attend, to keep up appearances, or how Grace was expected to dress and behave.

  In turn, her grandfather tried to pacify her with pretty trinkets or a new dress, which would thrill most girls – but to Grace it only widened the hole she felt in her heart.

  She’d never be able to explain to him that in receiving his gifts, which would have made anyone else happy, Grace felt let down. Through her dutiful smiles and polite gratitude, she was left completely at a loss.

  Young Grace quickly learned that if she were to get along in her new family, she had to live in a very confined box.

  She sadly shook her head to rid herself of the memories or lack of from her childhood, and focused on why she was here today – to pay homage to her parents.

  She watched as the lip of a large wave began to curl toward the shoreline. An agile surfer ripped through the clear water and lifted into the air, as if he was flying.

  Grace marveled at how the setting sun shone brilliantly through the crest of the wave. It was like crystal glass in front of a bright light.

  The solo surfer abruptly landed and broke it into pieces, before sailing over the top. The scene sent waves of peace through her troubled spirit, and she wondered what it might be like to ride a board through the surf like that -on her own someday.

  A child’s bubbly laughter broke the spell, as Grace’s view shifted to a nearby father lifting his daughter toward the sky. The serenity she held in her chest quickly disappeared, as it felt like a forty-ton weight was placed on her heart. Before she could rein in her emotions, one single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.

  Grace quickly brushed it away and sat up straight, letting out a small-resigned sigh. She would give anything to have that kind of unconditional love in her life, but would not let it hold her back. She had a good life. It may not be the life she wanted, but she was blessed.

  To keep her heartbreak from resurfacing, Grace promptly stood, dusted the sand off her legs, and started toward her home. She turned just in time to see Zach, her boyfriend, coming down the wooden walkway with a curious look on his face that she couldn’t quite interpret.

  She brushed her hair back from her shoulders, and put on a sunny smile in greeting.

  “Hey, I tried the doorbell.” Zach frowned. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Me?” Grace shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I just needed some alone time. It’s been such a beautiful afternoon.”

  Grace took Zach in. He was dressed to the nines, in a tailor made tux with his father’s cuff links. His face was clean shaved and he smelled good enough to eat. She took his hand, and admired how handsome he was.

  “Why are you all dressed up?” Her stomach began to knot, hoping she didn’t forget another event.

  Grace wasn’t flighty, but unless she was kept on track, with a strict schedule, she was known to forget a party or two.

  “Don’t you know what time it is?” His brow furrowed. “Your grandmother has been trying to call you for over an hour.”

  She pat down her shorts pockets, and shook her head. “Sorry, I guess I left my cell inside.”

  “Obviously.” He raised his eyebrow in disdain.

  Grace didn’t like his expression or his tone, and felt sometimes Zach was nothing more than a glorified babysitter. She wished he’d act more like her boyfriend and less like Lilah’s concierge. She quickly brushed the thought from her mind. She knew he was concerned that he couldn’t reach her, not because Lilah couldn’t … or so, she hoped.

  “Sorry. What time is it?” She was trying to remember what event Lilah had deemed dire this time.

  “Time for me to pick you up … for the fundraiser … Lilah’s been talking about it for weeks. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? She wanted to remind you to wear your emerald green dress.” Zach squinted his eyes, wondering if she’d gone mad, and continued, “This is one of the biggest parties of the season, and you’re not answering your cell.”

  Grace sighed. This was just another obligation or reminder that her life was not her own. She stuffed the thought down, and gave him a brilliant smile, not wanting to upset him any further.

  “Yes, I remember,” she lied, and reached for his hand.

  “Really?” He asked, irritated. He looked at his watch in pulled her back up the beach.

  “Zach, I don’t take that long to get ready.” She pulled her hand away, and paused for one more look at the ocean, saying, “And, I knew I had time for this.” Grace waved her open arms toward the sea.

  She breathed in her last breathe of ocean air. “Or so I thought …” Her voice trailed off, as she followed Zach back up to her home.

  “Well, hurry up. Now I have to get the sand out of my shoes. I don’t need to track a bunch of grit into my car.”

  As promised, Grace was ready in record time. She exited her bedroom expecting a smile, as she thought she did pretty well considering she was rushed.

  Zach gave her a look of approval as she walked out, and then looked to his watch with a frown. He didn’t compliment her or seem to notice how she perfected her look. He just ushered her out the door, and reached for his cell.

  “I’ll lock us out,” he said, and motioned for her to go to his car. Grace gave him a sideways look and left for his convertible, as requested.

  Zach’s Backdraft roadster was sitting unlocked at the end of her walkway. She carefully walked down the pathway in her long dress, and opened her own door.

  Thankfully, the high slit along her thigh allowed her to slip in easily enough, but without a hand to help her take her seat, she relied on her own strength to sit as lady like as she could. Grace struggled to close her own door, but finally grasped the handle to pull it in. She looked up to Zach expecting some help, but he was more interested in talking to her grandmother, on his cell phone,
than taking care of her needs.

  She narrowed her eyes as he rounded the front of the car, and reached for his own door instead of closing hers. She was so irritated that she wished she had some leniency with her dress, so could have reached over and locked him out.

  As Zach opened his door, she heard the tail end of his conversation with her grandmother.

  “Yes, we’re on our way. I told you I’d get her there on time. Yes … you’re welcome Lilah. Anything I can do for you.”

  As he slid in his car to start the engine, he didn’t notice Grace staring daggers at him.

  “Zach?” She clamped her lips, and raised her eyebrow.

  Sensing her impatience, he smiled widely in her direction. The last thing he wanted was to turn her off from his charms. She was his means to an end, and he sometimes let that fact get lost in the game.

  “Yes, darling.” He laid it on a bit thick, but knew he’d not paid her much attention and needed to smooth her ruffled feathers. He softly lifted her hand for a kiss and looked lovingly into her eyes, saying, “You look beautiful tonight.”

  In return, she raised her eyebrow and pursed her lips.

  “How do you have a key to my house?” She reigned in her anger.

  “Oh, uh.” Zach dropped her hand to put his car in reverse. “When Lilah couldn’t reach you, she called me to get her key and come check on you.” He flashed a brilliant smile toward her before pulling out of her drive.

  Grace narrowed her eyes at his profile, rolling his words over in her head. It made sense, but she wasn’t ready for him to have access to her home.

  “Okay … I guess, but I’ll want it back.”

  “Of course.” He smiled tightly, and gripped the steering wheel. Denied again, he thought before saying, “I’ll give it back to you when I drop you off.”

  Grace nodded, and firmly added, “Good.”

  If you remember, he thought bitterly.

  They both rode in silence, with minds swirling in thought. However, if Grace knew what was going through his, she’d want out of his car and as far away as possible.