The recital went beautifully. Alexis never performed a solo, but had a confident stage presence, even when she missed one cue. Afterwards, they all went out for ice cream. Kate and Rick both watched Mackenzie carefully, not wanting to her to overdo and send her back to the hospital. Before long, their eyes met in agreement and they headed home.
As Kate started to lead the children upstairs, the doorbell rang. Kate looked expectantly at Rick, but he didn't stop walking up the stairs with Mackenzie in his arms. She shrugged her shoulders, figuring he'd forgotten that Martha wasn't in the house.
"I'll get it. Dad! What are you doing here?" Kate's shock was measurable.
"I need an excuse to visit my granddaughter?" Jim smiled weakly as he stood outside the doorway.
"Usually yes," Kate stated tersely.
"Well, I wanted to read Mackenzie a story tonight. What's so wrong about that?"
"I thought we talked about this. I don't want Mackenzie around you when you've been drinking."
"I've quit Katie," Jim said solemnly.
Kate studied the man before her. "For real? Or is this like the last time?"
"This time is for real." Jim reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver and a red chip handing it to her. "I got these a few weeks ago. I should be getting my yellow one next week." Kate studied the chips in her hand. She wanted to believe her father was really quitting this time but a seed of doubt was still in her mind. Jim seemed to sense that. "Listen Katie, I know I can't erase what has happened over the past few years but I want to change. I'm going to all my meetings. I'll even bring you each chip as I earn them."
"How did you even find us?" Kate asked just as Rick came back down the stairs.
"Oh, hello Jim. Pleasure to see you again," Rick stuck his hand out to greet the older man. Kate watched the exchange in disbelief.
"I just came to help my granddaughter get to bed. Why don't you two just relax?"
Rick nodded, then turned towards Kate. "Splendid idea. Kate, since your father is here, how about sneaking away for a bit? Care to join me for a little dancing?"
Kate wondered about the whole exchange. She crossed her arms and threw Rick a guarded look. "Why do I get the feeling I've been set up here?"
Rick shrugged his shoulders, raising his eyebrows innocently while shaking his head. She was intrigued and excited at the thought that he'd schemed to take her out. Of course, she also wanted to dance with him again.
"Sure. Just give me a chance to change..."
He grinned like a little boy and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the door. "There's no need, Kate. Just come with me. I've taken care of everything."
Once they settled into the town car, Rick divulged their destination. "How about Swing 46?"
"Oh,Rick, I love that place, but I can't go there dressed like this." She looked down, indicating her bright sweater and tight jeans.
Rick reached down under the seat and extracted a long, slender box. Handing it to her, he repeated, "I'd be grateful if you wore this tonight."
Kate's hands shook a little as she accepted the box from him. She opened it to find a beautiful black cocktail dress. She sat speechless as she lifted it, revealing the sexy v-neck and narrow bottom. Noticing where he'd purchased it, she turned to protest, and found Rick holding a pair of strappy, silver heels and matching clutch. "Rick, I can't accept something this extravagant."
Rick had expected this reaction from her and knew it was time to start wooing. He set down the shoes and purse and took her hand in his.
"Kate, since the day I met you, you have given me and my children the invaluable gifts of love and comfort. When Kyra died, I was lost. I flailed around without direction for years and forced my children to grow up alone." She sat enthralled by the emotion evident in his voice. His eyes shone in the dim light of the town car as he continued to speak. "You've been more than a nanny to them and helped me to find my way back into their lives. I can never repay you for that. Please, accept this as a small token of my gratitude."
Touched by his kind words, she wavered. Fingering the exquisite gown, she hesitated, "I don't know..."
"Please, Kate?" Oh, that voice! It sent shivers down her spine.
"Well, if you insist. Turn around so I can change."
Rick smiled at her with such joy that it melted her heart. He turned to look out the window and tried to think of something other than Kate stripping down beside him. Oh, why did I think of her almost naked? He closed his eyes, which only heightened the sounds of her undressing.
After a couple of torturous minutes, she told him it was safe to turn around. His jaw dropped at the vision beside him. The glistening material clung to her body and highlighted every delicious curve. She pulled out her compact to inspect her hair and make up, not even noticing his ravenous look.
"I guess it will have to do. Here, you need to zip me up." She turned to him and noticed for the first time the befuddled look on his face.
"Do I look okay?"
He swallowed and stammered out, "Breathtaking," before reaching over to pull the zipper up with shaking hands, just as the town car pulled to a stop.
They sat enjoying a drink of champagne and a wonderful conversation when they heard the band start playing. As he offered his arm, they both remembered their last dance and burst out laughing.
"Well, I don't know if Sinatra can compete with the children, but why don't we give it a try?"
"I'd love to."
Kate adored dancing, especially with Rick. He moved her around the dance floor so skillfully, that she hardly noticed her feet touching the ground. They danced several numbers in succession, until the tempo slowed. He gradually reached in to pull her a little closer to his body, dipping his head down to press his cheek next to hers.
Impulsively, she reached both arms up to drape them loosely around his neck and placed a whisper of a kiss on his cheek. She felt his body tense for a moment, then his breath as he exhaled slowly against her neck.
They continued to gravitate toward one another until they merely swayed back and forth to the music. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against her chest as he pulled his face back to look in her eyes. He didn't say anything, just stared for a long moment. Kate's breath caught at the intense look just before he lowered his head to capture her mouth.
The kiss was long and sweet, full of every tender emotion that he felt for the woman in his arms. He pulled away slowly, savoring her flavor on his lips. When he opened his eyes again, they brimmed with tears.
Kate's brow crinkled in concern. "Rick, what's wrong?"
He gave a watery smile and shook his head. "Nothing. I just never thought I'd ever feel this way again."
"Feel what way?" Kate uttered the words weakly, both afraid and hopeful of the answer.
"Alive...free...happy..." The smile disappeared from his mouth, "and so completely and madly in love." He smiled again at the stunned look on her face. "You befriended me, encouraging me to become a good father again. You support me in everything that I do and give me a swift kick in the butt when I need it." She smiled, her own eyes a little moist from his tender words. "Most of all, you brought me back to life, allowing me a second chance at joy and happiness. I love you, Kate!"
She could hardly breathe as she listened to him declare his love. This beautiful, caring, sexy as hell, wealthy man loves me. She never dared to hope someone like him could love someone like her.
She wanted to believe him, but a nagging doubt remained. They had stopped dancing and simply stood still in the middle of the dance floor, gazing at each other. She looked into his eyes, searching for the answer.
Could she trust him? Could she risk her own heart again?
The realization hit Kate all at once, taking her breath away. It didn't matter. Whether she wanted to open her heart or not, she'd already lost it to him. Not acting on her feelings wouldn't stop any pain if things didn't work out, it would just deprive them of something deeper and more rewarding.
She loved him. She had since Mackenzie's birthday when she'd discovered his kindness. The tears that threatened to fall finally slipped out and trailed slowly down her cheek. He reached up to wipe them away.
"I love you, too" she murmured.
He stepped back from her, reaching into his pocket. He shocked her by dropping to one knee.
"Kate, I look into the future and I can't imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?"
Her breath caught as he presented the ring to her. It was magnificent, sparkling in the dim light of the dance hall. His eyes sparkled as well, hinting at his nervousness when she didn't respond immediately.
She sat down on his knee and placed her hands on his cheeks. Giving him a tender kiss on the lips, she whispered, "Yes, Rick. I would love to marry you."
His smile lit up the room. Standing, he took the ring and placed it on her finger, then embraced her. The dance floor erupted into applause as he passionately kissed his fiancée.
Kate slapped her hand haphazardly in the direction of her incessantly beeping alarm clock. She hadn't gotten much sleep since Mackenzie went back to the hospital and it was starting to take its toll on her. She groaned. Just five more minutes; then she'd get up.
Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she sat up in her bed. Slowly, she lifted her left hand and stared. There sparkling in the dim morning light sat the most beautiful diamond solitaire she'd ever seen. It wasn't a dream. Rick had really proposed last night. She heard a faint knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in."
The door opened to reveal the object of her thoughts. Still wearing his pajamas and robe, he came into her room and sat down on the edge of her bed. He stared into her bright eyes for a moment then leaned in to give her a lingering kiss.
"Good morning." His lips continued to caress hers as he spoke. "I couldn't wait to see you."
She reached up to run her fingers through his sleep-tousled hair. "Rick," she sighed, wantonly.
With one word, she took his breath away, driving him mad with desire. Without further thought, he wrapped his arms around her and attacked her mouth. She welcomed it, pulling him down with her until he lay across her chest, nestled among her pillows.
Both of their eyes popped open at a knock on her door. She smiled regretfully as he dropped his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes tightly. "I don't think I can wait until Sunday, Kate. Let's elope today."
"Hey, I'm not the one who put on the brakes last night."
He lifted his head to look her in the eye. "I know. I want everything legal first. I'm not just marrying you for that incredibly sexy and delicious body of yours..."
She pushed him up and smiled seductively, trailing her fingernails down the center of his chest. A more insistent knock interrupted her response.
"Duty calls..."
"Kate, are you awake? I need your help with my costume." Alexis's voice pierced the wooden barrier as the doorknob jiggled.
"I'm up, Alexis. I'll be right there." She looked at Rick and whispered, "You locked the door?"
He smiled with a predatory grin, pulling her up from the bed into his embrace. "Guilty, as charged. I had the most fantastically erotic dream about my gorgeous fiancée and wanted a little privacy."
She started to kiss him again, but he pulled away fearing that an additional delay would bring Alexis back. Stepping to the door, he opened it and peered out to make sure the hall had cleared. Before he could make his escape, she tugged on the belt of his robe, pulling him back for another kiss.
"When do you want to tell them?"
"Unless someone notices this," she lifted her left hand and wiggled her fingers. "After breakfast. Otherwise, they won't get to school on time."
"I love you."
"I love you more."