47 Destinies: Finding Grace (9 page)

“I would rather not talk about my family right now.  It is a difficult subject for me,” Todd said, unwilling to go into further detail.

Grace was surprised by his abrupt response.  His face went flat and his body tensed up.  There was obvious hurt in Todd’s expression that he wasn’t able to talk about.  Grace reached over to Todd and slipped her hand gently into his hand.  She smiled warmly and squeezed his hand.

“I completely understand,” Grace replied with no anger or irritation in her voice.  She truly understood what it felt like to have deep-rooted pain.  It was challenging to talk about and often difficult to find the words to express it adequately.  If and when Todd was ready to talk about it, she would be there to listen. 

“Where are we headed, exactly?”  Grace asked as they took the freeway up towards the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  They had already passed through Cora’s neck of the woods in Berkeley.  Cora was set to move to Bodega Bay with Brent after the upcoming wedding.  Grace smiled when she thought about the wedding.  It was going to be the event of the century.

“What are you smiling about?” Todd asked, still happy to have Grace’s delicate hand in his grasp.

“A few things,” Grace admitted coyly.  “I was thinking about Cora and Brent’s wedding and how happy they are together.  I was also thinking about how much I am already enjoying our day together.”  Grace sighed as she leaned back further into the seat.  She was relaxed and enjoying every minute of it.

“Grace, you know exactly what to say.  Are you real or just an incredible dream?”  Todd asked, playfully pinching his own arm. 

Grace laughed and responded, “Maybe a little of both!”

Todd brushed his hand up and down her arm.  He stared directly at Grace and said in a very serious tone, “I will be the judge of that.”

Grace shuttered.  She recognized the passionate desire in Todd’s words and it caused her stomach to jump into her throat.  Things were moving fast and she couldn’t get them to slow down. 

She imagined his warm lips pressing down on hers taking her breath away.  She could almost feel what it would be like for him to caress her body.  She licked her lips and closed her eyes.  She needed to get control of herself.

“I never want to make you feel uncomfortable,” Todd said sincerely.  “But, I can’t seem to stop myself from talking when I am around you.  I felt an instant connection from the first day we met.”

“It’s okay.  I feel the same way,” Grace said tenderly.  “I haven’t felt this way in a very long time.  But it does make me a little nervous.”

“How about we take things slowly?  I want to get to know you, Grace Locke.  Can we make that the focus of our day?  Oh, and we also need to have a tremendous amount of fun.  How does that sound?”  Todd said, winking at Grace.

“Now who is the dream?” Grace asked, winking back.

The trip was delightfully enjoyable.  They drove through Sacramento and took Highway 50 up into the foothills.  Todd put on some soft music in the background as they shared little stories about pretty much every safe subject.  Grace talked all about the kids, school events and family life.  Todd enjoyed listening to each of her stories.  Her face lit up as she described characteristics and talents of her children, Bella and Mathias.  She was a very compassionate person.  She fit perfectly into her motherly role. 

Todd shared a lot about his work at the Boys and Girls Club and swapped funny kid stories with Grace.  She enjoyed hearing about his work and dedication to help kids grow into responsible young adults.  There was no break in their conversation. 

Grace was amazed when Todd announced, “We’re here!”  Grace was so caught up in their conversation that she paid no attention to where they were going.  When she looked around, she took in all the beauty.  Spring announced itself everywhere.  They passed a small school situated under large oak trees.  Grace smiled when she read the sign ‘Sutter’s Mill Elementary School’.

“Where are we?”  Grace laughed.  She had never been to this area before.  There were pine trees clustered together, among batches of large oaks, surrounded by meadows with a fast running river in the midst of it all.  

“We are in the town of Coloma.  This is where gold was first discovered in California back in 1848.  I thought you would enjoy some history, sprinkled with incredible natural beauty,” Todd said, knowing he made a great choice for their first date.  Grace kept looking around the area with a beautiful smile on her face.

“The kids would love it here,” Grace said, holding tight to Todd’s hand.

“Maybe someday we can all come here together,” Todd offered as he parked the car.  “Let’s take a tour of the Coloma State Park.  There is a museum here which I thought you would like.  It has some good stuff on the lives of the gold miners.”

“How did you know that I like museums?”  Grace inquired, half-knowing the answer.

“Cora, of course,” Todd answered.  Cora was his best resource for understanding women and in this case, he hit the gold mine since Grace and Cora would soon be related.

“What else has she told you?  Should I be concerned?” Grace chuckled knowing that Cora had her best interests at heart.

“There’s nothing to worry about.  In fact, she has already fully lectured me about taking good care of you today.  I got quite the warning, and I haven’t even done anything.”

“Brent and Cora are very protective of the children and me.  I didn’t tell Brent about all of my rotten dates.  I was afraid he might go give those rude men a piece of his mind and maybe even a fist,” Grace said truthfully with her sweet southern accent.

“If he ever decides to go, I will be right with him.  I can’t believe the nerve of those guys.  You never disrespect a woman.  It is flat wrong,” Todd said, working himself up in a little lather.

Grace stopped and put her arms around Todd.  “You want to be my knight in shining armor, Todd?  Hey, I don’t even know if you have a family shield.”

“I am sure that Todd Franklin Harcourt has a family shield somewhere, if you must know, my lady,” Todd said with the serious tone of a knight.  “But, don’t even think of calling me Sir Todd, and definitely not Franklin.”

“I am somewhat tempted, but I will respect your wishes,” Grace said teasingly.  “Tell me more about this gold.  Is there any left?  Should I keep my eyes out for it?”

Todd appreciated Grace changing the subject again.  There was a lot about his family which he kept hidden.  Cora didn’t even know much about his life growing up.  He kept it to himself and he intended to keep it that way.  His life had changed so much since then; it wasn’t worth digging up the past.  He once made the mistake of revealing it to his ex-wife and in the long run, it didn’t turn out well. 

Grace and Todd went all through Coloma State Park.  They enjoyed the blacksmith shop, took a carriage ride, visited the old Chinese buildings, panned for gold, walked across the historic one-lane bridge, looked around the two old churches, saw Sutter’s Mill and went through the museum.

He enjoyed watching the expressions on Grace’s face as she listened to the volunteer tour guides provide the history of the Gold Rush.  She was all the way in.  While in the museum store, Grace bought a few small vials of gold for her kids.  It was a sweet gesture that showed Todd that her children were her priority.

After learning all about the Gold Rush, Todd drove to find them some lunch.  He remembered a small little town next to the State Park with quaint country shops and restaurants.  He found a Mexican restaurant called Gringos where the outside seating overlooked the river.

He wanted Grace to enjoy the fresh breeze, vibrant wildflowers, churning waters of the South Fork of the American River and budding trees all placed within the backdrop of lush green rolling hills.  Upon placing their order, they walked to the outside deck and found a table.

“How do you find these amazing places?” Grace asked, dazzled by the loveliness of the location.

“When you are single without children, you have a lot of time to explore.  I often get in my car on the weekend and just let the road take me where it wants me to go.  Long ago I was caught up in how everyone else wanted me to live.  Now that I am on my own, I go wherever I want to go.  Does that sound selfish?” Todd wondered more to himself than Grace.

“I think it sounds pretty wonderful to me.  I am happy that you brought me here, Todd.  I can’t get over how beautiful the rolling hills look with their green blankets of grass.  Are these all wild flowers or do you think someone planted them?  Can we walk down to the river from here?”  Grace fired off the questions so rapidly that Todd couldn’t keep up.  She looked like a little girl on Christmas morning.  Her spirit was alive and soaking in every ray of sunshine straight into her heart.

“We can do whatever you like.  You look very happy right now, Grace.  Time for a picture,” Todd said as he grabbed his camera out of his bag. 

He wanted to capture Grace, as he couldn’t imagine her looking any more radiant than she did at that very moment.  Her blond hair moved slightly by the late afternoon breeze.  She was gazing at the river below.  The baby blue sky was void of any clouds.  The flowers in the background swayed with the breeze and put sweetness into the air.  He took several pictures of her and when she wasn’t looking, he took a few more.  There was no doubt in Todd’s mind that he was falling fast for this beauty by his side.

Todd used every opportunity possible to put a smile on Grace’s face.  It was easy to be with her.  He didn’t feel like he had to pretend to be someone else.  She laughed at his silly jokes, even when he knew they were duds.  She didn’t complain about anything. 

It was a new experience for him to be around a woman who allowed him to lead.  His ex-wife hated the outdoors and whined whenever they went on a hike or anywhere in nature.  She complained so much that over time, Todd would leave her behind so she could go shopping while he went exploring.

“Would you like to take a hike around the area?” Todd asked Grace, pulling them both from their thoughts.

“Wonderful.  Do you have a place in mind?” Grace questioned, willing to go practically anywhere with Todd.

“I’ve found the smart way to find the best spots is to ask the locals,” Todd said slightly mischievously.

“Perfect, I’d like to see you in action,” Grace challenged him.

Todd found an employee and asked if they could send the manager over to their table.  In about five minutes, a blond man with a smile on his face approached their table.

“Hi!  My name is Karl.  How may I help you?”

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our lunch here at Gringos.  The atmosphere on the deck is incredible.  Grace and I are up from the Bay Area for the day and I was hoping you could recommend a nearby hiking trail,” Todd asked politely.

“Glad you enjoyed your meal.  There are several hiking areas to choose from, but my favorite is at Cronan Ranch.  It is a recreational park and has over 12 miles of trails for horses, biking or hiking.  Just take Highway 49 toward Auburn.  It’s about ten minutes up the road and on your left,” Karl explained to Todd.

“Are there trails near the river?”  Todd asked, wanting to be sure to find the best location.

“There is a trail called ‘The Up and Down Trail’.  It will take you through the rolling hills and then down to the river.  The views are breathtaking,” Karl relayed to Todd.  “If you are interested in a little dessert, I also recommend The Sierra Rizing Bakery which is on the other side of the parking lot across from Hotshot Imaging.  They have the best desserts in town.”

“Thank you for your help.  We will be sure to check out the bakery on our way out,” Todd said to Karl as they got up to leave and shook hands.

“And that is how it is done.  In fact that is probably how the West was won,” Todd bantered to Grace while leaving the restaurant.

“Well, aren’t you just so proud of yourself, Mr. Harcourt?  I sure did like Karl’s dessert suggestion.  Can we walk over to The Sierra Rising Bakery? A latte is also calling me,” Grace proposed as she took Todd’s hand.

“But of course, my lady!” Todd grinned.

After selecting several desserts and two large lattes, they drove over to Cronan Ranch.  They walked down to the river’s edge on the ‘Up and Down Trail’.  It meandered through large meadows dotted with expansive oak trees.  The meadow grasses were a brilliant sea of green.  Mixed in were California poppies, wild lupine, daisies, dandelions and numerous other flowers.  Occasional patches of rocks jetted up from underneath the grass. 

There were other people out walking, but they passed very few.  They could see horses on many of the trails and appreciated the country element they brought to the incredible natural scenes. 

When they arrived at the river, the sun began to set.  It was the second sunset that they had shared together.  Todd was definitely enjoying this newfound tradition.

“The sun is beginning to set,” Grace announced.  “Look at how the colors bounce off the water.”

Todd was too busy admiring Grace to look at the sunset.  He was enamored with the gorgeous woman by his side.  He picked a small wild daisy and placed it behind Grace’s ear.  He stared down at her sweet face and brushed the hair out of her eyes. 

He placed both hands on her face, moved closer to her ear and gently whispered, “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known.”