Read Online Chosen Heart by Ann Stewart, Stephanie Nash - Free Book Online Page B

first.
    With his index finger to his
mouth he whispers, “Shhhh…she’s finally asleep.”  Releasing his tension he
looks to the ceiling, exhaling as he brings his hands up to rest on the back of
his neck.  “Sorry for subjecting you to this,” he whispers, as he lowers
his hands.
    “This is yours?”  He nods
warily, trying to gauge my reaction.  It doesn’t matter that I’ve never
been privy to this much luxury before, because what I’ve observed tonight, a
loving home with a loving family, it’s more than money can buy.  And, if
this exorbitant home is his idea of comfort, and it helps in his reality, I
can’t fault him.
    Trying not to give anything away,
I look at him with sincere empathy.  “And, your grandmother lives here
with you?”
    He hesitates before answering. 
“I know what you must be thinking and…”
    Raising my hand, I stop
him.  “You should be proud of yourself.  Not many people would do
what you’re doing.”
    He sighs and his face
softens.  “Shall we go?”
    “Is she gonna be okay?”  I
never knew my grandparents and I wouldn’t know where to begin to care for
someone, especially someone who’s so dependent.  I know I don’t know this
woman, but I want nothing more than to make sure she is safe.
    “She took her medication and will
be sleeping for the rest of the night.  Plus, Delores is here to watch
her.”
    “Delores?”
    “The woman who was in here
earlier is her live in nurse.  That reminds me, I need to speak with her
before we leave.”  She must have been the one who called him.  “Wait
here and then I’ll take you to your car.”  I nod, but as he turns to walk
towards the adjoining room, I finally hear his words.  I guess we aren’t
finishing our little trip to Red Rock.  Disappointment brings a frown to
my face, as I reach for my ring, twirling to make the ache subside.
    He briefly talks to Delores
before making his way back to me.  Before holding out his hand, he
searches my face, just as he did his grandmother’s.  My ego is wounded,
but I refuse to show my disappointment as I reach out for his hand and plaster
a smile on my face.  I shouldn’t be acting this way.
    Not in a rush on our way out, I
get a better opportunity to admire his artwork.  “Everything is so
beautiful.  Are they all from the same artist?”  His hand tenses as
we stop in front of a hand blown glass bowl.  It’s a stunning flower, with
blue and mauve textures running through the frame.  The intricacy of the
piece, with the colors and the shape, must have taken quite some time to
create.
    Pausing, his crystal blue eyes
deepen with sadness.  “My mother created most of the work.”  I wasn’t
expecting that answer, and based on the pained look on his face, I know not to
push any further.  He doesn’t say anymore, and I don’t ask. 
Squeezing his hand for reassurance, I motion towards the door.
    Remembering his words, the walk
out to the car is somber.  As he holds my door open, I gently climb in and
look up to find him staring into my resigned face.  Before retreating to
his side, he continues to stare, looking longingly into my eyes.  I’d die a
thousand deaths for him to continue to look at me this way.  Five seconds,
ten seconds, not long enough.  Not able to say what he’s thinking, he
closes my door and moves around the car to join me.
    “I know I said I was going to
take you to your car, but I’m not ready to...”  Not able to finish his
sentence, he shakes his head.  “Are you still up for Red Rock?”
    “Yes,” is all I can muster as I
bite my lip and slink into the passenger seat.
    ~~~~~
    Las Vegas at night is absolutely
spectacular.  I know it’s only lights, but to actually see the vastness
and to know how many people really live in the city is overwhelming.
    “I come here to think,” he
marvels, breaking our silence as we both stare at the deserted beauty in front
of us.  There’s sadness in his voice as he continues.