Page 81 of Come to Me

The tightness in his chest loosened. “Stuck to you is where I want to be.” He pressed his lips to hers, sealing his love with a kiss. Hoping she could feel his love, know his sincerity. “By the way, I need to rent a cabin?”

She laughed. “You’re in luck, Dr. Andres. I have the perfect one available. Let me show it to you.”

She rose and he followed her to the cabin he’d stayed in. He remembered how discombobulated he’d felt the first time he’d entered it. Now it was like coming home. Of course, he’d have to make some sort of other arrangement for a living space. The cabins were for guests. He was no longer a guest. But for tonight, he’d stay here and use his words and his touch to make sure Michaela knew just how loved she was and how grateful he was to her for saving him from a life of pain and drudgery. Starting now, he finally truly living.

CHAPTER 26

Four Months Later

Micki bustled around the main lodge, double-checking every last detail to ensure their family’s first Thanksgiving since Patrick returned would be perfect. She flitted from the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting turkey wafted through the air, to the dining room, meticulously arranging the festive table settings.

“Good gracious, Micki. You’re making me dizzy,” her mother said as she adjusted the center piece.

“We have a lot to be grateful for. I want it to be perfect.”

Her mother smiled, putting an arm around Micki. “I don’t think the centerpiece all cattywampus will suggest you’re not thankful.”

Micki shrugged, knowing she was a bit much. But she was so happy and wanted to make sure Patrick was too. Not that he gave any signs that he wasn’t. But this was their first big holiday. She was sure Thanksgiving in Andres’ home was elaborate. What she could give him was a holiday filled with love.

“I’m sure she shows her gratitude to Patrick every night,” Logan said as he joined.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Logan.” Her mother chastised him.

Micki’s cheeks heated because he wasn’t wrong.

“Look what I made grandma.” Tate held up a turkey craft made from his handprint. “I have one for everyone. I even have their names on it, see.” Tate handed the table decorations over. She smiled as she handed one to Micki that said, “Uncle Patrick.”

That wasn’t technically true. But for all intents and purposes, Patrick was a part of the family.

She gazed out the window toward the lake. The leaves were changing to bright yellows, reds, and oranges. The once tired cabins now stood freshly painted and repaired. The docs were shored up and the paths cleared.

The lodge had some upgrades as well, including a new roof, which Patrick joked shouldn’t be repaired because he liked seeing her up there.

Micki felt a swell of gratitude as she took in the scene. Patrick's investment in the family business had truly been a game-changer, breathing new life into the Kincaid resort. The once-struggling enterprise was well on the road to recovery.

By the end of summer, Patrick had worked with local non-profits along with his money Micki was sure, to offer special vacation packages to low-income and foster care families. In the fall, they’d rented cabins to hunters taking advantage of turkey and deer hunting season. Last week, Drake Carmichael brought a group of executives for a long weekend, paying more than Micki had ever seen for the corporate retreat that included programming for health and wellness. Except for Drake having an argument with his twin brother, the event had gone off without a hitch.

She’d worried a little bit when she learned the land next door had sold. In her mind, she dreamed of buying it to build a pavilion for weddings. Now she was concerned a competitor would be moving in. When she shared all this with Patrick he assured her everything would be alright. “They’re probably building a house.” She decided he was probably right. She was overly worried. Everything was going so well and she didn’t want it to end.

“Well look at this spread. The good lord is certainly smiling down on us.” Her father entered using a walker. That had been the only downside of life over the last few months; her father’s continued weakening mobility. But her father was a fighter. He’d always see the upside of life, not linger on the challenges.

“More like Patrick,” Logan quipped good naturedly.

“The good lord sent us Patrick,” her father stated.

Micki suspected Patrick would think the good lord delivered him to Kincaid Lake.

"That young man has certainly made a difference around here," Lori said, as she helped Tate put the turkey name tags around the table. "I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but he's proven himself."

Micki remembered the day he had presented his business proposal to them, his posture straight and his gaze unwavering. The respect he had shown for her family's legacy had been the first step in building their trust, and now, he had truly become one of them.

Seeing her family's acceptance of Patrick added to Micki’s happiness. It saddened her that his parents wouldn’t ever accept her. But Patrick assured her he didn’t care.

Patrick hurried through the front door. “I’m not late, am I?”

Micki pursed her lips wondering where he’d been. He’d said he had a quick chore he needed to deal with in a cabin but wouldn’t elaborate. “No. You’re right on time.”

“Come. Let’s eat. Micki help me serve the food.”

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