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Dakota looked out over the crowd listening to every word she said. After getting Mari on her side, her idea sounded like the perfect way to raise money for the Grange’s renovations. Everyone would have a chance to be involved at some level. Now to see if they liked what she’d put together.
“I like the idea.” Arabella Ferris was the first to speak up when Dakota paused for a breath. “I like it a lot.”
“I second that.”
Dakota looked toward the back of the room and breathed a sigh of relief when Adam walked through the door, the way his smile lit up his face sent a flicker of desire through her body. Seriously Dakota?
“A Christmas tree auction and gala ball would be a good way to raise money and bring the town together.” He walked over and stopped next to her, his hand going to her arm, his touch burning through her sleeve. “Is your sister on board with holding this at the hotel? It’s a heck of a lot of work.”
“I am.” Mari stood up, faced the crowd. “Look, I know you don’t all know me that well. Some of you may remember me as a rebellious teenage that couldn’t wait to leave Cherry Lake. So, for your benefit, let me fill you in on what I’ve been doing since you last saw me and why I think I’m more than capable of hosting the ball and auction in the Lake Hotel.”
The room quietened as Mari gave a quick history of her wedding business in L.A. and her plans for her new home. When she was finished, she sat to a round of applause.
“I think you’ll do a wonderful job, Mari. I vote that we go with Dakota’s idea. Those that agree, give me a show of hands.” Every person in the room raised their hand and Adam smiled. “Guess that’s it then. You have a big job ahead of you, ladies.”
“We can do it.” Dakota breathed in to steady the sudden rush of nerves. “I’ll do up a proposal so everyone can see what is happening and when, give you a timeline we can all work with. There will be lots for everyone to do from deciding who gets the trees to decorate to who decides the menu for the night and the price of the tickets. Is it okay if we meet back here in a week to finalize the plan? We don’t have a lot of time on our side.”
A round of cheers went up.
“Looks like you’re a hit.” Adam smiled at her but Dakota could see shadows in the back of his eyes.
“Certainly does. Can I buy you a drink, Adam?”
He shook his head. “Thanks but no. I need to go and catch up with my mother. We have things to discuss regarding my father and the family business but I’ll see you around town, okay?” He touched her elbow, then left.
“What’s wrong with him? He’s usually so outgoing and happy.” Mari was behind her and they both watched Adam push his way out the front door, refusing to be waylaid by willing customers.
“I wish I knew. He seems like a different person to the one I had dinner with last night.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, Mom?”
She sat with her head down, not looking at him. “I didn’t know what to say. I thought it would be better coming from Dr. Hope. He could at least answer all of your questions, make arrangements for you to be tested. I’m still shocked by it all and how close your father came to dying.”
“Have you called Ross? He needs to know too and get tested.” Adam slunk lower in the chair beside her. It wasn’t his mother’s fault and he could see her reasoning. Still it would have been nice for her to say something. He didn’t like being blindsided by the doctor.
“The doctor’s the one who delivered the news to both of you. He’s arranging tests for Ross as well but he thought since you have team doctors that take care of everything else, you’d probably want to go back to Seattle and get it done there.” She put a hand on his shoulder and then pulled him close for a hug. “Adam, your father is so sorry he’s done this to his sons. I think that’s what’s making him so depressed. Not only his own illness, but the fact he may have passed it on to you boys.”
“Luck of the draw. I understand that. It’s not anyone’s fault. Last thing I want is for Dad to blame himself.” It looked as though the option to withdraw from soccer before he was forced to may be taken from him. Dying for the sake of the game wasn’t an option. “I’m going to go to Seattle to have the tests done. It makes sense. Our doctors have the best equipment with specialists on standby too if we need them.” His mind churned with scenarios of what may or may not happen when he got the results. “I think it would be best as team headquarters is there. If there’s any possibility of me having to give up my career, I need to speak to management, work out my future. They have to know what I’m up against. It’s only fair.”
“You’re right. When will you go?”
“Dr. Hope is emailing the team doctor tomorrow morning. I’ll do a follow up call and make arrangements.”
“I wish I could wave my magic wand and wish it all away for you. These last few weeks have been the worst in my life. I don’t want that kind of anguish for you boys.”
“I know, Mom. There’s nothing you can do so please stop worrying. What will be will be and we’ll get through it, I promise.”
“This is not the way I wanted you to retire, Adam. Your dad and I wanted you to go out on top though, not because of a career ending injury or illness.” She reached for his hand, squeezed it in hers. “It will be nice to have you at the house more often though.”
“Don’t get too excited yet, Mom. I don’t know if I’m going to retire if I don’t have to. And I love living in Seattle.”
She looked at the ornament hanging in the kitchen window, its copper wires flickering with shots of gold under the lights. “Have you stopped to think of what might happen if you were here long enough to meet the right person?”
Adam watched the lights trace rainbows over the kitchen ceiling, the image of Dakota in his arms dancing to the music in their heads, wavering through his mind. He smiled, unable to ignore the tug of yearning in his chest.
Adam heard from the team doctor the following day. “Adam, I’m so sorry. When can you get here? We can test you straight away.”
“I have a few things to deal with. Can I call you back?”
“Of course. Don’t leave it too long. I don’t think we have anything to worry about as the health checks you guys get are pretty intensive but it won’t hurt to double-check everything. Give us both peace of mind.”
