Kelsey drove down Reichmann Road, where the wealthier residents of Kirchville lived.  All of the lawns were watered and mowed.  She had always loved looking at the houses and wanted to live in one of them ever since she was little.  When Kelsey reached Wade’s house, it surprised her that his was the only one-story brick with black metal outside light features, but then a bachelor didn’t need a bigger house. 

                  Wade is also a simple man.  He told me that he bought it so he could live close to John and Rose.

                  After ringing the doorbell, Kelsey's stomach fluttered with anticipation.  He hadn’t told her why he wanted her to come over, however, she hoped he wanted to ask her out on a real date.  Kelsey supposed someone could call the time they had supper at her house as a date, but she didn't because she had been hesitant about moving forward.  And their horseback riding date was nice, though a little spoiled by talking about Nick and Fontaine, and then rushing Hannah to the hospital.

                  The door opened, and there stood Wade, wearing a red sweater and jeans.  His hair was and she smiled at one unruly curl that fell on his forehead.  Her hand started to reach up to brush it back, but she dumped it to her side.

                  “Hi,” he said, smiling.  “Thanks for coming.  Come on in.”

                  Kelsey stepped inside awed at the wooden barreled ceiling of the foyer and the iron chandelier hanging from it.  It reminded her of a part of a castle.  The antique vanity on the right complemented the exposed wall.  The mail was neatly stacked on one side and his keys were next to the mail, so she could see and admire the beautiful gray and white marble top.

                  She pointed to it.  “Is this one of the pieces you restored?”

                  “I just had to fix the leg.”  Wade swatted a little and crooked his finger in indication for her to do the same.

                  What Kelsey saw made her gasp.  On the bottom doors, there was a carving of a boy playing a flute and a girl carrying two pails on her shoulders.  She fingered the figures.  “I’ve never seen such exquisite craftsmanship.  Where did you get it?”

                   “My mom bought from an estate sale in Dallas this past summer, and then she found out she had nowhere to put it, so she gave it to me.”  He smiled.  “I knew you would appropriate it.  The auctioneer said that it was made in France in the 1800’s.”

                   “Oh, wow.”

                   He stood.  “Come.” 

                   The living room, the dining room, and the kitchen had an open layout.  The ceilings were high with wooden beams and rustic light features.  The floors had rectangular Mexican bricks, but the builder laid them in a chevron design.  Wade’s tastes in Texas furniture and art nicely to match the design of the house.  She held back laughter when she saw a big flat-screen TV on the wall above the fireplace.

                   “I love your house.”  Kelsey turned to him.  “Very masculine.”  It just needs a female touch, and I’d be happy to oblige. 

                   “Thanks. “  Wade gestured to the black leather couch.  “Please, sit down.”

                   She sat, smoothing her skirt.

                   “Do you want anything to drink?”

                   “No, thanks, Wade.”

                   He nervously ran his hand through his hair before sitting down across from her.  “You’re probably wondering why I asked you over.”

                   “Well, a little.”

                   “I, um.”  His gaze bored intensely at her and then creased his brow, like he seemed to be trying to figure out what to say.  Fiddling with his college ring, he said, “I want your opinion on what I got Hannah for her birthday.”

                   “Oh,” Kelsey said, disappointed.  She forced a smile.  “I’m sure she will love whatever you bought her.”

                   Wade rose and retrieved a figurine and maroon shirt from the hall closet. “I wasn’t sure if she had enough Texas A&M stuff so I bought her this figurine and this shirt on-line.”

                   She studied the items in front of her.  In one hand, he held a Reveille figurine, Texas A&M’s mascot, which was a rough collie.   It showed Reveille on the grass and on the base of it was written: “The First Lady of Texas A&M.  From the other, dangled a hanger with a maroon shirt. On the front, “Future Aggie” was printed in white letters.

                   Kelsey chuckled.  “You know the way into my daughter’s heart.  Hannah will love them, especially the Reveille figurine.  She and I love that dog.  She has got a nice and pampered life like the other past Reveilles had.“

                   “I don’t doubt that.”  Wade held up the shirt.  “I hope I got the right size.”

                   “Let me see.”  She stood and leaned forward to read the tag.  “Yep, you did.  I’m very impressed.” 

                   When Kelsey looked up at his face, she could tell he was struggling with something.

                   “Wade, what is the matter?”

                   “Nothing.”  He frowned.  “Well, that’s not true.”  He put Hannah’s gifts on the coffee table.  “I want to ask you a question, but I’m afraid you might think it’s going too fast.”

                   Kelsey gave him a smile.  “Let me be the judge of that.”  She sat back down.
                   Wade removed the hanger from the shirt and folded it, and then looked at her.  “I was wondering when Hannah goes to her father’s wedding if we could go out together.  I heard there’s a new restaurant in San Antonio called Starlight Room.”

                    “Sounds fancy and romantic.”

                    He smiled.  “I’ve heard great things about it and thought you would like it.  I want our first official date to be special.”

                    Feeling giddy, Kelsey wanted to pinch herself.  No one had ever asked her to an upscale restaurant.  Not even Parker, who had the means to treat her to a fine meal every now and again.

                    “I would love to go.”  She began to mentally go through the dresses she had in her closet and frowned.

                    Taking her hands in his, Wade asked, “What’s wrong?”

                    “I don’t think I have anything suitable to wear.”   Then it came to her.  “Wait, yes I do.  The bride’s maid dress I wore last year in Abby’s wedding will do.”  She laughed.  “Thank goodness that she chose pretty dresses for us.”

                    He caressed her cheek.  “You’re beautiful in anything.”

                    Kelsey felt her face reddened.  “Thank you.”

                    As Wade's face drew nearer to hers, she closed her eyes in anticipation of a kiss.  Unfortunately, the timer on her cell went off.  She moaned and gave him an apologetic look.  “I’m sorry.  I have to get back to the restaurant.” 

                    He shrugged.  “I understand.  I will see you tomorrow almost all day.”

                   Kelsey nodded, wishing they could be alone instead of among church-goers, followed by kids and their parents at Hannah's party.

                   Without taking her eyes off of him, Kelsey backed up and bumped a side table, knocking a picture to the floor.  “Oh, I’m so sorry.  I’m a klutz sometimes.”  She picked up the picture.  Shock hit her, like a blow to the solar plexus.  The girl in the picture could have been Hannah’s sister.  Sitting on a swing, wearing a Hello, Kitty t-shirt and matching shorts, the girl smiled happily.  Who was she?
                   Feeling Wade’s hand on her shoulder, she turned around.  “Um, the frame didn’t break.”

                   He put an arm around her shoulders, drew her against him, and fondly glanced at the picture.  “This is my favorite picture of my sister.”

                   Kelsey's throat tightened.  “That’s Christina?”

                   “Yes.”  Wade put the picture back in its place.  “That was taken a week before she died.  She loved to swing.”                    

                  Christina looks so much like Hannah.  Then a question hit her.  Is Wade really interested in me, or is he using me to get to Hannah?   Kelsey thought back to all the time he had talked and comforted her.  He seemed to care about her a lot, but after seeing Christina’s picture, she wasn’t sure anymore.  The way he had kissed her and how he had shown interest in what she liked, made it seemed like he wanted a relationship, and he had been spending more time with her than with Hannah.

                  Has Wade been acting this entire time?

                  A wave of despair rolled over Kelsey at that thought, and she found it hard to breathe.  Suddenly, she remembered Pastor Kellerman’s words: “Hannah reminds Wade of his sister.”  Kelsey had thought he meant personality wise.  Her heart plummeted to her toes.  I need to go and think.  “Um, I should be going.”  She collected her purse from the couch.

                  ”I understand.”  He furrowed his brow.  “Are you okay?  You look pale.”

                  “Uh, no, I’m fine.  I just have a lot to do before the party tomorrow.”
                  Wade tilted his head, studying her.  “Are you sure that’s all it is?”
                  ”I’m sure.”  She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, avoiding his gaze.  “I’m a perfectionist.  I want everything to be perfect since it will be her last boy-girl birthday party.  I promised her next year she could invite five girls over and have a slumber party.”

                  “I’m sure it will be fine.”  He caressed her arm, affectionately.

                  I wish I knew if that look is sincere.  Lord knows I want it to be.  I love him.

                  Stepping back from him, she said, “Thanks.  Well, I guess I will see you tomorrow.

                  Wade looked confused but nodded.

                  As she left the house, Kelsey knew she would have a difficult time focusing on working. 
 

***

                  When Kelsey arranged Hannah’s birthday cake on the back table of the restaurant’s private party room, Wade entered with her daughter in tow. 

                  “Look, Mama, who’s first to arrive.”

                  She forced a smile, having made up her mind not to let her doubts about Wade’s feelings towards her ruin Hannah’s party.  “You’re early.”

                  “I thought maybe I could help you decorate.”  He glanced around the room.  Balloons tied on the backs of the chairs, streamers were hung around the doors and on the walls, and tablecloths draped over the tables.  “I guess you’re pretty much done.”

                  “Mama and Meemaw did most of the decorations last night,” Hannah said.

                  “Well, I still have to set the main table where the children will eat their snacks, cake, and ice cream.”  She picked up the paper plates and started her task.

                  Wade indicated to the presents tucked under his arms.  “Where do I put these?”

                  “On the table against the right wall.”

                  Hannah rolled to him.  “Can you give me a hint on what you got me?”
                  ”You’ll find out soon enough.”  Kelsey shook her head, knowing she shouldn’t be surprised at Hannah’s question, she always asked it on every birthday and Christmas.

                  “I promise you’re going to like what I got you.”  He poked Hannah’s nose.  “Your mama told me you would.”

                  “Okay.”  Looking at her cake, she smiled.  “Do you like my cake Mama made for me?  I like the pink buttercream roses.”

                  “Yes, I do.  They look real.  I know I wouldn’t have the patience to get them right.”

                  Kelsey chuckled.  “Thank you.  I had a lot of practice.”

                  “Now Mama can make them in her sleep.”  Hannah turned to her.  “Right?”

                  “I don’t mean to brag, but yes.”  Kelsey laughed and glanced at Wade.  “Will you put the plastic forks and spoons with the plates, please?”

                  “Sure.”  He opened the boxes and started to put forks and spoons by each plate.   “Where are your parents and brother?” 

                  “In the kitchen making the punch and snacks,” Kelsey said.  “They should come in here soon.  I’ll go and see if they need any help.”
                  As soon as she entered the main dining area and started heading toward the kitchen, the bell on the door rang.

                  Parker entered with a small present in one hand and holding a garment bag, which Kelsey assumed had Hannah’s bride’s maid dress in it, over his shoulder with the other one.

                  He draped Hannah’s dress over the back of a chair.  “Hi.  Am I the first one here?”

                  She shook her head.  “Wade is here.”

                  Parker set his jaw.  “I see.  According to my parents, he always seems to be around you and Hannah.  I don’t like it.”

                  Kelsey's temper rose in her chest, but briefly closed her eyes and tried to rein in it in.  One, two, three...   When she trusted herself to speak, she opened them.  “I’m finally moving on with my life and I would have thought you’d be happy for me.  It took me eight years to be willing to let a man touch my heart again.” Kelsey paused as she noticed Parker’s shocked look.  “One day Hannah is going away to college and I don’t want to be alone.  Heck, before Wade came into our lives, I was lonely.  Wade has been a Godsend for us.  I was scared of my feelings towards him at first, but the more I spend time with him, the more I feel at ease, and I find myself looking forward being in his company. I want to try to be in a relationship with him.”

                   That’s if I can quell my doubts.

                   “Do you love him?”

                   Before Kelsey could stop herself, she said, “Yes.”

                   “I see.”  Parker lowered his eyes and sighed.  “Then I’m happy for you.”  When he looked at her, she saw regret in his eyes.  “God knows how much I hurt you.  The other day, Mom pointed out you deserved to be happy like me and she’s right.  It just is that-.“  He ran a hand down his face.  “Look, I know I will never be Father of the Year, but I’m Hannah’s dad and-.”

                   Kelsey came closer to Parker and put a hand on his shoulder.  “Wade can’t replace you.  Hannah loves you.  She loves Wade too, but like you said, you’re her daddy.”

                   He gave her a sad smile.  “I know I don’t deserve her love, however, I promise I’ll be a better Dad to her again.  I know Mom told you about Victoria’s reluctance to accept Hannah in our lives.”  He rubbed his chin.  “Victoria didn’t care about me spending time with Hannah before we got engaged, but then she was busy.  Now, she asked for her caseload to be lightened, so she can focus on the wedding.”

                   “Victoria doesn’t sound ambitious to me,” she said, sarcastically.

                   Parker’s eyes narrowed.  “She has worked hard, she deserves her dream wedding.”

                   “All I care about is how she treats our daughter.”  She folded her arms.  “I want Hannah and you to have a strong relationship and if you want that too-."

                   “I do.”

                   “Then talk to Victoria and say how much spending time with Hannah means to you.”

                   “I promise I will.”

                   “I hope so.”

                   Then a few kids came in with their parents.  Kelsey directed them to the private party room before turning to Parker.  “I need to check on my parents and Travis.”

                   “I’ll go and wish our daughter a happy tenth birthday.”

                   Kelsey went in the opposite direction, toward the kitchen, and finally made up her mind to talk to Wade at the earliest opportunity.  What she’d told Parker was true; she didn’t want to be alone anymore.  She wanted someone to spend the rest of her life with and have a couple more children with.  Wade fitted the kind of man she wanted-kind, loving, loyal, and attentive.

                   So what if Hannah looks like his sister?  She couldn’t ignore the fact that she loved him.  Still, I need to talk to him, she thought as she entered the kitchen.  Tonight.

***

                   Sitting on a wooden glider on Kelsey’s porch, Wade glanced up at the night’s sky in hopes of seeing stars.  He could only see a few because of the light pollution.  He wished he were at his family’s camp house.  Smiling, he knew Kelsey would love it there.  He envisioned both of them sitting on a quilt, drinking wine underneath the stars, and sharing each other’s hopes and dreams.

I hope that will be a reality one day.

                   Wade frowned, remembering how Kelsey had wanted to talk to him after he had helped her take Hannah’s presents home.

                   Before Hannah had gone to bed, she said,“Thank you for coming to my party.  I love the Aggie shirt and the figurine of Reveille.”  She yawned.  “Sorry.” 

                   “It’s okay.  You had a big day with your party and your dad taking you to the park.”

                   “Yeah, it was nice spending time alone with daddy.”

                    He noticed Kelsey’s half smile and guessed she feared Parker would go back being the absentee father.  He hoped for Hannah’s sake that wouldn’t happen.

                    “Well, I guess I should be going.”  He kissed Hannah’s cheek and gave Kelsey a chaste kiss on her lips.  “I’ll see y’all tomorrow.”  He started towards the front door, but Kelsey grabbed his wrist.

                    Glancing down at her, he saw her eyes pleading.  “Please, stay a little while longer.  I really need to talk to you.”

Unable to refuse her anything, he nodded.

                    “I need to put Hannah to bed first.”

                    “Okay.  I’ll wait outside if that’s alright.”

                     Kelsey nodded.

                     “Goodnight, Han.”

                      “Night, Wade.”

                       The creaky sound of the screen door snapped Wade back to the present. 

                       He smiled seeing Kelsey coming towards him and scooted over.  “Hey, is she asleep?”

                       “Yep.”  She laughed and sat beside him.  “Hannah was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.”

                       “She will sleep well then.”

                       Kelsey rubbed her palms on her jeans and cleared her throat.  “I imagine you’re wondering why I wanted to talk to you.”

                       “Well, I-.”

                       Wade’s cell rang.  Reading the caller ID, he frowned.  “It’s my dad.  He never calls me.”

                       “Maybe you ought to answer it.  It might be important.”

                       Swallowing hard, he answered it.  “Dad, what’s wrong?”

                       “It’s your grandmother,” his dad said, matter-of-factly. “She fainted in her house.  She’s in the hospital.”

                       Fear rose in his chest.  He held onto the back of the glider with one hand, shocked.

                       “Nana’s heart is getting worse, isn’t it?”

                       “Yes.  They found her coronary arteries are seventy percent blocked.  She needs to have a heart bypass.”

                       Closing his eyes, Wade prayed that his nana would be in God’s hands.  Feeling Kelsey rub his forearm, comforted him some.  I’m glad I’m not alone now.

                        “Wade, are you still there?”

                         “Yeah, I’m here.”  He ran his hand through his hair.  “How is Mom holding up?”

                         “How do you think?  She’s scared and she needs you here.”  Then his father’s voice softened.  “Please come.”

                         “Of course, I will,” Wade said.  “When is the surgery?”

                         “She has a bladder infection, so they want to wait until she’s better.  It’ll be sometime after the New Year, but you better come now.  Your mom needs all of us.”

                         “I’ll be there tomorrow.  Goodbye.”

                         Placing his cell back in its case on his belt loop, he let out a haggard sigh.  He turned his head to Kelsey, who had a concerned expression on her face. 

                         “What happened?”

                         “My grandmother Schroeder fainted.”  He rubbed his eyes.  “Her coronary arteries are blocked.  They need to do a bypass surgery on her after the New Year.”

                         “I’m so sorry.”

                         He gave her a wary smiled.  “I can’t stay.  I have to go home to pack.  My mom needs me.  I have a five-hour drive ahead of me tomorrow.  I need to tell John what is happening, and why I won’t be working at the clinic for a week or more.”  He groaned, remembering something.  “I’m sorry, but our date might have to be postponed.”

                         “I understand.”  Kelsey covered her hand over his.  “Taking care of your grandma and your mom is the important thing right now.”  She raised his hand and kissed it.  “Is there something I can do?”

                         “Pray.”

                         Kelsey enveloped him in her arms, rubbing his back in a relaxing manner.  “I will, and call me if you need to talk.”

                         Wade kissed the side of her neck.  “I thank God that you’re in my life.”