Page 12 of My Heart for Yours

“Lisa was just about to tell me her plans for Christmas, dear. I was hoping to convince her to stop by here so that she can meet the boys.” That takes me by surprise. What is it with people wanting to include me in their plans when my own mother didn’t want me around? How do I even respond to such kindness? Stephen doesn’t give me a chance though.

“I’m sure she has her own family to visit with, love. Maybe the day after will suit her better.” Marilyn looks at me expectantly and I can’t help myself.

“I actually don’t have any plans for the next few days. I mean, I don’t have any family to visit, so …” I feel incredibly awkward, but Marilyn does not leave me hanging.

“Then it’s all set, you will spend the day with us tomorrow. I do love having a home full of people. The more the merrier.”

We chat for a few more minutes while finishing our tea and then Stephen offers to drive me back to the inn. He doesn’t speak much but I get the impression he has something on his mind, so I sit quietly and wait him out.

“She’s in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Just diagnosed a few weeks ago.” I feel my heart break for this man who is going to have to watch his wife slowly deteriorate before his eyes. “We haven’t told our children yet. You will meet them tomorrow and I would appreciate it if you do not mention what happened today. We will tell them at a more suitable time.” I can’t imagine any time being suitable to give such news, but I understand what he’s saying.

“Of course, uh, I really appreciate the invitation but maybe I should visit another day. I really don’t mind.” He stares at me for a moment.

“Why aren’t you spending Christmas with your family?” His question is direct, and he looks me straight in the eye.

“My mother raised me by herself and she passed away a few years ago. I don’t have any siblings, so it’s just me.” He takes this in and then nods slowly.

“You will join us tomorrow then. Marilyn wants you there and the boys always bring friends over so you will have people your own age to talk to.” Well, I guess that settles that.

“Okay then, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Chapter 6

Shane

It’s Christmas Day, my bar is closed, and I’m busy getting ready to go to my parents’ house for the celebrations. And it’s the last thing I want to do. I must have picked up my phone a dozen times to call Lisa and beg her to reconsider my invitation, but my own emotions keep tripping me up. I’m in love with her. I can admit that now, but she’s still leaving and as much as I want to, I don’t think I’m going to be able to convince her to stay.

Eventually I decide to send her a text: Invitation still open if you want to spend the day with me. Just let me know

She doesn’t take long to respond: Sorry, something’s come up, won’t be able to make it. Enjoy your day and Merry Christmas!

Something’s come up? What, did she get a better offer? I refuse to consider this but at least I can stop wondering so I fire back: Yeah, Merry Christmas

I put my phone in my back pocket and make my way to my truck. It only takes me a few minutes to get to my folks’ house and for a moment I just sit there blinking at the familiar Jeep parked in the driveway. What did I miss? Lisa clearly said she would be somewhere else for the day and yet her Jeep is standing right there in my parents’ driveway. I’m still sitting there like an idiot when Jay pulls up behind me. He gets out of his truck and walks over to me, a curious look on his face.

“Hey, man, what’s going on? I thought you said Lisa’s not coming. You manage to change her mind?” I must still look a little dumbfounded because he follows that up with a light tap on the roof of my truck. “Come on, let’s go inside.” I still don’t say anything, just get out and follow him up the steps to the front door. It opens and my Dad stands there, dressed in his usual slacks but sporting a red Christmas sweater Mom bought him years ago. It always makes me smile but today it makes him look tired, or perhaps worried. He hugs Jay first, then me, and then ushers us into the house where delicious smells tease us from the kitchen. We head in that direction to greet Mom and I can hear the sound of talking and soft laughter which makes me so … happy. There’s no other word for it. The woman I’ve fallen in love with is here, in my parents’ home and I’m going to spend the day with her even though she gave me no indication that she would be here. She made other plans. This gives me pause, but before I can give it any more thought we’re standing in the kitchen and both women turn to face us. The laughter freezes on Lisa’s face; not exactly the reaction I hoped for and then she’s being engulfed in a bear hug from Jay. I walk over to Mom and give her a hug and wish her Merry Christmas. She seems thinner, frailer than I remember and I make a mental note to talk to Dad about it. Jay finally lets Lisa go and if I didn’t know better, I would think he’s trying to get to me. Scratch that. I do know better and he’s definitely trying to get to me.

“What are you doing here, short stuff? If I knew you were coming, I would have brought a girl too.” He gives her a cocky smirk meant to put her at ease, but Lisa looks like she’s about to make a run for it. Dad inserts himself in the conversation which is not like him at all.

“Lisa met your mother in town yesterday. They hit it off and here we are.” Yeah, there is definitely something else going on here.

“I didn’t know you all knew each other. How lovely, dear.” That’s Mom who is smiling at Lisa like she’s just discovered the secret to eternal youth. The only person who has not yet said anything is Lisa herself. I step closer to her and reach for her hand, something that just happens naturally whenever she is close by and I don’t even think about questioning it.

“Hey, I’m glad you’re here. Merry Christmas.” I give her a reassuring smile.

“You said that already, in your text this morning.” She smiles back at me, but it’s small and doesn’t reach her eyes which are still wide and shifting towards the door.

“Yeah, but now I get to say it to your face which is way better than a text message.” I pull her towards me and give her a hug, holding on a bit longer than might be considered appropriate, but what do I care? I’m holding the woman I love and the sooner she accepts this, the better. Of course, I should probably tell her I’m in love with her, but I don’t want to scare her off completely. Once I let her go, Dad, Jay, and I head to the living room to chat and watch TV while Mom and Lisa finish preparations in the kitchen.

“They’ve been at it since early this morning. Lisa’s a godsend; really knows her way around a kitchen. Which one of you two idiots neglected to ask her to join us today?” Jay laughs at this.

“Don’t look at me. That’s all Shane’s doing. Had her right there and then screwed it all up.” Dad side eyes me.

“This true?” I can’t deny it, but I still try to defend myself.

“I really like her Dad. I asked her but she misunderstood and decided to do her own thing, which brought her here anyway, so it all worked out.” He considers this for a moment before blindsiding me with his next words.

“She’s a good girl, doesn’t deserve to be pushed around, so behave like the man your mother and I raised you to be and treat her right.” And just like that, he turns to Jay and they start talking football.

---