Janae smiled warmly. “It’s so nice to meet you both.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too,” Hunter said.
Michaela shook the woman’s extended hand. The beautiful petite woman had to be a good three or four inches shorter than Michaela’s own five-five height. “Likewise, Mrs. Campbell. You have a lovely home and your children are simply beautiful.” The large framed photo of a little girl, who looked to be around three, kissing her infant brother, hung in the living room over the fireplace.
“Call me Janae, and thank you. They’re a handful, but my parents are in town this weekend and they volunteered to babysit overnight, so you won’t get to meet them. I hope you’re hungry. Terrence made my favorite meal—lobster, crab and asparagus over penne pasta and his homemade French bread.”
She tried to hide her look of surprise. The man was a mega-star and he cooked dinner.
Janae must have seen it because she said laughingly, “I know. I felt the same way when I found out he cooks. He’s way better at it than me, so I just step back and let him do his thing. As a matter of fact, what we’re having is the first meal he prepared for me. That’s why it’s my favorite.” She gazed up at Terrance with adoring eyes and he placed a tender kiss on her lips.
“You know I enjoy cooking for you, sweetheart,” Terrence said with the same love shining his eyes.
The love between them was so strong, Michaela felt like she was intruding on a private moment. The couple led them into a dining room set with elegant African motif china and cloth napkins. Once the food had been brought out and everyone served, conversation flowed around the table as if they were old friends. “Terrence, this food is so good, and this bread is to die for.”
“The bread is my grandmother’s recipe. My grandparents live in the connected cottage. I would introduce you, but she hasn’t been feeling the best.”
She could see the pain reflected in his face. He was obviously very close them. “I hope she feels better very soon.”
“Thank you.”
“So, Michaela, I hear you’re interested in pursuing art,” Janae said.
“I am. Right now I’m finishing up a commissioned mural for our hospital’s new cancer wing, but the day job will be calling me back in a week. Are you an artist full-time?”
“I am. I worked as a special education teacher in San Jose, but when we got married, Terrence convinced me to try my hand at doing art, instead of looking for a new position here. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“Hunter has been saying the same thing.”
“Girl, then what are you waiting for? If you have a man who loves you and encourages you to pursue your passion, go for it. I’ll be happy to help you in any way I can.”
Michaela shared a look with Hunter and he gave her a nod of support. Could she walk away from a secure career into the unknown? The thought made her almost hyperventilate. She felt the gentle squeeze on her hand from Hunter.Yeah, I can do this.
* * *
Hunter stared around at the crowded room filled with dignitaries, hospital board members and everyone else who had come to see the unveiling of Michaela’s murals. He was probably just as anxious as she. His parents, Ava and Owen had all come to show their support. He spotted Cooper—who was miraculously still in town—across the room with a woman.I definitely need to see what’s up with that.He scanned the area, searching for his woman. His heart nearly beat out of his chest when he saw her laughing with her mother and her two friends, Melanie and Lana. He loved her so damn much, it scared him sometimes, but he didn’t plan to let that fear or anything else stop him from keeping her in his life this time.Every sunrise is an opportunity for a new start. Make each one count.His grandfather’s words had played over in his head since returning from LA last weekend. If he didn’t know better, he’d think the old man was orchestrating things from heaven.Yeah, Granddad is doing this. He even said she’s the one for me.Granddad provided the opportunity and Hunter had capitalized on it. He had fixed it.
Crossing the room, he joined Michaela’s group.
“Hunter it’s so good to see you,” Mrs. Saunders said, hugging him. Then she whispered for his ears only, “I’m so glad to see you and my baby together again. Take advantage of this second chance. Not everyone gets one.”
“You’re right and I promise I will.” Behind the happiness, Hunter could see the pain and knew it stemmed from the loss of her husband. “Ladies.” He kissed the cheeks of Lana and Melanie.
“Hey, Hunter,” they chorused.
The fact that they weren’t shooting daggers his way told him that Michaela had told them some, if not all of what happened. He slid his arm around Michaela’s waist. She looked stunning in a black halter dress that hugged her enticing curves and had twisted her shoulder-length hair into an elaborate updo. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look tonight?”
Michaela made a show of thinking. “Only about eight or nine times. You’re way behind, so I’m going to need you to step it up a little more.” She gave him the smile he knew was meant just for him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?” It took a minute or two for the conversations to drop to a murmur, then stop altogether. “We are so excited that you’re here for the grand opening of the Abraham T. Prescott Cancer Center.” Deafening applause sounded around the room and the board’s chairman had to wait for the audience to settle down, once again. “Ms. Saunders, will you join me, please?”
Hunter released her and gestured her forward.
“You aren’t coming with me?” she asked.
“This is your night, baby. I’ll be right here. Go ahead.”
Michaela strutted up to the front, causing more than a few male heads to turn. The chairman handed her the microphone. “Thank you all for coming. I was honored when Mr. Prescott asked me to paint these murals and I wanted to create something that will, hopefully, give all those who come through these doors a little beauty and peace.” She nodded and the drapes came down.
