A collective gasp went up around the room, then the applause began and rose, once again, to deafening levels. Hunter had never seen anything more amazing and his chest pounded with pride. She had chosen two beach scenes, but they differed in tone. The adult side showed a wooden pathway leading to the beach, with benches placed along the way for someone to sit and enjoy the beauty and, yes, peace. In contrast, the children’s mural had a playful theme, with sandcastles, buckets, seashells and butterflies. Michaela still hadn’t made a decision, but he had no doubt that if she decided to quit her job, she would have a very successful art career.
It was more than an hour later before Hunter had a chance to talk to Michaela. She had been mobbed from the moment the murals were revealed. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.”
“Do you like them?”
“Like them? I absolutely love them. And I love you.” Before he had a chance to say anything else, his family approached.
Ava grabbed Michaela in a big hug. “Girlfriend, those paintings are fabulous. Granddad knew exactly what he was doing.”
“Thanks, Ava. It’s good to see you all again,” Michaela said.
His mother grasped Michaela’s hands. “You did an amazing job. Just outstanding!”
His father hugged her. “Dad would be so proud.”
“Thank you for saying that, Mr. Prescott. I really hope so.” Michaela dabbed at a tear.
They stood around talking for another few minutes, but Hunter was anxious to leave so they could have their own private celebration. “Finally,” he muttered when the last stragglers trudged out the door.
Once they made it back to his condo, Michaela let out a scream. “I can’t believe it! They loved it. Oh, my goodness, I was so nervous.” She did a happy dance.
Laughing, he said, “I don’t know why. You have a gift, a rare and precious gift that needs to be shared to infuse beauty into this, sometimes, harsh world.” He knew and understood what her gift could do. Her paintings had been one of the things that pushed him harder on days when he wanted to give up.
“You’re right.” She squared her shoulders. “I’ve made my decision. I want to do this, Hunter. I’m ready to take the risk. To move to California, live in that beautiful house and see if I can’t make this work.”
He smiled and drew her into his arms. “That sounds wonderful, but there’s one problem.”
“What?” she asked, frowning.
“That house was built for my wife, and the only woman who’ll reside there is her.”
Her eyes went wide. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“I am.” Hunter lowered himself to one knee. “We’ve been given a second chance and I want to make every one of these moments count. This time, we will be a team and, no matter what storms life throws at us, we’ll weather themtogether. Will you marry—”
“Yes, yes, yes!”
He rose to his feet and sealed their agreement with a kiss. “Oh, Granddad left another envelope for you.” He walked over to the kitchen counter, where he’d placed it, came back and handed it to her.
Michaela tore into it and pulled out the sheet of paper. A check floated to the floor. She stooped to picked it up. “Ohmigod, fifty thousand dollars!” She read the note out loud. “Michaela, thank you for honoring the request of this old man. I only wish I were there to see it. The check is for your commission fee and I included a little extra to help you get started on your art career. You and Hunter have a wonderful life together. Love, Granddad.” She burst out laughing around her tears. “He knew we needed each other more than we did. The first letter said you were the one for me.”
“He said the same thing in mine.” And he was happy to say he’d gotten his life together and honored every one of his grandfather’s wishes.
