Chapter 20
STONE
As much as it killed me not to tell Desirae all the details about what I was trying to pull off, and the degree of nastiness of my fight with the board, it’s finally done, and I can give her everything she deserves.
Kyle and I ensured the historic designations and legal protections were put into place, and then we went after the board with a vengeance.
Once they realized that legally there was no way they could successfully implement the initial plan, and that Kyle and I were in lockstep with the full support and cooperation of Sapphire Development and other major stakeholders, they had no choice but to cease their attempt at a hostile takeover, and approve the alternate plan for redevelopment of Pelican Point.
Now that everything is set, I can be the man I need to be for Desirae.
I’m running late for her reopening, but I needed to make a few stops first. Before entering the boutique, I pause outside, content to watch the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in her element.
The mid-morning light streaming in through the new energy efficient, but architecturally authentic, windows casts an ethereal glow around her.
She looks like an angel. My beautiful angel.
The updated plans and mock-ups are rolled up in a bundle under my arm. I’ve brought them today for everyone to see, so I can show how we’ve preserved both the Reilly building and the rest of the block, reminiscent of an earlier time, similar to old Key West.
Once I enter, the familiar scents of silk and lace mingle with the new scents of freshly waxed floors, and pine and holly. But even better, is the scent that is uniquely hers.
When she notices my arrival, she smiles, her face glowing, enhanced by a gorgeous red holiday dress. I’m ready to show her that I’ve chosen love over ambition, preservation over profit. I’ve chosen her, and I want the whole world to know.
“I have something to show you. But first, I want to make sure everyone’s here. I want them to see, too.”
“Everyone’s here. You’re the last to arrive.”
I look around, noting all the smiling faces. My mother and Mrs. Reilly, Joselyn and her fiancé Brennen, Emma and Miles Dawson, Hannah and Hailey, Candace Prescott and Ryan Murphy, Kyle and Kristina, and a number of folks I recognize from the town hall and the fashion show.
I unroll the project plans and invite everyone to gather round, although some of them are already aware of what I’m about to show Desirae.
I point to the renderings of the existing buildings on the block.
“With Emma’s help, the Reilly building is now designated as a historic landmark, as well as the buildings on either side.
They will remain architecturally intact until or unless the State revokes that designation.
The other buildings on the block will be updated to become mixed-use facilities, with affordable housing and priority given to tourist-friendly small businesses.
We’re in the process of seeking grants and matching corporate funding to establish a museum to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Black residents of Pelican Point throughout its history.
As you’ve suggested to me all along, Desirae, preservation and progress can co-exist, and this plan will ensure that. ”
Her eyes are shining with unshed tears, as she whispers, “thank you.”
Mrs. Reilly steps forward and hands an envelope to Desirae. “I have something for you. Open it, dear.”
Desirae opens the envelope and looks at the document inside. I watch her face as she realizes what she’s holding. I put an arm around her to steady her as the tears start to flow.
“Oh, Mrs. Reilly, I can’t accept this.”
“Yes, you can. It’s my gift to you. Your mortgage is paid in full. You now own this building free and clear.”
My mom steps up to Mrs. Reilly and gives her a hug. I move to stand next to them, before addressing the group again.
“I have another announcement to make. Recently, my mother and I discovered that we have some things in common with Mrs. Reilly. The three of us submitted swabs for DNA testing. We’re pretty certain that Mrs. Reilly’s son was—is—my father, which makes Mrs. Reilly my grandmother.”
Mrs. Reilly turns to me and scolds me just like a grandmother would. “Now Stone, it’s time you start calling me Gram. And another thing. I consider Regina to be my daughter-in-law. I don’t care about that silly test. Regardless of the results, I know in my heart that you are my family.”
Now all the women in the room are crying and I don’t know whether to offer them tissues or alcohol. But before we break out the champagne in celebration, there’s one more thing I need to do.
In my pocket is something that Virginia Reilly—correction—Gram gave me last night. Something that was supposed to be passed on to her son forty years ago.
I muster up all the courage I can, suddenly becoming more nervous than when I was in front of a hostile board of directors. I stand in front of Desirae and bend down on one knee, looking up into her gorgeous brown eyes still wet with tears.
“Desirae, the day you stormed into my office full of fire and passion, you changed my life. Little did I know, I was about to be enriched in so many ways. Because of you, I learned to appreciate things that I’d forgotten.
I found a renewed sense of purpose. I found family.
And I found love. I love you with everything I have and everything I am.
Will you make me the happiest man on earth by marrying me? ”
I pull out the ring and hold it up for her to see. Set in a vee-prong setting, the two carat princess-cut diamond is accompanied with glimmering round diamonds, pave-set on either side of a wide platinum band.
“This ring has been in the Reilly family for generations. A family heirloom for my lover of all things vintage.”
She holds out her hand for me to slip it on her finger, then my feisty Desirae orders me up off the floor, and gives me an enthusiastic yes.
The sounds of cheers and applause and the popping of champagne corks fade away in the background as I take her in my arms, basking in the joy of an intimate moment, as two people who once stood on opposing sides now stand united, proving that love truly does come in all sizes, and family is everything.