A Christmas Homecoming (23 page)

He shook his head. “You could make a positive difference in a hurting person’s life rather than affirm the lies she’s believed since childhood.”

Mom harrumphed. “I’m tired. Please leave me now.”

He stood, grasped the tray, and left. No! He refused to take this. He turned at the doorway and faced her. “Bailey has been so good to you.”

“I’m not questioning that. I simply don’t want the two of you to marry.”

“Who said anything about marriage?” His voice rose a little, and he took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Marriage. He hadn’t thought that far ahead, but he could get on board with the idea where Bailey was concerned.

“I know you. We wouldn’t be having this conversation if you didn’t see yourself proposing to her at some point. But do what you want. I won’t stop you.” She mumbled something else that he missed.

He wanted to push her further, but her face had paled. It was time to let his mother rest. He went downstairs and found John reading the paper in the kitchen. “That didn’t go well.”

“I’m sorry. Should I try and talk with her?”

“No. She’s resting. I thought we could bring her downstairs and settle her on the couch in the living room for a while so she could enjoy the tree and decorations.”

“Good idea. I need to head to the office for a few hours. Do you need my help getting her down here?”

“No. She’s as light as a feather. Will you come back when you’re finished working? I’m sure I’ll be ready to escape.”

John chuckled. “I’ll be here.” He folded the paper then stood. “I am meeting with potential clients this morning. They’re looking to build but don’t want a cookie cutter house. I would like to show them your latest design.”

A jolt shot through Stephen. Thankfully he’d finally come up with a new design plan. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. “Thanks! Let me know how it goes.”

“Will do.” John grabbed his jacket and left.

Now what? Somehow he had to get his mother’s blessing. He couldn’t in good conscience continue to date Bailey without her approval. It would tear his family apart.
Lord please soften Mom’s heart.

Chapter Eighteen

Bailey pushed her cart down the aisle at the grocery store. Getting to know Stephen had been fun, and she looked forward to knowing him even better, which was why she was strolling in the grocery store. She decided to invite him over for dinner rather than go out to a restaurant.

It had to be something easy and fast though. The meat counter grabbed her attention—stir-fry. She ordered a generous amount of the seasoned vegetable and chicken mix then finished shopping. Stephen would be at her place in an hour, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

Exactly one hour later, a knock sounded on her door. She looked around her place. The gas fireplace burned, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The white roses and greenery she’d picked up sat in a vase on the sideboard, and the table was set with plain white dishes on red placemats—simple elegance.

She pulled the door open and couldn’t help the grin that captured her lips. He wore a hideous ugly Christmas sweater. “Hi, Stephen. Come in.” She stepped aside allowing him to pass then closed the door. “Dinner is almost ready.”

He breathed in deeply. “It smells great in here.” He placed a kiss on her cheek. “You look beautiful.” He handed her a bottle of chilled sparkling apple juice.

She took in his jeans and red sweater, hoping her face didn’t match the color. He’d kissed her again! Well, her cheek. A part of her wished he’d shifted his aim ever so slightly and given her another real kiss. She cleared her throat. “Thanks. And you look very . . . festive.”

He chuckled. “I know it’s not exactly my style, but I spent the afternoon with the kids. I took them Christmas shopping.”

“That’s great! What’s going on with your mom? How’d you get away?” She guided them back to the kitchen and opened the sparkling cider then poured them each a glass.

“John stayed with her this afternoon, so I could take the kids shopping. And the home care aide tends to her from six in the evening to six in the morning every day. Mom awakens early, so she is there to help ready her for the day. Oh, before I forget, Mom really liked the decorations.”

“She saw them?” Bailey sipped the juice.

“Yes. I brought her downstairs for a couple of hours. I think it’s good for her to be out of her bedroom.”

“What a great idea.” She flicked off the stove then dished up their plates. “I hope you like stir fry vegetables and chicken.”

He nodded.

“Good.” Relief surged through her as she brought the plates to the table. Her insides felt like they’d been stir-fried. Why was she so nervous? “Would you mind offering a blessing for the food?”

“Not at all.” He took hold of her hand, closed his eyes, and said a short prayer. “I know I’ve already said it, but this really smells good. I’ve been eating a lot of breakfast food lately.” He forked a bite into his mouth.

Bailey watched his face closely. Did he like it?

His lips turned up as he chewed, and he nodded. “Delicious.”

“It’s super easy. The meat department has it already prepared. All you have to do is cook it.”

“What about the rice? That can be kind of tricky. Although I learned to cook in France, I’m not great at rice.”

“Not if you follow the directions.” She dug into her food in spite of her nervous stomach. He was right, it really was delicious.

“We need Christmas music.” He looked around her dining room, presumably for something that played music.

She stood. “Sorry. I forgot how much you enjoy that. Hold on.” She grabbed her phone off the counter and put on a mix of Christmas music she’d made. “How’s the volume?”

“Perfect.”

She returned to her seat. “Do you have plans for Christmas Eve?”

“Not really.”

“As you know, Nicole’s wedding is Saturday evening. I could really use a date.”

He raised a brow. “You’re asking me out?”

“I suppose so.” Her heart pounded in her chest so hard she was certain if the music wasn’t playing he’d hear it.

“I hate weddings, but in your case I’ll make an exception.”

“Thank you.” She took another bite and chewed slowly before swallowing. “How can you hate weddings?”

He shrugged. “I have to wear a suit and tie, people cry, and to be honest they are kind of boring.”

“Not all of them. I once attended a wedding where the bride skipped down the aisle to Chapel of Love. You know the one that says ‘going to the chapel and . . .’”

He chuckled. “Now that would have been a fun wedding.”

“It was. The bride and groom had a lot of fun.” She shared a little more then realized she was talking about weddings way too much. What if he thought she was hinting at something? She almost choked on her food at the thought. She quickly finished up her meal and noted that Stephen had as well. She pushed back from the table. “I’ll rinse these real quick.”

“I’ll help.” He took his plate into the kitchen and worked by her side. “I have something I’d like to tell you.”

A queasy feeling knotted her stomach again. “Okay. Should I sit?”

“Actually that’s a good idea.” He took her hand and pulled her along with him into the living room. He eased onto the sofa.

She sat beside him since he hadn’t let go of her hand. “This sounds serious.”

“It is to me.” He released her hand and faced her. Tenderness filled his eyes. “I don’t think this will come as a surprise to you, but I have grown to care deeply for you over the past four-and-a-half weeks.” He reached up and cupped her cheek in his hand. His touch sent goose bumps though her. “And I believe you feel the same way. Please tell me I didn’t read you wrong?” His eyes searched hers.

She rested a hand over his and swallowed back her fear
.
“I do.” She’d
never
talked with a man like this before. In fact, she’d never had a boyfriend. She pulled her hand away and rested it in her lap.

“Good.” He visibly relaxed then dropped a soft kiss on her lips.

Electricity shot through her. She wished his kiss had lingered.

“I’m meeting with some resistance to
us
from my family. Not all of them, but it’s important to me that they welcome you into my life.”

“They don’t like me?” How had she misread all of them so badly? Or was this about Judy? Hadn’t she set the record straight with Mona yet? She’d thought for sure Judy would tell her right away. Her throat thickened, and she blinked away sudden tears.

“Ah, Bailey. Come here.” He pulled her close.

She rested her head against his chest. “I’m not usually a crier.” His heartbeat sounded faster than it ought against her ear.

“I’m handling this so badly.” He sighed and kissed the top of her head. “The thing is, you’re very important to the success of Belafonte Designs, and for the record, my niece and nephew adore you. Right now we need to be praying that God will soften my mom’s heart. She admitted to being jealous of you.”

Bailey pushed away from him. “Jealous of me? Why?”

“You’re young, talented, and have the rest of your life ahead of you. You’re filling her shoes in the business she created, and I think she’s afraid you are going to take her place in the family too.”

“That’s absurd! I could never.” She needed to talk with Mona right away and set things straight. She almost laughed at her thought. Confronting Mona or anyone else was such a foreign idea. Before she’d met Stephen, if anyone had told her she’d even consider confronting Mona, she’d have vehemently denied it. But she’d come to realize that she mattered, and it was important to live her life with purpose, rather than try and be invisible.

“You’re quiet. What are you thinking?” He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

“That your mother and I need to talk. I need to make sure she knows the truth about something.”

“You mean about Judy and Rick? They told me.”

She nodded.

“I think she knows, but I also think we both need to be praying.”

“For sure. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I wouldn’t want to disrespect your mother or come between the two of you or your family.”

“You’ve surprised me.”

“How so?”

“I didn’t expect you’d want to deal with this.”

She shrugged. “Some things—or people—are worth fighting for.”

The following afternoon, Bailey sat in Mona’s living room. Mona lounged on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, looking like she’d rather be anyplace but seated in the same room with Bailey.

“You did a fine job on the Christmas decorations.”

“Thank you. Your grandkids and Stephen were a big help.”

Mona’s gaze shot to hers. “Love always makes things even better, don’t you think?”

“Excuse me?” What was Mona getting at?

“When you do something in love the results are often, if not always, better.”

“Oh. Yes. I believe you’re correct.” Could Stephen’s mom be softening toward her? She’d prayed so much since saying goodbye to him last night.

“What brings you by, Bailey? I was told you moved everything back to the office.”

“Yes. I’m actually here to see you. I tried to visit while you were in the hospital, but I was turned away.”

Mona’s lips stretched into a flat line.

“You see, I’ve come to care deeply about you and your family—Stephen in particular. I respect you, Mona.” She took a calming breath. Her hands trembled, but she had to do this. “And I don’t want to do anything that will upset you.”

Mona’s fierce look softened slightly. “Go on.”

“I suppose that’s all I really wanted to say. Other than thank you for being my mentor and allowing me to step in for you. I hope you are pleased with what you’ve accomplished.”

“What
I’ve
accomplished?”

“My work is a direct result of your training. Sure, I went to school, but there’s something to be said for one-on-one mentoring. Without you, I don’t know where I’d be.”

“True enough.”