Chapter Thirty-Three
Liam
It was Friday night, and Alyssa had been stuck in either the hospital or home since Tuesday. I knew she wasn’t used to not working, not getting out, so I wanted to do something special.
“I’m making dinner at my house tonight,” I announced to Holly, Alyssa, and Maria.
“You think she should be out? I can just make something here.” Maria quickly protested.
“No, that sounds great,” Alyssa piped up, suddenly showing some enthusiasm.
“Okay then. I’ll invite Aiden and Bill too,” I added, and then stood up to leave.
I leaned over Alyssa, kissing her gently on the lips. I’d missed holding her in my arms, but it was hard to get any privacy at Maria’s.
This would be a great opportunity to talk to Holly and Maria about my plans. I could get Bill and Aiden to distract Alyssa long enough for me to spring it on them, and then they could help me plan the surprise.
I gave Holly a quick hug and then leaned in to embrace Maria. It was still awkward trying to be affectionate with her, but we were growing closer, even closer than before I left.
“Hey, man,” I greeted Aiden as he answered his phone.
I was in my truck, driving to the grocery store to pick up the steaks. I knew Alyssa was excited to get back to a regular diet, so I wanted her first meal to be a good one.
“What’s up?” Aiden asked.
“I’m having dinner at my house tonight; I want you to come,” I offered.
“I’d love to. Anything I can bring?” he asked.
“Nope. Just do me a favor. Keep Alyssa occupied after we eat; maybe you and Bill can distract her long enough for me to tell Maria and Holly my plan,” I asked.
“I can do that,” he agreed.
I gave him the time and hung up. I found a spot to park in the busy grocery parking lot, the only market in our small town.
As I climbed out of my truck, Senator Kline pulled in beside me.
“Liam,” he greeted me enthusiastically.
“Good to see ya, sir,” I smiled.
“I’m looking forward to starting up next week,” he grinned.
“Me too,” I agreed, and then waved as he pulled off to find a place to park.
I was thankful that I hadn’t started yet. It was nice being able to stay with Alyssa and take care of her during the day when Holly was at school. I did wish she had chosen to stay at her house though, so maybe we could’ve had some alone time. Maria was always hovering, and it made it hard to have any real heart-to-hearts with her.
Maybe I can get her to stay at my house tonight.
Inside the store, the aisles were crowded, and the two lanes that were open were backed up fifty feet. What the hell?
I moved to the back near the butcher and picked out the steaks, all filets, Alyssa’s favorite.
“Special occasion?” the butcher asked.
I shook my head, not ready to divulge to a stranger my plan. I was smart enough to know that in this town, everyone knew everyone, and even if you didn’t know them personally, they were connected to you somehow.
Baked potatoes, the fixings for toppings, and a couple salad mix kits, and I was ready to check out. The lanes were moving quickly, and another one opened just as I approached, the older gentleman cashier waving me over to his lane. I moved over quickly, bypassing the ones who’d stood much longer in wait. Normally, I would’ve stayed behind, giving the spot to someone more deserving, but I was in a rush to plan this dinner, and I only had a few items compared to their cart full.
Finally, at home, I cleaned up the place, making sure everything looked nice for my company. I ran next door, invited Bill, who was delighted to come, and started up the grill.
Aiden was the first to arrive, and Bill just a few moments after him. I knew Bill was lonely, probably waiting for the first car so he could come over and join the company.
“So, did you tell Bill the plan?” Aiden asked.
I hadn’t.
I quickly filled him in, just as Holly, Alyssa, and Maria entered.
“It smells terrific in here,” Maria complimented.
I noticed Bill eyeing her. They were about the same age, both single or widowed. Why hadn’t I thought of that before?
“Grab a beer, or glass of wine, and make yourself at home,” I smiled at my guests, quickly making my way to Alyssa.
She was walking much better, but I knew she was still in pain.
“Here, you have a seat here,” I guided her to the lounger with a thick cushion and adjustable back.
“Is this new?” she asked.
“It is. I bought it for you,” I grinned.
I loved to see her smile. It lit up my life. I couldn’t wait to call her my wife, something I should’ve made happen over a decade ago.
Holly bounced around me, asking what she could do. I sent her into the kitchen to find a large bowl and to start the salad, and insisted Maria sit next to Bill while Aiden grabbed them both a glass of wine.
I manned the grill, something I hadn’t done in a while, and was surprised at how well the steaks turned out. Everyone ate, talked about Alyssa’s surgery, how the town changed, Holly’s achievements in school, Aiden’s business, and my new job. There wasn’t a topic that was left unsaid, except the one.
“Let me help you clean up,” Maria insisted.
She and Bill were getting along really well, but I needed to get her and Holly alone.
“Okay. Holly, can you help too?” I asked.
Aiden and Bill caught my look, and they knew to keep Alyssa busy.
“Let me help,” Alyssa insisted, trying to get up.
“Let them do it. I haven’t talked to you in what feels like ages; stay out here and talk to me,” Aiden persuaded.
In the kitchen, Maria started to clean, so I stopped her.
“I have to talk to you two,” I took a deep breath.
“What’s wrong?” Maria asked.
“Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s great, actually,” I grinned, lifting the lid to the cookie jar on my counter.
I pulled out the ring box, opening it so they both could see the ring I’d chosen.
Holly squealed but quickly covered her mouth.
Maria just stared at the ring but didn’t show any excitement.
“I want to ask Alyssa to marry me, finally,” I sighed.
“You don’t think it’s too soon?” Maria questioned.
“It’s not really, if you think about it. We’ve been in love for as long as I can remember, and even twelve years apart couldn’t kill our love,” I explained.
Holly wrapped her arms around my waist, squeezing tightly.
“When?” Maria asked.
“The carnival. I thought you two could help me plan something, like a rigged game or something,” I said.
“You should wait,” Maria advised.
“I want to be a family,” I said sternly.
“I understand, but you left before; this could be too soon,” Maria warned.
I knew there was a chance of spooking Alyssa, but I was willing to take that chance. Things had been going well, and I had no reason not to believe they wouldn’t continue to go well.
“I bought this ring twelve years ago. I didn’t ask her for fear of ruining her life. After her brother died, I couldn’t ask her to wait for me, worrying all the time,” I explained.
Maria’s eyes started to well up with tears. She opened her arms and pulled me in, her perfume so thick it nearly choked me.
“I just hope it isn’t too soon. But I’ll help any way I can,” she smiled.
We started cleaning, still whispering about ideas, plans, and the big event. Holly was ecstatic, and even Maria was showing more emotion now.
“You and Bill seem to be getting along,” I noted, checking for a reaction from Maria.
Her cheeks turned a slight shade pinker, and she quickly diverted her eyes from mine.
“He’s nice,” Maria blushed.
“You two would make a great couple,” I urged.
“I don’t know,” she sighed.
“You’ll never know unless you take a chance,” I pushed, gaining a wide smile from her.
I must’ve hit the right nerve.