Hometown Proposal (15 page)

Elise slipped her arm through his. “Okay.”

With a beautiful and talented woman on one arm and his daughter's hand in his, he felt like the luckiest man in the world. Everything in his life was looking good.

On this Father's Day—his first one with Olivia—he realized he'd almost missed knowing his daughter. The thought made him more grateful than ever that finding faith in God had changed his life. The thought that he may never have known Olivia made him heartsick. But, thanks to God, she made his life wonderful.

When they got to the car, Seth buckled Olivia into her car seat. Maggie hopped into the back, leaving Elise to sit up front with him. He wondered whether his mother had sat in
the back because she wanted to be with Olivia or because she was trying to make sure Elise would sit in front with him.

Olivia's sweet little voice, jabbering in toddler talk, sounded through the cab of Seth's pickup truck. Elise caught his eye and smiled. With a slight nod, he acknowledged her smile. Things were falling into place with Elise, but he still had to remind himself against looking too far into the future. He should enjoy the day and leave the future in God's hands.

When they arrived at the café, Elise's parents met them at the door. As they entered, the café hummed with after-church diners. The hostess showed their group to a booth. Seth didn't miss the way Elise's parents and his mother did little to disguise their intent to have him and Elise sitting together. He had to stifle a laugh when Olivia thwarted their plans by sitting in between Elise and him.

But even Olivia's innocent wish to sit by Elise had Seth thinking about the three of them as a family. He could imagine sharing meals like this all of the time, not only with Elise and Olivia but with Ray and Barbara, as well. They talked about the upcoming Fourth of July festivities and about Juliane and Lukas's expected return from their honeymoon.

When they'd finished eating, Seth turned to Maggie. “Elise and I are going to take Olivia over to the park. We'll walk home afterward. So you can drive home. We'll walk home, or Elise will give us a ride.”

Maggie narrowed her gaze. “Are you sure you should be walking home on that leg?”

“Absolutely. I need the exercise, especially after the meal we just ate. Walking will help strengthen my leg.”

“Okay, if you say so.” Maggie shrugged.

When they left the café, Seth and Elise bid goodbye to their parents and set off for the park a few blocks away. For a couple of blocks, they walked without saying much. Olivia walked between Seth and Elise as they each held one of her hands.
They looked like a family. They felt like a family. Could they be a family?

Seth cautioned himself to be patient once again. Elise's willingness to have him as an escort to the wedding, today's invitation for lunch and their outing yesterday all spelled good things for the future. But he had to remind himself not to rush things.

“I'm so excited Juliane and Lukas are coming home tonight. I'm so glad their wedding and reception were everything she had planned. I thought the way they set up Dot and his grandfather to catch the bouquet and the garter was so cute.” Elise's statement brought him back to reality.

“Isn't the maid of honor supposed to catch the bouquet?”

“That's only if the maid of honor is looking to be the next bride.”

“Is that so?” That probably meant Elise wasn't looking to be the next bride. He should have guessed that from her blasé reaction to his suggestion that she elope and have a wedding at Ash Cave. Her statement ought to put his overactive thoughts in check.

“Dot and Ferd are adorable together. I wouldn't be surprised if they get married soon.”

“I enjoyed getting to know them better. I had no idea Lukas's parents and grandfather had escaped from East Germany.”

“Yes, that was quite a story.” Elise sighed. “I'm so glad Lukas came into Juliane's life. If it hadn't been for Lukas, my dad may never have gotten the help he needs. Dad and Lukas are very committed to their addiction recovery group.”

Seth wondered whether Elise was glad he'd come into her life again. Did she finally see him as an asset? He was afraid she might still see him as a liability. So far she seemed to have done all the giving, and he'd done all the taking. He wanted to make her life better. How could he do that? “They have a wonderful ministry.”

“I know.” Unshed tears sparkled in Elise's eyes. Blinking them away, she cleared her throat. “How long is your mom going to stay?”

“At least through the Fourth of July.” Seth lifted his cane. “I think as soon as the doc says I can quit using this, she'll feel like she can leave. She could hardly wait until school was done so she could come back and take care of us.”

“Olivia will miss her.”

“I know. I wish I could talk her into moving here. She could retire if she wanted to, but she tells me she doesn't want to leave her friends and family in Pittsburgh.”

“Change can be difficult.”

Is that why you're not quite convinced of the changes I've tried to make?
Seth wished he could ask that question. He still sensed a barrier between them. One he couldn't break through. He wasn't sure what to say. They weren't talking about him, anyway. They were talking about his mother, so he should keep the focus on her. “We'll see whether she changes her mind.”

“Swings, Daddy.” Letting go of their hands, Olivia pointed, then raced ahead to the playground.

Accompanied by watchful adults, a dozen other children played on the swings, slide and jungle gym. Shrieks of laughter filled the air.

Waving his cane in the air, Seth looked over at Elise. “This thing is slowing me down. Will you catch her before she tries to get in a swing by herself and falls down?”

“Sure.” Elise jogged ahead and helped Olivia into the swing.

By the time Seth caught up to them, Elise was pushing Olivia in one of the toddler swings. “Hi, Daddy. I go high.”

“I see. Are you having a good time?”

Nodding, Olivia giggled, and Seth's heart melted. Seth and Elise took turns pushing the swing as Olivia begged to go
higher each time. When she finally grew tired of swinging, she charged over to the slide and jungle gym and joined the other children playing there.

When Olivia got ready to go down the slide, she waved. “'Lise, watch me.”

“Okay. I'm watching.”

Olivia came down the slide and threw her hands in the air when she finished.

“That was good.” Elise smiled at Olivia.

“I go again.” Olivia scampered back to the steps going up to the slide.

Seth motioned toward an area where several other adults were watching children. “Let's go sit on that bench over there while we watch her.”

“Sure.”

Seth sat next to Elise on the bench under the big oak tree. Every time Olivia was ready to go down the slide, she would call to Elise. Seth didn't miss Elise's wistful expression as she watched his daughter. What was Elise thinking?

“You are blessed to have that little girl.”

“I know.” Was that what put the wistful look on Elise's face? He wanted to tell her that she blessed his life, too, but this wasn't the time or place.

Olivia raced and climbed and laughed with the other children. Seth figured she'd keep going until she dropped unless he told her that they had to leave.

Elise leaned closer to him. “Do you think she'll ever wear out?”

Chuckling, Seth tried to keep his focus on Olivia rather than on Elise's nearness. “I was thinking the same thing. What do you think will happen if I say we have to leave?”

Elise touched his arm. “You may have to bribe her.”

Trying not to read anything into her touch, Seth chuckled
again as he stood. “I'm going to make my move and see how we fare.”

“Good luck.” Elise went with him as he approached the slide.

“Olivia, it's time to go.”

Olivia looked up at him. “No. More slide.”

“Okay, one more slide, then we go.”

Olivia raced to the slide and went down, then started to go back again. Seth tried to reach to her, but she scooted by him. Elise ran after Olivia and picked her up. She squirmed, but Elise held on tight and whispered something in Olivia's ear. The little girl stopped resisting and nodded her head. Seth could hardly wait to find out what Elise had said to his daughter.

On the walk back to Seth's house, Olivia gave out halfway, and Elise had to carry the little girl. She fell asleep in Elise's arms. When they reached the house, Elise carried Olivia inside. Seth led the way back to her room. After Elise laid the sleeping child on her bed, Seth stood beside Elise and watched Olivia sleep for a few moments.

Seth whispered, “Let's go.”

Elise nodded and followed him to the living room. “I think she wore herself out.”

“Thanks for your help. Can you stay?” He hoped she'd say yes.

She glanced at her watch, then back at him. “Okay. For a little while.”

Seth plopped onto the couch and motioned for Elise to join him. “What did you say to Olivia back at the park?”

“I told her this was a special day for daddies and that she should do what you said.” Elise smiled. “That little girl adores you.”

“And I adore her. I never imagined how great being a dad
could be.” Seth's heart thrummed. He adored Elise, too. He wished she felt the same way.

Elise jumped up and rummaged through her oversized purse. She pulled out a box and handed it to Seth. “I almost forgot to leave this with you.”

“What is it?” Seth examined the box covered in paper with pink scribbles all over it.

“Olivia's Father's Day gift for you. My cousin Val told me about this, so I took Olivia along when Val took her kids.”

Seth knit his brow. “Am I supposed to open this now?”

Elise bit her bottom lip, then grimaced. “I was going to have you open this with Olivia, but she fell asleep.”

“Should I wait?”

“Probably, but I want to see how you like it. The lid comes off without ruining the wrapping paper, so you can put it back on and open it again with Olivia later. She made the wrapping paper, too.”

“I can tell.” Seth lifted the lid to reveal a small plate imprinted with two little handprints surrounded by flowers. Olivia's name and age were written at the bottom.

“Do you like it?”

“Absolutely. This is so special. Thank you.” He laid the plate aside. He wanted to kiss her. He'd wanted to kiss her for weeks, but he'd held himself back. Not today. “Unless you tell me no, I'm going to kiss you.”

When Elise made no protest, he pulled her into his arms. He kissed her, then held her close. Kissing her and holding her was like coming home. He never wanted to leave. Finally, he held her at arms' length. “I want you in my life. Not just today, but forever. Can we work on that?”

Nodding, Elise closed her eyes, and Seth kissed her again. With God's help, Seth was determined to make their love work this time.

O
n the Fourth of July, Elise had a spring in her step as she walked down her street on her way to Seth's place. Houses on every block sported flags and patriotic banners. She looked forward to riding in the parade on the church float. Hours of practice on the songs with Seth had brought the two of them even closer. Father's Day had been a turning point for them. Her decision to let Seth back into her life brightened every day. Today was another day to show Seth that the past was forgotten, and she was looking to the future.

When she reached Seth's house, he was sitting on the front steps. Olivia peddled madly while she rode her tricycle back and forth on the porch. Red, white and blue streamers trailed from the handlebars and seat, and one little flag fluttered from the handlebar support.

When Seth saw Elise, he jumped up and met her halfway down the walk. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. “Happy Fourth of July.”

Her heart soaring like fireworks, Elise held him close for a moment, then looked up at him as they stood in each other's arms. “Happy Fourth to you, too. I see Olivia's all decked out for the parade.”

Draping one arm around Elise's shoulders, Seth turned to look at his little girl, who was still riding her tricycle. “She is overexcited about today. This'll be her first parade.”

“Are you planning to let her ride in the children's parade?”

“She is. Mom helped her decorate her tricycle this morning.”

“Who's walking with her? You or your mom?”

Seth chuckled. “Mom. She says that way I can take pictures.”

“Makes sense.” Elise glanced toward the house. “Where
is
your mom?”

“She'll be out in a minute. Then we'll go.”

Looking in Elise's direction, Olivia stopped her tricycle. Dressed for the day in her red, white and blue gingham sun-dress, she hopped off and raced to meet Elise. “'Lise, we go to parade.”

“I know.” Elise hunkered down next to the little girl. “Where'd you get that pretty dress?”

“Gramma gots it for me.”

Standing, Elise glanced up at Maggie as she stepped onto the porch. “Hi, Maggie. Where'd you find Olivia's cute dress?”

“My sister Susan sent it. Isn't it perfect for the Fourth of July?” Maggie held her arms out as she displayed her shirt dotted with red, white and blue stars. “I'm all decked out in my patriotic colors, too. A little crazy, but fun.”

“You're right in line with the rest of the town. Wait until you see the decorations on Main Street,” Elise replied.

“Let's head to town and see them.” Seth grabbed Olivia's tricycle and brought it down to the sidewalk, then picked up the cane lying against the step.

Elise looked at him with a frown. “You told me you were done with the cane.”

“I am, but I'm going to use it to push Olivia on her tricycle. I figure there's no way she's going to make it all the way to town without getting tired, and I certainly can't ride that tricycle.” Seth put the end of the cane at the back of the trike and pushed. “See how it works?”

Elise laughed. “You are clever.”

“You're just now figuring that out?”

Shaking her head, Elise rolled her eyes. “You mean, I was supposed to have known this?”

Seth put an arm around her waist and pulled her close, then whispered, “I was clever enough to fall for you.”

Elise didn't say anything, just smiled up at him while she let the wonder of their renewed relationship seep into her soul. Why had she let weeks pass before she believed Seth had changed? She'd wasted so much time worrying about the past instead of looking at the present, and the man who'd shown her over and over how much he'd changed.

The foursome made a little parade of their own as they traveled the four-block distance to town. Elise enjoyed the walk as she soaked up the flavor and excitement of the day. The Fourth of July always found Kellerville decked out in red, white and blue streamers and balloons. American flags graced every corner. Red, white and blue banners and flags decorated the clock tower and gazebo in the square. The whole town had turned out to celebrate.

The aroma of hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and various other culinary delights came from the booths lining the streets. Picnic tables dotted the square. A band was setting up their equipment on a platform in front of the courthouse while folks gathered along the streets in anticipation of the parade.

Seth helped Olivia and his mom find a perfect spot for viewing the parade. “We'll meet you right here when the parade is over.”

Elise picked up Olivia. “Watch for us, and wave to your daddy and me when we go by, okay?”

“I will.” Olivia waved her little flag as Elise gave her a hug and set her down.

Seth gave his cane to his mom. “You might need this to push her trike in the kids' parade after we eat. So I'll leave it with you.”

Laughing, Maggie took the cane. “We'll see you later.”

Elise put her hand in Seth's as they hurried the two short blocks to the church, where they planned to change. When they arrived, Juliane was in her Statue of Liberty costume and Lukas was dressed as Uncle Sam.

Juliane rushed up to them. “Your costumes are hanging on the rack just inside the door. What took you guys so long to get here?”

“Had to get Olivia and my mom a good spot to watch the parade.” Seth motioned back toward town.

Elise grimaced. “We'll hurry.”

“Come on.” Seth grabbed Elise's hand and they raced to the church.

Once inside, he stole a quick kiss before they went their separate ways to change. While Elise changed, she contemplated the love that was growing in her heart for Seth. She was beginning to believe he'd proved himself as a man she could love and trust with her heart.

Minutes later, Elise emerged from the church building dressed as Dolly Madison, and Seth soon followed in his Minuteman costume. They joined Juliane and Lukas on the float.

Lukas handed them their mikes. “We've already tested all the sound equipment. Everything's good to go.”

“Thanks.” Seth took his spot on the float next to Elise.

An hour later the float came to a stop in the church parking
lot. Seth helped Elise down from the platform. “That was fun. I hope we can do that again next year.”

Elise grinned. “And Olivia was beside herself when she finally recognized you in your costume. Do you want to stay in the costumes, so Olivia can see us again, or do you think we'll get too hot?”

“Olivia will get a kick out of it.”

“We can change into our other clothes later at the store if we want.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Grabbing Elise's hand, Seth turned to Juliane and Lukas. “Let's head down to the town square. We'll find my mom and Olivia, then get something to eat.”

“I'm ready for food.” Lukas adjusted his hat.

“Okay, Uncle Sam, let's go eat.” Juliane kissed him on the cheek.

“Lead the way.” Chuckling, Lukas took her hand.

The two couples made their way through the crowd that still lingered along the parade route. Seth called his mom on his cell phone to let her know they were on their way.

When they reached the square, where the crowd was even larger, Elise spied Olivia and Maggie and pointed in their direction. “There they are waiting right where we left them.”

Olivia ran to greet them. “I see'd you in the prade.”

Seth scooped Olivia up in his arms. “Did you have fun?”

Olivia nodded. “We eat now?”

“That's the plan. Then your parade.”

After the group bought food and found a picnic table, they enjoyed a leisurely lunch. Barbara and Ray joined them. After lunch, the adults cheered on the participants in the children's parade. Olivia hammed it up for the crowd as she peddled her trike around the square with the other children. The rest of the afternoon sped by as they listened to the bluegrass band
playing patriotic songs. Everyone enjoyed the music while they relaxed under the tulip poplars and buckeye trees shading the square.

Elise relished this time, surrounded by the people she loved and the goodness of her hometown. More and more she thought about Seth and Olivia in terms of family. She had to tell Seth how she felt in no uncertain terms.

 

Seth whistled as he straightened his desk. The past few weeks had been the best times of his life. Everything he'd hoped for was falling into place. He loved his job. Olivia had settled into her day-care routine now that his mom had returned to Pittsburgh to get ready for another school year. Best of all, Elise had opened her heart and let him walk back in. She'd told him she'd moved beyond the past while they watched the Fourth of July fireworks. She loved him. Nothing could top that.

Elise, Olivia and he often ate their evening meal together. Elise's parents watched Olivia when Elise and he went out with Juliane and Lukas. Their excursion back to Hocking Hills for a canoe trip reminded Seth of the wedding they'd seen there. He wanted more than ever to make Elise his bride. Her graduation party was coming up in two weeks, and Seth planned to ask Elise to marry him.

Grabbing the stack of mail on his desk, he sorted through the envelopes. One envelope jumped out at him. The letter had been forwarded from his old address in Pittsburgh. When he read the return address on the envelope, his stomach sank—Sophie Conrad. The return address indicated that she was living in Atlanta. Why was Sophie sending him a letter? He ripped it open.

Seth crumpled the letter in his hand, then threw it on the desk. He didn't want to deal with Sophie or her request, but as a Christian, he knew he should put himself in her shoes. How would he want to be treated if he were in her place? As he answered that question, he realized he had no choice but to see what she had to say. Yes, she'd given up her rights, but he understood what it meant to make a bad decision and regret it later.

What would happen if Elise found out? What would she think? How would Sophie's reappearance affect his and Elise's relationship? Maybe he shouldn't tell her about this initial meeting. If nothing came of it, she would never have to know.

But how would all of this affect Olivia? Would she be confused about the mother she probably didn't remember suddenly coming back into her life?

The questions pummeled his mind and gave him a headache. Plopping onto his chair, he put his head in his hands. What was he going to do? He couldn't tell Elise until he'd met and talked with Sophie first. Then he would try to explain everything and pray that she could understand and accept his decision.

Seth picked up the crumpled letter and smoothed it out on
his desk. As Seth punched out the phone number Sophie had written at the bottom of her letter, he hoped for the best.

 

A week later, Elise rushed into the rec center and headed for Seth's office. She had to share her good news. She had job! When she reached the outer office where his assistant worked, the desk was empty. So Elise tapped lightly on the door, then slowly opened it.

Elise's heart plummeted as she observed the scene before her. Seth stood by his desk, and a woman with long dark hair had her arms around his neck. As Elise was about to turn and run, Seth looked her way. Immediately, he extracted himself from the woman's arms. “Elise.”

The woman turned. Sophie.

Elise couldn't make her legs move. She stood glued to the floor. As she looked at Seth, she tried to keep her lips from quivering. She wanted to ask what was going on here, but she couldn't form a coherent sentence, even in her mind.

Her dark eyes wide, Sophie looked from Elise back to Seth. While Elise grasped for some explanation, Sophie muttered her thanks to Seth and fled from the room.

Seth immediately went to the door and closed it behind her. “Elise, let me explain.”

Elise was still too stunned to protest. He led her to a chair and pulled his beside hers. She fought to control her emotions. She didn't want to cry in front of Seth. “Why were you hugging her?”

“She was hugging
me,
not the other way around. She was thanking me for agreeing to let her see Olivia.”

Elise frowned. “You're letting her see Olivia? What are you talking about?”

Seth proceeded to explain Sophie's request and his decision to grant it. As Elise listened to his explanation, her apprehension grew.

Elise took a shaky breath while anger and hurt welled up inside her. “Why would you keep this from me?”

“I felt that I needed to talk to her first and gauge her sincerity, her state of mind. I didn't want to introduce her into all of my life here until I was sure she was being honest with me about the contact she was seeking. I want the best for Olivia.”

“What about the best for us?”

“Sophie's relationship with Olivia has nothing to do with us.”

Elise shook her head. “If you think that, then you're not thinking clearly. Whatever involves Olivia will have an impact on all of us. How can this not affect our relationship?”

Seth appeared at a loss. “Please understand. I love you. This thing with Sophie doesn't change that.”

Elise closed her eyes against the troubled feelings that swamped her. Shaking her head, she put her hands over her face. Seth put his arm around her shoulders, and she moved away. “I can't think when you touch me.”