Page 80 of Paradise West
“I think it’s okay, Dad. I’d bet that the steaks won’t jump off the grill anytime soon.”
His dad looked up and smiled, tongs in one hand and a plate in the other. “It’s about time you came to dinner, Son. And I hope you brought a certain someone with you. Your mother has been talking nonstop about this Charli.” He glanced around Jack. “Where is she?”
“Mom’s showing her around the house. I’m sure they’ll be out here shortly.”
His dad pointed toward the house. “Do me a favor and grab me a beer. I forgot to get one before I came out here.”
Jack patted his dad on the shoulder and walked into the kitchen, grabbing two beers from the fridge and popping the tops off on the edge of the counter. He walked back out and handed off a bottle to his dad, then took a long swig of beer. “While Mom has Charli busy, I need to ask you about something.” He glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was within earshot.
His dad’s brows shot up and he closed the grill lid. “What’s going on?”
Jack cleared his throat, suddenly nervous to verbalize his request and desire. He took another quick drink and then turned to his father. “Do you remember what grandma willed to me years ago?”
His dad’s eyes widened and then he nodded. “Yeah, I remember. Wow...you must really be serious about this girl.”
Jack gave a sharp nod. “I am. Can I get it tonight?”
“Sure,” his dad replied. He took a long drink of beer. “I can’t help you get it though. Your mother has it in one of her hiding places. You’ll be lucky if she can remember where she put it.”
“I’ll be lucky to remember where I put what, dear?” Faye asked as she and Charli stepped out onto the deck.
“Oh, just something that Jack’s looking for.” Dad smiled at Charli and held his hand out. “Hi Charli, I’m Dennis,” he introduced. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Charli grinned. “You have a beautiful home, and the view is even better out here.” She pointed off into the distance. “Is that the airport?”
“It is. It can get a little loud every once in a while with the planes coming in, but otherwise, it’s one of the best areas on the island.” He turned toward the short staircase that led down to the dock and waved a hand over his shoulder. “Let me show you the boat.”
Jack recognized his chance and grabbed his mother’s hand to stop her before she could follow his father and Charli down toward the boat. At her surprised expression, he said, “I need your help with something.” He gestured toward the house. “Can we talk?”
“Of course, dear,” his mom replied, her face pinching with worry. She swiveled on the ball of her foot and Jack followed her into the kitchen. “What’s going on, Jack?” she asked, her voice concerned. “Is something wrong?”
“I wanted to pick something up tonight, but Charli can’t know about it. Not yet, anyway.”
His mom’s brows dropped, and she tilted her head. “What is it?”
“Do you remember what grandma willed to me?” He nodded at his mother’s widening eyes. “Yes, I need to get that.”
Her hands flew to her mouth and practically bounced in excitement. “Oh my god, Jack! You’re serious?”
He gave her a swift nod. “I am.” He glanced over his shoulder. “But we need to hurry before Dad finishes distracting Charli.”
His mother gave him a conspiratorial smile. “Come on.” She turned and headed up the stairs, Jack on her heels.
“I’ve kept it in the small jewelry box at the top of the closet,” she commented as she walked into the master bedroom. Opening the closet door, she stepped in and pointed up toward the far corner. “Can you grab it for me?”
Jack carefully picked up the antique jewelry box from the closet shelf and handed it to his mother. She placed it on her dresser and opened the top. Lifting out a delicate rose gold diamond ring, she held it up and remarked, “I can’t believe you’re finally asking for this. I never thought I’d see the day.”
Jack’s eyes gleamed as he stared at the antique ring his grandmother had handed down to him. “I think it’s time,” he replied.
His mother held her hands beneath her chin, her eyes tearing. “Oh, I’m so happy for you, Jack. Charli is such a beautiful girl.”
The corner of Jack’s lips curved up. “She’s beautiful, intelligent, successful, and I’ve never felt this way about a woman before. Now I just need to convince her to stay here with me.”
His mother sniffed, trying not to let the watering in her eyes turn into a waterfall of tears. “Well, if anyone can do it, honey, it’s you.” She closed the jewelry box and handed it back to him. “Now put this back and let’s get downstairs before she knows you’re gone.”
16
Key West, Florida
