Chapter 2 #2
Hiding her smile, she nodded. "It is. Let's go meet your sponsors.
Their names are Alvin and Elizabeth McKenzie.
They happen to be the best people I've ever met.
You'll address them as Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie unless otherwise instructed.
And you'll be respectful. They're cool and understanding, but also no-nonsense.
Respect goes a long way into making a relationship work.
" Her eyes hardened. "And if you're thinking of robbing them, think again.
They might be in their eighties, but they're no pushovers. "
"They're pretty old."
Allison grinned. "I suppose they are." Pushing the door open, she stepped into the cold and wrapped her jacket around her. "Leave your things, we'll get them later. Come on."
As soon as they stepped into the lofty foyer, Elizabeth McKenzie greeted them.
She might be in her eighties but did not look a day over sixty.
Graceful and fine boned, she had that classical look that defied age.
Her face was narrow, skin alabaster white, a legacy from her Irish descendants.
Her hair had turned completely white and was styled in a chic bob that swung against her sharp cheekbones.
Her eyes were bottle green and very intelligent.
Moving forward quickly, she wrapped her hands around Allison and hugged her tight.
Kissing her on both cheeks, she turned her attention to the boy who was trying hard not to appear awed at the soaring ceiling and the shiny hardwood floors.
"This must be Jaime."
"Yes ma'am." Not sure what to do with his hands, he stuck them into the pockets of his faded jeans and tried not to shift from one foot to the other.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Linking her hand through Allison's arm, she surprised him by taking his arm. "My husband is in the salon, and we have refreshments."
"We just ate," he blurted out, making her laugh.
"You're a growing boy, which means the junk food Allison fed you is probably out of your system by now. Here. Ah, Mabel," she beamed at the woman who appeared. "Perfect timing. You may bring in the tray. I'll pour."
She guided them into a room that reminded Jaime of a garden he had once visited.
There were different shades of green and flowers everywhere.
A man, tall, with white hair caught back into a ponytail, trained his laser sharp blue eyes on them as they approached.
His eyes touched on the boy before zeroing in on Allison.
A smile broke over his face and he was hurrying over to tug her into his arms.
"We haven't seen you in weeks," he accused her in a deep gravelly voice.
"Work. Hey Alvin." Going on her toes, she kissed him on the lips, allowing him to cradle her for a few seconds. "Meet Jaime."
With his arm still around her waist, he held out a hand in greeting. "Welcome to our home."
"Thank you, sir." Jaime clasped his hand, startled at the strong grip and the calluses he felt.
"Sit."
"We want to hear all about you. Thanks, Mabel." Elizabeth, always the perfect host, took over the tray and started serving coffee and hot chocolate. Jaime eyed the tiny sandwiches and sugary pastries in curious fascination and realized that he was starving.
Recognizing the expression on his face, Elizabeth piled his plate high and handed it to him. "Dig in." She winked at him before taking up her cup of tea and taking a sip.
*****
"I cannot thank you enough for doing this."
"Nonsense." Elizabeth waved a delicately shaped hand in dismissal.
Alvin had volunteered to give Jaime the tour and to collect his things from the car.
"You know Alvin and I love to help." She eyed the lovely young woman and felt the familiar pang.
Her daughter was gone forever, and outliving one's child was not something a parent ever gets over.
She had known Allison for several years now, ever since she inherited the property a few miles away from them and started living there.
Not only was she lovely, but she was also intelligent and compassionate.
Her crusade to get children off the streets had gained Elizabeth's profound admiration and affection. "We need the extra help."
Allison sent her an amused look. "We both know you have more than enough people working for you."
"It's a big farm." Green eyes twinkled. "And getting even bigger." Putting her cup down, she folded her hands in front of her. "I have news."
"Yes?"
"My grandson is coming to live with us."
"Oh?" Allison knew the tragic story of how they had lost their only child. "You must be very excited."
The older woman sighed and pressed her fists against her chest. "I'm trying not to get all giddy.
I'm afraid the staff are frustrated with all the changes I insist on making.
I want to make him comfortable. Dimitri hasn't been here for a very long time.
I keep wondering if he's going to take one look at the place and turn around. I want him to stay so badly."
"I'm sure he will want to stay." She had seen photos of both grandsons scattered around the rooms. They did not look anything like their grandparents, but Elizabeth had told her that they favored their father.
"I miss Angela every day of my life," she murmured.
"I know you do."
The woman nodded and rose gracefully to go look out the window. "We're planning a party as soon as he arrives." She turned to look at Allison, a speculative look in her eyes. "You have to come of course."
Squelching the urge to find some excuse not to attend, Allison smiled. "Of course."
"Good." Clapping her hands in a lightning change of mood, Elizabeth came to sit back down. "Now darling, tell me about the young man."
*****
He couldn't contain his excitement and insisted that Allison tour his living accommodations.
She had brought several boys here before and knew that the McKenzies provided the best living space.
There were several cottages and cabins on the grounds to house their employees who did not have anywhere else to go.
That included married couples with children.
A large greenhouse had been added that offered organic fruits and vegetables.
For several miles, there stretched fruit trees such as apples, oranges, lemon, peach and pecan.
In yet another enclosed area, there was a flower garden rioting with colors.
Elizabeth specialized in hybrid roses, ones that had won several awards over the years.
"I have my own room." Jaime's blue eyes shone, his thin face animated. "I share the place with an old man who's a real cowboy. Alvin," he slid her a challenging glance, "he said I could call him that."
"All right." They were at the corral watching a hand put the horses through their paces.
Allison loved to ride, and the offer to do so whenever she wanted to had been issued by the couple.
She was going to have to find the time to take them up on it.
"What will you be doing?" Turning her attention from the excellent animals, she glanced at him.
"Mucking out stalls," he grimaced. "Bouncing from one place to the next." He straightened his thin shoulders. "I want to learn everything." The sincerity in his tone warmed her heart. She could almost wager that Alvin had given him a pep talk, without it seeming to be one.
"Looks like you've found your calling." With a friendly grin, she cuffed him on the shoulder. "In almost no time, you're going to develop some muscles."
He looked startled at that as if it had not occurred to him.
"Think so?"
"Know so." She glanced at her watch. "Now, I have to go. I've stayed longer than anticipated. Need anything?"
He shook his head and shuffled his feet.
"Thanks. For you know, everything."
"You're most welcome. You can prove your appreciation by not disappointing me."
"I won't."
With a wave, she made her way to her car.
In the large living room with the fire at her back, Elizabeth gazed out at the scene.
"Such a lovely young woman." The wistful tone of her voice had her husband coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her trim waist.
Leaning back, she closed her eyes as she felt his solid frame against her.
"I've invited her to the party."
Bending, he kissed her on the top of her head. "Are you certain Dimitri will want to be bothered?"
"Of course." She continued to stare out the window at Allison. An idea had begun to form and had taken flight. "Our grandson is single. It's a shame for a man his age to be without someone significant."
Alvin stifled the sigh. "Darling, you cannot be thinking of playing matchmaker. His father would never allow him to become involved with an American."
"Then he would be labeled a hypocrite." Pain blossomed inside her heart.
"He married our baby, didn't he? And despite his uncouth manner and arrogance, he loved her dearly.
He swept her off her feet. Dimitri could benefit from someone like Allison.
He's only two years older than she is." She nodded and watched as the vehicle made its way along the winding driveway.
"She's lovely, exceptionally so and smart as well as very strong.
He needs a woman who will not allow him to walk all over her.
Our grandson is very handsome and used to having things his way. "
She turned in his arms, her expression softened with love. They had been married for almost sixty years now, and she was still in love with him. Not the giddy madness of their youth where they had a tough time staying away from each other, but one that was mature and mellow.
They had wanted more children, but the Lord had seen fit to deny her that desire.
Angela had been her baby. She had produced two very handsome boys who were now men.
Alexei had a son, but aside from seeing him twice, that was it.
If Dimitri happened to fall in love and stayed, she was praying that he would stay.
She wanted a part of her daughter right here with her.
Alvin lifted his hands to frame her face, his fingers gentle. "I don't want you to get your hopes up."
A smile curved her lips. "Too late." Lifting her hand, she touched his weathered face lightly. "And you know how determined I am." She gave him a speculative look. "You like her."
A sigh left his lips. "I do. She is an exceptional young woman. I cannot talk you out of it?"
She shook her head, eyes twinkling. "Not at all." Going on her toes, she brushed her lips against his. "I have to do some paperwork, and you have to see to the new mare."
Tightening his arms around her, he held on for a minute more before letting go.