Page 64 of With All My Heart, Joy

Yesterday he and Paisley had spent most of the afternoon at Joy’s place. They put together and decorated a gingerbread house, then sang Christmas karaoke, and Isaac discovered that “JJ” had been more than modest about her singing voice. He only herded Paisley out the door when he saw Joy look anxiously at her recording studio.

Paisley’s first question this morning as he said goodbye to her on her first day of Christmas break was, “Is Joy going to be my mom?”

This relationship wasn’t twenty-four hours old yet. But if Isaac had anything to do with it, then yes, Joy most certainly would be Paisley’s “mom” one day.

“Isaac.” Joy’s father walked toward him, his hand outstretched. “Great to see you again. I was thrilled to see Paisley so full of life at Lucy and Silas’s reception.”

“Full of life is accurate. Many thanks to you.” Dr. Halverson had been Paisley’s cardiologist since she was two months old, as soon as he’d relocated to Silver Lake City. He was the one who referred her to a pediatric heart surgeon at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and he monitored her recovery when she was released. Paisley still followed up with him twice a year.

“Are you here about Paisley?”

“No, I’m—I’m here about Joy.”

Dr. Halverson seemed startled before a slow nod bobbed his fully-gray head. Isaac had never thought much of the fact that he had no gray hairs yet. But now that he was dating Joy, he felt profound gratitude.

He was dating Joy.

The thought made him feel like he was a balloon, floating in the air.

“Let’s step into the hallway.” Dr. Halverson promptly popped the balloon, and Isaac followed on sluggish feet into the quiet hospital corridor.

“I saw you dancing with her at the reception, and you seemed rather…close. I didn’t assume anything, considering your age difference, but am I to understand there is more to it?”

“Yes. We discussed it yesterday and are on the same page that we want to be in a relationship.”

“That’s where she was,” Dr. Halverson muttered. “Her mother and I were worried when she was a no-show at church and lunch, but Lucy and Victor both assured us she was fine.”

Victor was on his side? Hearing that gave Isaac satisfaction. Maybe her beloved brother had something to do with Joy’s show of courage yesterday.

“Did this happen during counseling?” Dr. Halverson was a quiet-spoken, gentle man, but his tone was none too soft right now. Isaac squirmed.

“I didn’t let it. I discontinued counseling Joy when I became fully aware of my attraction to her.”

“I see.” Dr. Halverson kept nodding, more to himself than to Isaac it seemed. “She didn’t tell us that, either.” He sighed, then turned his focus back to Isaac. “Are you here for my…blessing?”

Isaac attempted a chuckle, but it fell flat. “Not exactly. Joy knows her own mind. I’m here because I wanted to be upfront with you. I realize our relationship might not be what you had in mind for her due to my age. I don’t want any…misunderstandings.”

“I think very highly of you, Isaac. I couldn’t choose anyone better for my daughter.” Dr. Halverson smiled, his eyes almost playful. Joy had definitely taken her looks from her dad. “I won’t think any less of you for robbing the cradle.”

Ugh. He knew someone would use that phrase eventually. Did it have to be Joy’s father?

“As long as Joy is comfortable with it, I will be fully supportive. The whole family will, I assure you.”

“Thank you.” Isaac reached out a hand for another shake. “That means a lot.”

During his lunch break, Isaac called his mom. “I have some news I think you’re going to like.”

“Please tell me you found the woman of your dreams, Zak.”

How did she know? “Uh, yes… That’s exactly why I’m calling.”

A deep-throated gasp scratched through the line, then dead silence.

“Mom? You still there?”

Panting ensued. “I think I had a mini stroke just now. You’re serious? You really have a—a girlfriend?”

He grinned, absentmindedly folding a scrap of paper into an airplane at his desk. He sent it flying across the room. The room where he’d fallen for Joy. “I’m serious. You won’t believe this. Remember the woman who sent me the gift cards?”

---