Chapter 55
55
Keith dressed in jeans, boots, and a dress shirt before getting the small box out of the safe at the rear of his closet. He gripped it tightly, sending up a quick prayer before shoving it into the front pocket of his jeans. He moseyed to the kitchen, where he found the cheeseboard already prepared in the refrigerator. He smiled then opened a bottle of wine to let it breathe while he retrieved a couple of wineglasses from the cabinet. As he waited for Michelle, he sat in one of the overstuffed leather chairs in the great room, thinking about how the next hour could go. He was lost inside his head when a delicate pair of lips pressed against his cheek.
“You’re a million miles away,” Michelle said. “I walked right past you, and you didn’t even see me.”
“Not a million miles away, only a little way into the future.”
“From the look that was on your face, that could be worrisome.”
He stood from the chair, taking her hand as he rounded it. When he stood in front of her, he kissed the back of her hand before wrapping it around the back of his neck. “I’m trying not to worry where you’re concerned, even though I know there are thousands of reasons why I should. With you, I’m trusting my gut and acting on faith that everything will turn out the way it’s supposed to.”
“What are you up to? You don’t normally speak so philosophically.”
“Let’s take this outside.”
She followed him as they took the wine, glasses, and platter to the deck. Michelle grinned as they walked out the double doors. The mountains in the distance were snowcapped. A river ran through the valley. Pink and orange were beginning to bleed into the blue sky. Keith took the platter from her as she gazed at the setting sun. When she turned around, he had poured the wine. The glasses sat on a bistro table that seemed to be made for the cabin with a man in mind. Wrought iron in a simple but elegant design. It suited him. “Did you have this made?” She ran her hand along the side of the table.
Keith nodded. “Local guy. He did all the ironwork around the place.”
Michelle opened her arms and turned around. “All of this is gorgeous. There are no words to describe this sunset. You were right. This does beat the bathroom view.” She grinned.
Keith laughed. “I’m glad you like it.” He pointed to another door that she hadn’t noticed. “That leads to our room, and there’s a couple of rocking chairs over there.”
“I love that.”
“Do you know what I love?”
“Tell me.”
“I love sharing my space with you. I love that you freely share your space with me. I love how we talk about a future together, not just the future. I love that you’re the first person I talk to in the mornings, but I wish I could see your face first thing every morning. I love that you’re the last person I want to talk to and see at night. I love holding you while you fall asleep, but I miss you when we aren’t together. I love how you love so fiercely. In other words, I simply love you.”
Tears rolled down Michelle’s face. “Oh, Keith, I love you too. I hate it when we’re apart. The days drag, and all I look forward to are your phone calls.”
“Then put us both out of our misery and agree to marry me.” He pulled out the box from his pocket. “Will you agree to be my wife, Michelle Conroy?”
Michelle’s hand flew to her mouth as she held his gaze. This man, who acted in movies for millions of people actually looked nervous. The earnestness on his face made her love him all the more. The emotion in his words spoke the truth. Did she love the man enough to overcome her anxiety about his career? Could she be his companion, his confidant, his lover, and still hold true to herself? Her chin quivered as more tears fell. Her heart raced, and her stomach clenched. After what seemed like forever, she cupped his face with trembling hands. “I didn’t expect this,” she whispered.
Hopefulness fell from Keith’s face. “So that’s a no?”
“What?” Michelle tilted her head. “How can you think that?” She rose to her tiptoes. “Yes, Keith. Yes, I’ll marry you.” She kissed him.
He wrapped his arms around her and spun around. “You scared me. You took so long. I thought I’d read everything wrong. Tonight will truly be a celebration.” He stopped and set her on her feet. “Let’s see if the ring fits.” He slipped the ring that she’d barely looked at on her finger. “Do you like it? We can take it back if you want something else.”
“Is this the ring you chose for me?”
“I think it suits you. It isn’t pretentious, but big enough for the world to see.”
“Then I love it because you put thought into it. You thought about who I am before purchasing it.”
“You aren’t like anyone else I’ve ever known. I will always think about you.”
They toasted themselves and enjoyed the sun giving way to the stars as it silhouetted the mountains in the distance.
Keith opened Michelle’s car door. As they walked toward the restaurant, a flash snapped just as bright headlights came directly at them. Keith put up his hand, trying to block the glare from the light, while Michelle looked at the ground, trying to focus on the path before her. Keith released her hand and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her toward his chest, helping her avert her eyes.
“I thought you said people leave you alone here,” Michelle mumbled.
“They usually do. Maybe it’s because I’m with you.”
“I guess I’ll need to get used to this.”
“You said yes, so you can’t back out now,” he said with laughter in his voice.
She tilted her face toward his. “Wasn’t planning on it, but I’d rather your children hear the news from you, not find out on some gossip site.”
“Maybe they didn’t get a good picture.”
“Let’s hope you’re right.”
They enjoyed dinner in a quaint restaurant where the staff gave them privacy for their celebration.
Noises from down the hallway woke Keith up. He eased himself out of bed and slipped on the pair of jeans thrown across the chair, quietly closing the bedroom door. He wiped the sleep out of his eyes as he made his way to the great room.
“Chip? What the hell are you doing here so early?”
“Early? It’s nine. I didn’t know if you were going with me to get Kevin and Sam from the airport.”
Keith scrubbed his hands up and down his face. “Yeah, yeah. Give me five.”
“I’ll make the coffee while you get ready.”
Keith washed his face, brushed his teeth, and dressed before he kissed Michelle. She stirred and covered her mouth when she rolled over.
“I’m going with Chip to get the boys. We’ll be back in a bit. You don’t have to get up now, but you can’t sleep too much longer. Coffee is ready.”
“Yes . . . coffee, boys, get up . . . on it.”
Keith chuckled. “I’m leaving.”
“Be careful.”
When Michelle heard the door close, she shuffled to the bathroom. After she washed her face and put on makeup, she slipped on one of Keith’s flannel shirts. It was long enough to cover her bottom, so she felt comfortable going to the kitchen to get coffee. While Keith was gone, she looked at emails since she hadn’t checked them for a few days. There was one from her agent letting her know that she received the manuscript and wanted to know when Michelle would be home. She responded to that and then checked texts. With all the drama of Samantha being here, she’d forgotten to let the children know that she’d arrived safely.
Quickly typing responses and apologies to each of them, she felt they were squared away. Hoping the photographer didn’t get a good picture, she scrolled through the entertainment feeds. She frowned when she saw the picture attached to the headline, “Keith Mason and His New Love.” Her face couldn’t be seen from the flash in the lights, but a bright red circle was drawn around her hand, showcasing the diamond ring on her finger. So, it begins , she thought. How long could they keep her identity hidden? She finished her coffee and went back to the kitchen for another cup.
She was closing the refrigerator door when she heard male voices. She turned around to see two pairs of eyes that looked so much like Keith’s that there was no way he could have ever denied them. They were frozen in a state of shock when Keith walked through the door. His lips pulled into a half smile as his gaze raked over Michelle’s attire.
Keith cleared his throat. “Kev, Sam, go put your gear away, then you can meet this lovely lady.”
Mumbled “Yes, sirs” left the boys as their gazes found the floor.
“I am so sorry. I didn’t expect you back so quickly. I’m so embarrassed.”
“I love what you’re wearing, and they didn’t see any more than if you had on a pair of shorts.” He nibbled her neck. “And please wear my shirts any time you like, preferably with nothing underneath.”
“Keith!” She swatted at him before hurrying to their room, where she dressed more appropriately for meeting his children.
“Was that her, Dad?” a voice that sounded almost as deep as Keith’s asked.
“Mom never wore your clothes,” said a voice a bit younger.
“That was Michelle,” Keith answered. “And you don’t know what your mother did before you were born.”
Shyly, Michelle walked down the hall, wishing she could rewind time. Before she was ready for anyone to know she was there, Keith met her halfway across the room.
“Kevin, Samuel, this is Michelle Conroy.” He smiled at her. “Michelle, my sons Kevin and Samuel.” He pointed to each of the boys in turn.
“Hi. I’m so excited to meet you. Your dad has told me a lot about you.” She stepped away from Keith to shake each of their hands.
“Nice to meet you,” Kevin said as he took Michelle’s hand.
“Sorry, wish we could say the same.” Sam smirked then looked at Keith.
“Sam . . .” A warning from Keith.
“What, Dad? Kevin said that you met someone. At least he got a phone call. I didn’t even get that.”
“I tried to get in touch with you, but you were in a freshman seminar.”
“Stop, Sam. Ms. Conroy doesn’t deserve this. I’m sure she won’t be here in a few weeks.”
Michelle flashed Keith a questioning look. “Call me Michelle, please.” The boys nodded. “Can I get either of you something to drink?”
“We know where things are,” Sam said as he walked into the kitchen.
“Why don’t we sit down?” Keith suggested. He and Michelle sat on the sofa while the boys sat across from them. “Look, guys, I’ve got something to tell you.”
“Let me guess. You’re so in love that you’re moving to wherever she lives.” Kevin flipped his hand in the air.
“Not exactly. If the two of you would stop acting like petulant preschoolers, I’ll tell you.”
They each squirmed in the chairs, looking rightfully scolded.
“I asked Michelle to marry me last night, and she agreed.”
“Of course she did,” Kevin said.
“Kevin, I get the bitterness, but Michelle isn’t like that.”
“How are you going to marry her with you and Mom getting back together?” Sam scowled.
“Let me make one thing clear, Sam. Your mother and I would never get back together, even if Michelle wasn’t in the picture.” He held Michelle’s hand, frowning. “Where’s your ring?”
“In my pocket. I didn’t think I should wear it until you told them.”
“Please put it back on.” He watched her dig the ring out, then turned his attention back to his sons. “I found something with Michelle that I never thought was possible for me. I’ve found the kind of love my parents had, which was something I never thought I would. Please give her a chance.”
Kevin sighed. “Look, Michelle, ever since Mom and Dad separated, we’ve seen women throw themselves at Dad, so forgive us if we don’t expect you to stick around or want anything to do with us.” He nodded toward the ring on her finger. “I guess you can sell that rock and make a small fortune.”
Michelle gasped. “Kevin, I understand your bitterness. I have a son that wasn’t thrilled to meet your father either. In fact, he was downright angry. Your father and I met accidentally.” She smiled at Keith, remembering the day at The Coffee Café. “He bumped into me. I never thought I’d see him again, but we did several weeks later. He asked me to dance. The point I hope you’re seeing is that I didn’t run after your dad.”
Keith chuckled. “I basically had to beg her for her number, guys. Michelle doesn’t care about my career. In fact, she’d prefer not to have anything to do with it.”
Sam scoffed. “That’ll be difficult.” He looked at Michelle. “You do realize he kisses other women on screen, right? And not to mention all but has sex with them? You know he attends premieres and award shows. And you think you can avoid his career?”
“Stop it, Sam,” Keith said sternly.
Michelle squirmed in her seat. Sam had touched on all the reservations she had for getting involved with Keith. If he was trying to scare her off, he was doing a good job. “Excuse me,” Michelle said as she left the room.
She sat on one of the chairs in the bedroom, looking out the window. What was she thinking? She couldn’t marry Keith. She didn’t belong in this world. She’d never fit in. Michelle pulled her knees to her chest and closed her eyes, listening to Keith talk with his sons. He wasn’t exactly yelling, but he wasn’t quiet and calm either.
“You better pray she doesn’t leave me because of what you said. She’s a nice woman. You haven’t given her a chance because you think your mother and I will reconcile. I promise you, now that I know what true love is, and it’s taken me thirty years to find it, I will not let her go. Give her a chance. You might surprise yourselves and actually like her.” There was an extended period of silence. Keith’s voice sounded calmer but still not the calm she knew. “Her youngest son is your age, Kevin. Don’t worry, Sam, you’ll still be the baby. But she does have a daughter, so that might trump baby.” Keith’s voice was almost jovial. “I’m going to check on her, and when we come back, you both owe her an apology.”
Michelle didn’t hear their responses since she’d picked up her phone to call Jackie.
“Michelle? What’s going on?”
“Jackie, I . . . I need to talk.”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Tell me what’s happening.”
“Keith asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
“That’s wonderful! Why are you upset? I can hear it in your voice.”
“One of his sons brought up every topic that’s triggered my reluctance with Keith. I... I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t want to live in a glass bowl. I treasure my privacy too much. How... how can I do this? It wouldn’t be fair to him.” She molded her hand to her forehead. “Am I crazy?”
“To give up Keith Mason? You damn straight you are. He’s a nice guy, Michelle. He loves you. Y’all are so happy together. Build from that. Give yourselves time. His career is a lot to take in, but you’re a strong woman.”
“I don’t know if I’m that strong,” she said as she remembered her conversation with Steve Gardner.
“You are,” a voice came from behind her.
She quickly turned to see Keith standing in the doorway. “I need to go, Jackie,” she said as she held Keith’s gaze.
“Talk to him, Michelle. Remember, he loves you.”
Michelle disconnected the call. She broke their stare, afraid she’d cave if she continued to look him in the eyes. She didn’t know what she was going to say, but she knew she had to say something.
“Before you start telling me all the reasons you can’t marry me, please hear me out.”
Air caught in Michelle’s throat. How did he know?
He picked her up and sat in the chair with her on his lap. “Sam hit all the hot spots, didn’t he?”
“A bullseye.”
“Do you think I haven’t thought about all of those too? Do you think I don’t remember all the things we talked about? Do you think I wouldn’t walk through fire for you?”
“They’re my hang-ups, Keith. Not yours. We’ve had this discussion. It isn’t fair to you.”
“Keeping your love from me isn’t fair to me. The rest of it, we’ll work through. The day you decide to accompany me on set or to an awards show will be the day that I know that you’re there for me and only me. The static surrounding it will all fade away. But I know that’s going to take some time for you, and I’m willing to give you that time.”
“I can’t ask that of you.”
“You aren’t asking it of me, I’m offering it to you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and let the tears fall freely. “I love you, Keith, so much.”
“Then don’t let those two knuckleheads out there ruin this.”
“You’re right. You’re worth fighting for.”
“Let’s go make the most of the weekend. Be yourself. Do not try to impress them because as much as I love them, their opinions don’t count.”
They walked back into the great room hand in hand.
They’d barely stepped into the room when Kevin cleared his voice. “Sorry, Michelle. I wasn’t being fair to you.”
“Thank you, Kevin. I hope we can be friends.”
He nodded as Sam stepped closer. “What he said.”
Michelle went to speak when Keith cut her off. “Sam, you can do better.”
Sam’s head dropped forward. “Sorry if I hurt your feelings.”
“Thanks, Sam. Like I told Kevin, I hope we can be friends.”
“Yeah,” Sam said.
Determined to do what made her happy, Michelle moved toward the kitchen. “Does everyone like lasagna? I planned to make one for dinner.”
Agreement came from all around. Keith smiled with pride at how she handled the boys and how they stepped up to the plate to apologize to her.
“What can I do to help?” Keith asked.
“I saw all my ingredients were delivered. Show me where the pots and pans are, then y’all need to get lost for a while.”
A few minutes later, the guys walked to the barn, Michelle turned on the music on her phone and started cooking. A couple of hours later, the house smelled like an Italian restaurant. She was dancing around the kitchen, making the salad and slicing a baguette, when laughter came from behind her. She turned around to find the three guys clapping, so she curtsied.
“Dinner smells wonderful,” Keith said as he walked into the kitchen.
“How much longer?” Kevin asked.
“Do we have time for showers?” asked Sam.
“You have time for showers if you hurry.”
Thirty minutes later, they were gathered around the table, talking and eating. Michelle made an effort to get to know the boys and them to know her.
“It’d be nice for Michelle’s children to fly out when you can come up to meet them, hopefully before the wedding,” Keith suggested.
“When is the wedding?” Sam asked.
“We haven’t discussed it yet.” Michelle smiled.
“Soon.” Keith returned her smile.