CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
LORI
Lori felt better after talking with her sisters. They had a way of pulling information out of her, which was sometimes irritating, but in this case, it turned out to be a needed release of her worries.
That afternoon, she sat down with paper and pen and began writing down her thoughts.
She was well aware of what her nightmares about Nick meant.
Now, it was time to analyze why she’d had them about Griff.
She wrote down what she could remember of them.
And then, as her therapist had taught her, she questioned why those scenes were part of her dream, looking for answers so she could dismiss them.
After working on it, Lori saw a pattern.
She was trying to save Griff from getting hurt.
She feared he was running away from her.
And she didn’t want to be alone. Guilt at leaving her old life behind was part of it, too, she realized.
She didn’t need to talk to her therapist to understand why she was feeling that way.
Her cell phone rang. Cara.
Smiling, Lori picked up the call.
“Hi, girlfriend,” said Cara. “I’m glad you’re back. I want to hear all about your trip to the winery. Did you meet the handsome man who runs it?”
“It’s great to be back. I can’t wait to see all my special little ones,” avoiding Cara’s question. “Was it busy at school?”
“Yes, and we missed you,” Cara said. “But we hoped you were having a fantastic time.”
“It was wonderful,” sighed Lori. “I learned a lot.”
“But did you meet Griffin Sawyer, the man on the website?” Cara persisted in asking. “He and the other man, Pete, are total hotties.”
“I did meet them and spent time with them,” said Lori. “I met a lot of people and saw a bit of Napa. As I said, it was a much needed, little getaway. How about you? Dating anyone new?”
“Now that you ask, I met up with one of our classmates, Brian McArthur. Remember him?” asked Cara. “He was sort of small and wore glasses back then. You should see him now. Tall and handsome and hunky. We hit it off. I’m seeing him next weekend.”
“That’s exciting news,” said Lori with genuine enthusiasm. She’d been worried about leaving her best friend if she and Griff decided to move forward with their relationship.
“Anyway, welcome back,” said Cara. “The kiddos will be happy to see you as we all will.”
Lori ended the call excited how things might be happening for her friend.
###
The next morning, Lori went into work early hoping to find a few free moments with Janie Sherwood. As owner of Bright Beginnings, she was sometimes difficult to find alone.
When Janie saw her, she beamed at Lori and hurried over to give her a long hug. “Welcome back. We missed you! Did you have a nice time?”
“I had a fabulous time, but I missed being with the kids when I had time to think about them.”
Janie studied her. “You look wonderful, tanned and relaxed. I’m glad you took this week off. Now, let’s get to work. As usual, this time of year, parents are already wondering about our summer programs.”
“Are you planning to be open as usual or do something else?” asked Lori.
“I think it’s smart to open a special summer day camp for kids 5 to 7 years old. What do you think?” Janie asked her.
“That age group could use a chance to get out and be with others during the summer months. I know our mothers will be thrilled with the idea,” Lori said.
“I want you to take charge of the program,” said Janie. “Will you do it?”
Lori looked down at the ground and then faced Janie. “I can’t make that commitment until I clear up an unexpected situation.”
“Want to tell me about it?” asked Janie.
Lori shook her head. “At the moment, I can’t. It’s out of my hands.”
“Hm-m-m.” Janie focused on her. “Okay, but don’t leave it for too long.”
The other teachers and kids started to arrive, and the day began in a flurry of activity.
When the children ran to her for hugs, Lori’s eyes filled. She loved these kids who filled her days. It would be hard to leave them.
###
The next ten days flew by during the day and dragged on and on each night. Lori began to believe that the time with Griff was nothing more than friendship like before.
One late afternoon, Lori had just diapered a baby when Cara came rushing into the nursery. “Quick, Lori! There’s someone here to see you. Give me the baby and go to the front entry.”
Cara took the baby from her and gave Lori a gentle push out of the room.
Lori’s thoughts were spinning.
When she got to the front entrance, she gasped at the sight of Griffin. “What are you doing here?” she asked, hating the breathiness, the uncertainty of her voice.
“We need to talk,” Griff answered.
Shocked by the look of determination on his face, she said, “Okay. Follow me.”
She led him outside onto the sweeping front porch and over to an area at the side of the house. “We’ll have privacy here.”
They stood facing one another uneasily.
“I need to know where I stand with you,” said Griff, giving her a penetrating look. “You promised to call me after you got home. At first, I thought you didn’t do it because you were busy. Then I realized that, like before, you just wanted to be friends.”
“Oh, but …” Lori began. “I’ve been waiting for you to call me,” she admitted sheepishly. “The longer I waited, the more certain I became that you wanted to end what we had and didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”
The grim look on Griff’s face transformed into a bright smile. He held out his arms. “Come here.” His brilliant blue eyes shone.
In response, she hurried into his embrace and nestled against him.
“God, I’ve missed you,” murmured Griff. “I know this may sound crazy after all that’s happened in such a short time, but seeing you again, I have no doubt. Lori, will you marry me?”
Lori stepped back and gazed at the hopeful expression on his face, then threw her arms around his neck. “Yes, Griff. Oh, yes! I’ll marry you.”
As Griff’s lips met hers, Lori had no doubt that this was right. She knew it heart and soul. They’d spent hours talking. She’d seen him with his family, seen him work hard. He was everything he represented.
When they pulled apart, Lori heard the sound of soft clapping and realized that Cara, Janie, and several toddlers were staring at them, heads turned at a sharp angle, from a window a short distance away.
“I guess others like our decision,” said Lori.
“None more than Sarita who told me we were meant to be together, that she saw it the first day you arrived at the winery,” said Griffin, wrapping his arm around her. “I’ll formally ask your father’s permission, and together we can pick out a ring. Is that okay?”
“It’s perfect. But I need to warn you that my parents don’t know much about our time together. I didn’t want to spoil it until I knew for sure that my feelings for you were reciprocated.”
“Life is full of surprises, as we both know. Let’s make this one the best of all,” said Griff.
Joy surged through her. They’d begun the New Year weekend at The Beach House Hotel. Now, they were beginning a new life together.
And she knew the perfect place for a wedding.
###
On such a momentous occasion, Janie readily agreed to give Lori the rest of the day off.
Lori told Griff to follow her in his car to her house. From there, they’d go together to her parents’ home. First, she couldn’t wait to get him alone.
He seemed as anxious as she was to be together as they traveled the few blocks to her house.
They pulled their cars into her driveway and got out.
“Want to come in before we go to visit my parents?” Lori asked him.
He grinned at her. “You know I do. It’s been way too long since we’ve been alone.”
At the sexy look he gave her, Lori put her arms around his neck, and they kissed once more. This time they had more privacy. But it still wasn’t enough.
When they broke apart, Lori went to the front door and unlocked it. She turned to him at her heels. “Come on in.”
Inside the front hallway, he lifted her into his arms and held her tight. “Let’s not waste a minute.”
Her body filled with anticipation, and she directed him to her bedroom.
There, they showed one another how much they wanted their union.
###
Satisfied by their lovemaking and brimming with joy, Lori called her mother.
“Mom, I have someone I want you and Dad to meet. May I bring him over?”
“Does this have anything to do with a handsome California winemaker?” asked her mother.
“Yes, it does. How do you know?”
Her mother chuckled. “Your sisters adore you and have been fussing about certain news. Bit by bit I could put it together. Please come. We can’t wait to meet him. Do you mind if I call your sisters so we can all celebrate?”
Lori laughed. “By all means, call them. Griff needs to see how close our family is. We’ll be there shortly.”
After Lori hung up, she turned to Griff. “Well, it’s too late now. You’re about to meet my entire family.”
He laughed. “Might as well get it over with,” he teased. “It’ll be a bit like you meeting mine all together.”
By the time Lori and Griff drove up to her parents’ house, Flo’s van and Aurelia’s SUV were already in the driveway.
She parked the car and got out to lead Griff to the front door of the two-story colonial home that had housed their close-knit family.
They’d reached midway up the sidewalk when the front door opened, and both of her sisters rushed to greet them.
Lori accepted their hugs and then introduced Griff.
“We’re very happy to meet you,” said Aurelia.
“I’m glad you’re visiting. Guess it was a surprise,” Flo said.
“A fantastic one,” said Lori, turning to Griff, who was grinning.
Lori looked up and saw her parents at the doorway waiting. Her mother was blinking rapidly as she held Eloise in her arms. Her father had hold of Hudson’s hand. Aurelia’s daughters, Sara and Lizbeth, broke free and ran toward her.
They stopped when they got close and studied Griff with openness and then ran to hug her.
Lori made more introductions.
“Gordon is going to pick up Blake,” said Aurelia. “They should be here soon.”
Lori noticed both of her sisters study her ring finger but neither said anything about her bare hand.
“Okay, everyone. I want to introduce Griff to Mom and Dad,” Lori said. “Let’s go.”
Lori led Griff to the entrance.
“Mom and Dad, I want you to meet Griffin Sawyer. Griff, these are my parents, Caroline and Henry Pierce.”
Griff shook hands with each of them, and they all entered the house, followed by the group outside.
“Well, this is a special occasion,” said Lori’s mother. “It’s nice you could visit.”
“Yes,” said Griff. He put an arm around Lori. “It’s a real pleasure.”
“Why don’t we have a toast to celebrate your visit?” said Lori’s father.
“I suggest we have an informal dinner together. By informal, I mean ordering in New York style pizza, salads, and anything else we want,” Lori’s mother said. “It’s easiest with the kids.”
“Are you game?” Lori asked Griff.
“You bet,” he said.
While her mother took charge of the kids, her father suggested he could use some help from Griff in selecting a proper wine.
Left alone, Lori turned to her sisters who’d gathered around her.
Flo fanned herself. “What a hottie! The website doesn’t do him justice.”
“He seems very nice,” said Aurelia.
They turned as Aurelia’s husband, Gordon, arrived with Blake, Flo’s husband.
Lori’s dad and Griff emerged from the kitchen talking comfortably to one another. Griff gave her a wink before setting down a tray of glasses on the coffee table in the living room.
Griff shook hands with the newly arrived men and then handed out glasses of wine to everyone, including her mother who returned to the living room to help celebrate.
Her father raised a glass. “This is a bigger celebration than we thought. Griff has asked for Lori’s hand in marriage, and I’ve congratulated him on making an excellent choice.”
Her mother let out a little cry of joy. “Oh, my! Such marvelous news.” She set down her glass and hugged Lori, then hesitated just a moment before hugging Griff, who hugged her back as best he could while holding a glass of wine.
“Hear! Hear!” said Aurelia. “We’re happy for you both!”
Everyone raised their glasses.
Lori gripped hers tightly, wanting to seize this moment and make it last.
“Lori and I are going to pick out a ring together,” said Griff.
“I hope it’s a big, bright one,” Flo said, and everyone laughed.
Lori didn’t care what it looked like. It was simply a symbol of what she knew now would be a lasting love.