Chapter 23
J oseph held his phone higher as he videoed Adele singing with the choir. He was so proud of her. She’d worked hard to get here and hadn’t once complained when Mabel’s practice schedule had overlapped with something else she wanted to do.
He didn’t know if Hillary was still checking the last email address she’d given him, but he’d send her a copy of the video and an update about what was happening in Adele’s life.
Although he’d hurt his ex-wife by not supporting her, he didn’t understand why she’d severed all contact with Adele. It shouldn’t have changed how she felt about her daughter. If anything, it should have made them closer.
When the choir finished singing “Silent Night”, Nate showed him the photos he’d taken.
“I’ll email you a copy of them,” he said to Joseph.
“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.” As the next song rolled into their last, the choir’s voices became even stronger. Even allowing for a huge bias, Joseph thought they were the best choir in the competition.
“That was amazing,” Shona whispered. “Did you get it all on video?”
“Most of it. I’m glad we didn’t have to sit too far away from the stage.”
Shona looked over her shoulder at the rows of seats behind them. “So am I. Can you look after my phone while I go to the bathroom?”
“Sure. Do you know where to go?”
“We passed them in the foyer on our way inside. I won’t be long.” As she made her way along the row of seats, Adele’s choir left the stage and the next one was waiting to take their place.
“Where’s Mom going?” Nate asked Joseph.
“To the bathroom. Did you enjoy listening to Adele’s choir?”
“They were pretty good. Adele looked cute in her red T-shirt and reindeer antlers.”
“She brushed the antlers last night to make sure they looked good.” If he didn’t speak to Nate now, he might never have a better chance. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. What is it?”
“How would you feel if I asked your mom to marry me?”
Nate’s eyes widened. “For real?”
Joseph nodded. He couldn’t think of anything more real or wonderful. “I know your mom and I haven’t been dating each other for long, but she’s an amazing person. I love her more than I could ever put into words. I’d like to spend the rest of my life with both of you as a new family.”
Nate looked at the stage. “Have you asked Adele what she thinks?”
“I spoke to her last night. She loves your mom and enjoys spending time with you. She’s excited and wants to be part of your life.”
“What do you think Mom will say when you ask her?”
“I hope she says yes, but I won’t ask her unless you’re happy to be part of mine and Adele’s life.”
Nate moved his legs as someone walked past them. “Dad wouldn’t have wanted Mom to be alone. She went through a really tough time after he died but, since she’s been spending time with you, she’s happy. If Mom wants to marry you, I don’t mind.”
Joseph hugged him. “Thank you.”
“When will you ask her?”
“I’d like you to be there, so I was thinking about asking her tonight, after we get home.”
“Okay.” Nate looked over Joseph’s shoulder. “Mom’s on her way back. Act natural.”
Shona smiled as she sat in her seat. “I made it to the bathroom before a crowd of women descended. Have I missed anything?”
Nate shook his head. “Nothing important.”
Joseph was saved from answering by the beginning of the next performance. As the choir director lifted his arms, Joseph breathed a sigh of relief. Without Nate’s support, asking Shona to marry would be pointless. Now, the only person he had to convince to spend the rest of her life with him was Shona.
And, even for someone used to high-risk situations, the next few hours would be nerve-racking.
Nine hours after they’d left Sapphire Bay, Joseph was finally home with Shona, Adele, and Nate.
With shiny gold medals around their necks, the choir had regrouped at The Welcome Center in Sapphire Bay for a well-deserved celebration. Coming first in a competition that had been the talk of the community Facebook page was a fantastic achievement.
The competition amongst the choir directors was fierce, but they’d all applauded the top three choirs. When Adele’s choir left the stage after the awards ceremony, the other choirs clapped and cheered. It was wonderful to see such great sportsmanship.
While they were in Polson, Jackie, Andrea, and Paris had decorated the main meeting room and organized some finger food and drink for everyone to enjoy. After even more celebrations and lots of photos, Shona and Nate had come to Joseph’s house for dinner.
It was a great ending to an eventful day, but it wasn’t over yet.
“Does anyone want to share the last spare rib?” Shona asked, standing in front of the barbecue grill. “Speak now or I’m eating the last one.”
Adele sat back in her seat. “No, thanks. I’m full.”
Nate wiped off the smoky barbecue sauce from around her face. “You look it. I’m okay, too.”
“Not for me,” Joseph added. “If I don’t say so myself, that marinade was one of the best we’ve tasted.”
Shona bit into the juicy rib and closed her eyes. “Mmm,” she said. “I agree.”
Joseph hoped he’d be able to recreate her blissful expression when he asked her to marry him. “What have you got planned for the rest of the evening?”
Shona picked up her paper napkin and wiped her mouth. “Dessert, dishes, maybe a little TV, then home for a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.”
Adele picked up her lemonade. “Can we go to The Starlight Café for breakfast tomorrow? Andrea said she’s making blueberry waffles.”
“You could come to my house instead,” Shona offered. “Nate makes amazing waffles.”
Adele’s eyes widened. “You do?”
Nate nodded. “They taste pretty good.”
“Okay. We’ll come to your house.”
Joseph sent an amused glance to Shona. “It looks as though you’ll have two early-morning visitors.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” When she’d finished eating, she held his hand and looked at him with eyes brimming with love. “Thank you for inviting us to Polson to listen to Adele’s choir. It was great to be part of the excitement.”
“I couldn’t imagine you not being there.” Joseph cleared his throat. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“I’d love one,” Shona replied.
“What about you, Nate?”
“No, thanks, but I’ll come and get another glass of lemonade.”
Adele sat forward in her seat. “Can I have a little cup of coffee?”
“Nice try, pumpkin, but you’re too young. What about one of those frothy milk drinks you like?”
“Can it have chocolate on the top?”
Joseph smiled. “Your wish is my command. Nate and I will be back in a minute.” As soon as they were in the kitchen, Joseph opened a cupboard beside the refrigerator.
“What are you doing?” Nate asked.
“Looking for the ring I bought your mom.”
“Oh. I hope you haven’t lost it.”
“It’s in here somewhere.” Kneeling on the floor, he pulled out the recipe books he’d never used.
“I’ll make the coffee.”
“Thanks. Where did you learn to make waffles?”
“My roommate taught me. They work in a café that makes amazing breakfasts.”
Joseph reached for the red velvet box in the back of the cupboard. “Found it.”
“Can I see it?”
Joseph pulled himself to his feet. “Sure. I’ll just make sure Shona isn’t coming to see what we’re doing.” He moved across to the doorway and listened to the conversation happening around the dinner table. Luckily, Adele was telling Shona about another book she wanted to write.
“We’re safe for a few more minutes.” Quickly, he opened the box lid and showed Nate the ring. “What do you think?”
The solitaire diamond ring was designed and made by a local jeweler. She’d won international awards for the unique pieces she created and always had clients waiting to purchase items from her next collection.
Joseph couldn’t believe his luck when he’d visited Cassie’s store last week. He’d arrived just as she was photographing her latest collection for her website. As soon as he saw the engagement ring, he knew Shona would love it. With its simple design, elegant gold scrolling around the single, sparkly diamond, and the slender gold band, it would look perfect on her finger.
Nate studied the ring. “It’s amazing. It’s hard to create a setting that holds the diamond in place without it looking too bulky. If I was choosing a ring, that’s the one I would’ve gone for, too.”
Joseph smiled. When they’d visited Nate in Bozeman, he’d shown him his design portfolio. He was a talented artist, carver, and sculptor, and it showed in every aspect of the projects he’d completed—from the preliminary designs to the finished products. Having his approval meant a lot to Joseph.
“Are you ready for me to ask your mom to marry me?”
Nate looked down at the ring, then back at Joseph before nodding. “I’m glad you found Mom and fell in love with her. I hope she says yes.” With tears in his eyes, Nate hugged Joseph tight.
Joseph took a deep breath. This was the beginning of something that could be amazing for everyone. “We’d better make Shona and Adele their drinks before we leave the kitchen. Otherwise, we’ll be fired.”
“Good idea. Mom gets grumpy if she doesn’t have a cup of coffee after dinner.”
Shona was laughing with Adele when Joseph and Nate came out of the kitchen.
“Here you go.” Joseph placed their drinks on the table. “One coffee for Ms. Quilter Extraordinaire and one frothy, milky drink for our talented singer and author.”
Adele grinned. “You remembered the chocolate!”
“You can thank Nate for that. I forgot.”
“Thanks, Nate.” Adele frowned. “Where’s your lemonade?”
For a moment, he looked confused. “I changed my mind.”
“You can have the rest of mine, if you like?”
With his cheeks flaming redder than his T-shirt, he reached for Adele’s drink. “Thanks.”
Joseph wiped his hands on his jeans. Sweaty palms were the least of his worries. His heart was beating so fast it was hard to breathe.
He cleared his throat, hoping to get everyone’s attention, but Adele was telling Shona about the next story she wanted to write. With a magic kingdom full of singing walruses, talking rabbits, and adventurous donkeys, it would be fun to write and read.
When Adele finished talking, Nate nudged Joseph’s leg under the table.
He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Even Nate was telling him to ask Shona the question that had been weighing on his mind.
Tapping his fork on the edge of his glass, he didn’t have to wait long for everyone to look at him.
“Not more speeches,” Shona said teasingly. “Mabel said just about all there was to say about the choir.”
“I don’t want to make a speech about the choir, but they were amazing.”
Adele sent him a beaming smile. He didn’t know whether it was because of what he’d said about their singing or because she knew what was coming next.
Holding Shona’s hand, he gently pulled her to her feet.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
She took one look at his face and frowned.
It wasn’t a good start to one of the most important speeches he’d ever make. “About two years ago, I saw a beautiful woman sitting in The Welcome Center with tears in her eyes. It turned out she was watching her son receive a college scholarship. From the first time I saw you, Shona, you touched something deep in my soul that I never thought I’d feel.”
Shona’s hand trembled and her eyes were brimming with tears.
Taking a deep breath, Joseph squeezed her hand and focused on what he wanted to tell her. “I know I’ve told you this before, but I love you. You take my breath away with your kindness and generosity. You make me believe in happy ever after and fairy tales that never end. I want to be the man you wake up to each morning and the last person you kiss each night. I want to be your safe place to fall and the person you’re proud to call your husband.”
He looked at Adele and Nate. “I’d like us to be a family, to learn from each other, and love each other for eternity. Shona Milligan, will you marry me?”
She looked into Joseph’s eyes and smiled through her tears. “I love you, too. I never thought I’d love another man, but you were like a gentle current that swept me off my feet. I can’t think of anything I’d like more. But I can’t say yes until I ask Nate and Adele what they think.”
“We’ve already said yes,” Nate told her.
“And you’re going to be my mom and Nate’s going to be my brother,” Adele added. “And I’ll have two granddads and a puppy if you say it’s okay.”
Shona took a tissue out of her pocket and blew her nose. “In that case, it sounds as though it’s a unanimous decision. We’re getting married!”
“You forgot the ring,” Nate said from across the table.
Joseph fumbled inside his pocket and pulled out the velvet box.
When Shona saw the ring, tears filled her eyes again. “It’s gorgeous.”
Adele stood on her chair to see it. “Wow. You should put it on.”
Joseph smiled. Between Nate and Adele, they knew what he should be doing better than he did. He slipped the ring onto Shona’s finger and sighed. “I’m not doing this very well, am I?”
“You’re doing just fine,” Shona said. “I love you so much.”
Joseph pulled her close and hugged her tight. When Nate and Adele joined them, he drew them into the hug, his heart pounding with a surge of pure love. These three people represented everything he was and everything he’d ever be, and he couldn’t wait to start the rest of their lives together.
THE END