Read Online Of Body And Soul by L. J. Valentine - Free Book Online Page B

he had the look of a man who was secure and confident. He smiled and mouthed, "See you later. I love you."
    She smiled, happy and content, as she walked to the telephone to call Grayson.
    "Hi. So rry I had to cut you off. Kurt had to leave to make a few phone calls and get us checked out. I just wanted to show him to the door. Can I come over now?"    
    “ Yes," Grayson sighed. "I had hoped to see your young man before we all left."
    "I'm sorry about that, but you will just have to settle for me," she laughed. "See you in a few minutes."             
                                    
    Grayson opened the door and embraced Andrea. "Come in. Would you like some coffee?"
    "No, thanks. I've had enough for one morning. So, what are your plans from here?"
    “Well, when I leave here, I'm going to Taos, as I told you before. It's about sixty miles north of Santa Fe. Uncle Charles and I spent a lot of time there.
    “ We loved to ski, and groups of us would come up, rent a house, and stay a week or two. Uncle Charles always liked to entertain, so we finally purchased a large hacienda with out-buildings and plenty of land. It’s bordered by cottonwoods, Indian meadows, and the Taos mesa.
    "I've decided to turn it into a n Inn. Renovations on the main house would be first priority. That would be my home. The other buildings are charming and I'd want to retain the warm adobe lure and architecture of yesteryear. The rooms would have to be made into suites. All the larger rooms have Kiva fireplaces, and with the combination of the extraordinary views and peaceful surroundings, it would truly make a magnificent inn.
    "I could use the smallest out -building for my studio and store my kiln and all my greenware there. And the other two buildings are so close together I'll have them converted into a restaurant.”
     
    "You never mentioned you did ceramics."
    "Well, it's only a hobby, but I did sell some of my pieces. I even had an article published in Popular Ceramics."
    "I'm impressed. You are quite the lady. Don't you think becoming a proprietress would be too much for you to handle?"
    Grayson smiled modestly. "No, I don't think so. I have a wonderful Mexican family who manages for me. They have five children and they've helped enormously. I've done my homework and I know I can pass the test," she laughed.
    "I have no doubts about that. I just want you take care of yourself. Now that I found you, I don't want anything to happen to you."
    "Nothing’s going to happen to me, don't worry. You're going to love it there. The museums are wonderful and the Sante Fe Opera House is close by. You may even want to open a gallery."
    "One never knows what life will deal out to us. I can only hope my life will be filled with as much joy as it's been this past week. You know, Grayson, you made me realize when two people are in love, they should be together."
    Without waiting for a reply, Andrea put her arms around Grayson. "I have good news. Kurt wants to get married and I'm going to say yes. We'll have a quiet wedding, no muss or fuss. 
    He only has his sister, Emily, and I have no one."
    "You have someone. You have me." She patted Andrea's knee with motherly affection.
    "Do you think you'll be back to New York in a few weeks?"
    "Yes , I will. I have to meet with my attorney for the closing of another parcel of property. I'll hire a general contractor to oversee the refurbishing of the property in Taos, and once I discuss my ideas with the contractor, I can leave for a few days."
    “ I'll send you the plane ticket."
    Grayson laughed uncontrollably. "I don't need a ticket my dear. Charles left me well off. I'll never get to spend all the money he left."
    “Then come and spend a few weeks before the wedding. You can help me plan some of the arrangements." Andrea said.
    "I'd love that. I'll be there, unless some thing unforeseen happens to me,” Grayson said.
    “I’ve got to run. I’ll give you a call so