47 Destinies: Finding Grace (15 page)

Grace immediately called Todd.

“You have made two ladies in my house extremely happy, Mr. Harcourt,” Grace purred.

“I am one very lucky man,” Todd responded, smiling into the phone.

“I can’t wait to see you this weekend,” Grace said, twirling her hair around her finger.  She felt like a teenager again.

“Keep an eye out.  Maybe you will receive another night time visitor.”

“One can always hope,” Grace replied.

“See you soon,” Todd said.

“Bye.  Thanks again,” Grace said as she ended the call.

Grace followed up with an email.

Mr. Harcourt,

A young girl is encouraged to dream wildly of the perfect kiss from a gallant prince that yearns to fulfill her every desire.  Oh how ridiculous I once thought this fantasy was… until I met you.

-Sexy Legs

Grace smiled as she hit the send key.  She was completely wrapped up in the man.  Grace kept replaying the scenes over and over in her mind.  It had been ages since she had been touched like a woman needed to be touched.  Her body reacted eagerly to Todd’s touch.  As much as Grace had missed Derek over the last two years, her life was looking up.  Grace stared at her couch, wondering if Todd might be the man to fill the void in her family’s life.  He was definitely her first choice.

Saturday arrived quickly.  Mattias and Bella were very excited about the outing.  Grace packed a large picnic lunch for the group and brought Frisbees, bubbles and other outside games.  She wanted the day to be perfect for everyone.  Todd arrived precisely at 10:00am. 

When he rang the doorbell, Bella burst open the door and threw herself in his arms. “Todd!” 

“Hi.  I have something for you in my shirt pocket.”  Todd smiled as Bella reached into his pocket and pulled out a lollipop.  Bella smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  She wrested down out of his arms so she could open the lollipop.  Todd turned his attention to Grace.  She was a vision in white pants.  Her blond hair was curled at the ends and smooth like silk.  Her sunglasses were perched on the top of her head as she fixed a piece of Mattias’ wayward hair. 

Todd moved in behind her and whispered in her ear.  “I know what is under your clothes and it is driving me crazy.”

Grace laughed and turned to face him.  “Haven’t you been told that patience is a virtue, young man?”

Todd smiled as his grabbed her hand.  “I seem to recall that you weren’t very patient the other night.”

Grace blushed.  “True.”

Todd grabbed the picnic basket and blankets.  “Parker is in the car.  Is everyone ready?”

“I have Bella’s car seat out front.”

“No problem.  I am a professional car seat installer.  You lock up and we will meet you at the car,” Todd said as he moved everyone to the car.  He grabbed the car seat along the way while Bella and Mattias eagerly followed him.  Todd was like the Pied Piper.

When Grace met them at the car, everyone was already buckled in and ready to go.  Grace was impressed.  She got in the front seat and flashed Todd a dazzling smile.  “You look incredible.  Grace, I would like to introduce you to my friend Parker.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Locke,” Parker said quietly.

“I am really glad you could join us today, Parker,” Grace replied with a warm friendly smile.

Todd grinned.  He loved kids and couldn’t wait to spend the day with Parker, Mattias and Bella.  The children were in the backseat fast becoming friends.  Todd drove over to the Exploratorium.  He parked and unloaded all the children.  Bella wanted to hold Todd and Grace’s hands.  Todd readily obliged.  Grace wasn’t sure who was more smitten: Bella or Todd.  Parker and Mattias were locked into a conversation and walking in front of her.

“When was the last time you were at the Exploratorium?” Grace asked Todd.

“We like to take the kids here every six months.  I volunteer for the trips because I also like to play.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

“I guess Brent was right.  I do get paid to play!” Todd laughed.

“Yes.  Brent.  He called me the other night, but I am not ready to talk with him yet.  I am still upset with the way he treated you last weekend,” Grace admitted.

“Sweetheart let it go, I can hold my own.  You wait, Brent and I will be friends before you know it.”

Todd was practicing this affirmation daily.  He still wasn’t sure how to break through to the man.  It was the first time that a family member of the woman he was dating didn’t like him.  This was a whole new situation for him.

“I hope so,” Grace said kindly.

The group approached the ticket counter.  As Todd ordered the tickets, Grace nudged him.  “Can you ask for a map?”

Todd asked the ticket worker, “Do you have a map?  My girlfriend would like one.” 

“Girlfriend?  I like the sound of that.”

“Yes and I am your boyfriend,” Todd added, like an eager 17-year old boy.

“Yes.  I guess this means we are going steady.  Can I wear your letterman’s jacket?” Grace teased.

“Sure, but I think it may have some holes in it from the moths.  You know I lettered in baseball and water polo.”

“So you were a jock in high school.”

“Yep. I was one in college too.  So Grace, were you the Homecoming Queen?” 

“No, but I did win our town’s Miss Christmas pageant.  We do a lot of pageants down in the south.  We also do ‘Coming Out’ parties for young ladies.  Of course, the term has a different meaning in Georgia than San Francisco,” Grace chuckled.

“I’ll say.  San Francisco has always been on the leading edge.  Take the Exploratorium for example.  Back in the 1960’s a man named Frank Oppenheimer was concerned about the public’s lack of understanding of science and technology.  So, he did something about it.  Frank wanted people of all ages to be able to experience science firsthand, which led to countless exhibits that you will see today.  Kids, feel free to touch everything inside,” Todd instructed the three children. 

“You are really good with kids,” Grace said, patting his arm.

“Thank you.  That means a lot coming from you.  I have never met a more loving mother,” Todd said as he bent down and kissed Grace’s cheek.

“I want a kiss too,” Bella requested, turning her face toward Todd.  He instantly obliged.

Grace was going to have some stiff competition for Todd’s affection with Bella around.  “You sure have a way with the girls.”

“There is only one woman I have my eye on and she is right here by my side,” Todd stated seriously.  It rocked Grace to the core.  Her feelings were very strong for Todd.  She felt a connection with him that was deep and strong.

Parker and Mattias were enjoying an exhibit with magnets.  Bella ran over to join them.  The kids had fun together touching everything in sight.  Todd and Grace followed them throughout the museum.  When they began to get hungry, they left to eat lunch.  Todd went to the car, brought back the picnic basket, an assortment of toys and met up with the group.  They walked together over to the Palace of Fine Arts.

“What a perfect day for a picnic,” Grace said, taking in the unbelievable view.  “There is no place like San Francisco.”

“Have you ever been to a nighttime concert at the Palace?”

“No.  How about we come to a concert here sometime?” Grace asked, tucking her hand in Todd’s pocket.

“You must have read my mind.  I will find the upcoming concert schedule and we shall pick one.”

“Perfect.  I enjoy coming here with Bella and walking around the lagoon and structures.  They are breathtaking.  Did you know that the originals were built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition?”  Grace asked enthusiastically.

“Were you a history major in college?  You sure know a lot about places.”  Todd couldn’t get over the amount of knowledge Grace contained in her beautiful head.  She was multi-talented.  She never ceased to amaze him.

“I am a history nerd.  I also love art.  I double majored in college.”

“I should have guessed.  Okay, I am a curious pupil.  Educate me,” Todd said as he placed two blankets on the grass.  He sprawled out and put his arms under the back of his head.  Bella snuggled in close beside him, ready for the story.  Mattias and Parker were busy playing with the Frisbee on the lawn.

“The Panama-Pacific Exposition, aka World’s Fair, was held to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal and rebuilding of San Francisco after the earthquake.  The Palace of Fine Arts is the last remaining structure from the event that still stands where it was originally constructed.  Over the years, it began to need repairs so it was completely re-constructed in 1965.  The architects used the original steel structure, but redid everything else.  In 2009, another retrofit was completed for earthquakes in addition to securing the lagoons.  During its lifetime, the Palace has been used for tennis courts, military storage, a warehouse, telephone book distribution center and even a fire department.”

“It is difficult to imagine all those different uses.  It reminds me of one gigantic outdoor art exhibit,” Todd commented, staring up at the main structure.  The rotunda was massive and held a presence to it.

“This was before the main exhibit hall became the home of the Exploratorium.  Did you know that the lagoon was also built for the display?  The lagoon was modeled after European architecture which was supposed to make structures appear larger,” Grace rambled on.

“Hey, art history teacher, what do you have in that picnic basket?  Would you be so kind as to finish your lesson on the tour after we eat?”

“I would love to.  Are you sure I’m not boring you?” Grace questioned, concerned that her mouth was running away from her.

“I could listen to you all day.  Now, don’t quiz me.  I sometimes get distracted by…well, by you.”  Todd pulled Grace down into his lap.  Bella was on his left and Grace on his right.

“How am I going to get lunch ready if I am cuddling with you?”

“Lunch can wait a minute.  I want to feel you next to me,” Todd whispered as Bella was already fast asleep next to him.  “Bella falls asleep very easily when she’s next to me.  I think she likes me.  She sure is an incredible child.  I am already wrapped around her little pinky.”

“I can see that, Mr. Harcourt.  You better be careful.  Pretty soon she is also going to be calling you Prince Charming too,” Grace warned.

“Fascinating!  I could have two Locke women begging for my attention.  Maybe if I sweet-talk Leslie, I can have three.”

Grace couldn’t stop laughing when she envisioned Todd sweet-talking Leslie.  “I am sure Leslie will like you, too.”  Even though Brent was being a stick-in-the-mud, Leslie would surely give her instant approval.  Todd was everything Leslie was looking for when she set Grace up with the dating service.  At least Leslie would welcome Todd with open arms.  Robert already met and liked him at the couples’ shower.

Grace sat up and prepared the lunch.  Todd was amazed at all the delicious items she brought out of the basket.  “Is there a bottom to that basket?”

“I love cooking.  I hope you love to eat,” Grace said, handing Todd a plate brimming with food.

“Oh, I can’t eat this.  I am a vegan,” Todd said, looking bashful, but secretly pulling her leg.

“I didn’t know.  I am sorry.  I am sure I have some vegetables in here,” Grace said, combing through her basket.

“Sweetheart, I am kidding.  I love meat!  I am just messing with you.”

“Phew.  I was a little worried there.  I make some great steaks on the BBQ,” Grace said as she licked her lips.  “You need to come over sometime and I will show you how it is done.”

“Great.  I will bring the beer and we can do a cookout.”

“Can we have hotdogs?” Bella asked, popping her head up from her brief nap.

“Sure thing, tiger.  Do you like ketchup and mustard?” Todd inquired, curious about his new friend’s eating habits.

“NO mustard!  Ewww.  Todd, are you and Parker coming to my birthday party?  I want a pink princess pony,” Bella asked and announced at the same time.

“Bella, Todd might already have plans for next Sunday.” Grace attempted to offer Todd a way out.  Her entire family would also be at the party.  Grace wasn’t sure she was ready for the formal introductions.

“I would love to come to your party.  Does this pink pony you want for your birthday have a name?”

“Cotton Candy or Glitter Glide.  They are both pink My Little Ponies!” Bella taught Todd.  Bella proceeded to provide Todd with a complete run-down of every pony she owned.  Todd made a valiant attempt to not bust up laughing.  Bella was very into her story and wanted his full attention.  She was the spitting image of her mother. 

After a few minutes, Grace finally saved him.  “Thank you, Bella.  Would you please ask your brother and Parker if they want to eat?” Grace instructed.

“Yes, Mama.”  Bella ran off toward her brother.

“It is kind of you, but you don’t have to come to Bella’s birthday party,” Grace suggested.

“Would you rather I not come?” Todd asked politely.

“No, I just don’t want you to feel obligated.  Brent and Cora will be there, too.”

“Wonderful.  It will give me another crack at bringing Brent to my side.  He is strong willed, but so am I.  Plus, my charming personality will wear him down eventually, don’t you think?”