"Happy birthday, honey," Jesse murmured, kissing Pearl's neck as he came up behind her, where she stood at the kitchen window.
She'd been watching Pablo run up and down with her father.
They both seemed to wake up way before everyone else, so over the past week they'd gotten into the habit of slipping outside to collect sea-shells, play games, wade in the ocean water until everyone appeared for the morning meal.
Usually Pearl or her mother would call them in to eat. Corra wasn't up yet, so Pearl and Jesse were relatively alone.
Turning around with pleasure, she hugged him. "Thanks, baby!"
After the hug, he kissed her lightly. "You smell wonderful."
"Thank you," she smiled happily, "How did you know it was my birthday?"
Jesse laughed. How she loved that sound.
"Everyone has been hinting at it not so subtly since you got out of hospital."
She laughed too. "Oh. Sorry. They're all very nosy, aren't they?"
He shrugged. "We love them, though, don't we?"
"We certainly do."
Taking his hand from behind his back, he presented her with a single rose.
"First, a flower."
"Aw, thank you, Jesse."
He winked.
A moment later, Corra walked into the kitchen.
"There you two are! Have you already eaten?"
"Good morning, Mom," Pearl smiled.
"Morning to you, birthday girl!" she came over and gave her only child a big hug. Then she looked over at Jesse and winked. "Good morning, handsome."
Jesse chuckled. "Good morning, Corra. You look very merry today."
"It's the only day of the year I get to celebrate my greatest accomplishment," she grinned.
Pearl shook her head good-naturedly, knowing her mother was the first one to say her daughter was a gift from God and she had nothing to do with how she turned out. She also knew her mother was being far too humble because the woman was very accomplished.
Jesse escorted them both to the breakfast table, the whole time musing how easy it had been to fall into a routine at the Guthrie house. He felt like he was part of the family and had been for ages. There had barely been any awkwardness surrounding the first encounter with Pearl's parents. They liked him because he was Vivienne's son and because he'd convinced Pearl to bring him home, which amused him to no end.
Before he'd settle into his seat Jesse saw Pablo's little hand waving as he ran toward them on the soft sand. He waved back but almost shot out of his seat when Pablo tumbled and his face landed in the sand. What stayed him was Franklin Guthrie's own hand.
Jesse watched as Franklin jogged up to Pablo and picked him up with both hands. Kneeling beside the small boy, the older man brushed off as much sand as he could, gently wiping Pablo's face with the cardigan he'd been carrying on his shoulders.
Pablo was crying and Jesse could hear it. With a miserable groan, he covered his face. "Oh, make it stop," his companions heard him say. "It's killing me."
"Aw," Corra smiled sympathetically. "It's probably more his pride that got hurt."
"I know you're right but that sound guts me every time. I hate seeing him cry," he confessed, looking up from his hands.
Pearl reached out and squeezed his hand. "Here he comes. Buck up, Dr Murray."
He smiled gratefully at Pearl and then watched her call out to Pablo. "Come here, mijo, let me look at you."
Jesse stood up as Franklin approached them to take his seat.
"Good morning, Jesse." He bent down to kiss his wife. "Morning darling." As he sat down he gestured Jesse back into his seat, accepting the coffee his wife offered him. But the younger man wasn't paying attention.
He was watching Pearl with Pablo with an expression of surprise on his face. Surprise and something else. Franklin hid his smile in his coffee cup. After taking a sip, he said, "Jesse, son, take a seat. You look like you could use some coffee."
The doctor blinked. With a slight shake of the head, he sat down with an apologetic smile. "Coffee would be great, thank you, sir."
"I've told you not to call me that," Franklin tried frowning.
Jesse grinned. "And I've told you that you're far too important for me not to. It slips out every now and then."
Corra chuckled.
"Come here, Pablo," Jesse now said in a gentle voice.
Pearl was done getting more sand off his face. She kissed him and sent him over.
Jesse picked the boy up and placed him on his knee. "¿Como estás?"
Pablo said he was fine and said good morning. He was slightly subdued but he looked curiously at his Papa whose eyes were twinkling happily.
"Do you remember what day it is, little one?
It took only a few seconds and the transformation on Pablo's face was unmistakable. He started bouncing excitedly and he clapped his hands as he always did when he was happy. Jesse whispered in his ear and the little boy jumped down from his perch and disappeared inside.
Pearl sent him a quizzical look, but Jesse just gave her his killer model quality smile.
Pablo returned with a little box decorated with ribbon. He stopped halfway between Jesse and Pearl. Jesse smiled at him and told him to hand the box over to the owner.
That said, Pablo walked shyly back to Pearl and gave the box, saying, "Happy birthday," in bashful English.
Pearl grabbed and hugged the boy tightly. "Oh, thank you, sweetheart."
Pablo's cheeks turned pink but he hugged her back.
Taking the box in her hand, she sent Pablo's guardian another curious look. He gave her a knowing smile. "Open it, honey."
Corra's eyes widened with interest and Franklin was looking at the box intently.
All of a sudden, she was nervous. Tentatively, Pearl took the ribbon off the small square box and cracked it open.
That was when Jesse spoke. "That is Pablo's gift to you."
It was a small black pearl.
She gasped in delight. "It's beautiful. Oh," she kissed the boy's cheek, "gracias my baby. I love it."
Pablo turned even pinker but he was smiling.
Turning the box around for her parents to see, she let them look at the pearl.
The relief on her father's face was almost comical but Pearl missed it because she was listening to Jesse who was explaining that Pablo had found the clam the afternoon they'd arrived in Hawaii.
"What a lovely gift," Corra chimed in, chuckling at her husband who agreed out loud.
"Happy birthday, my little angel," her father said, placing a different shaped box in front of her.
"Thank you, Daddy."
She took the leather bound recycled book out and smiled, delighted at the workmanship on the cover.
"It used to be some kind of math journal, but they bleach the pages and repurpose these old books."
"Oh I love it. This is such a great birthday," she said, sitting back.
"Isn't that something," Jesse said, amused. "It's only breakfast time."
Her eyes shone. "I'm excited now."
Corra informed them that she'd made lunch reservations so whatever Jesse had planned would have to fit after midday. She and Pearl were hitting the spa that morning.
"You boys can go out on the boat or go do rounds with Pearl's father," she said to Jesse.
"They're going to do both," Franklin announced. The man was almost as tall as Jesse, a little rounder but his voice was larger by far. And yet he never sounded like he was shouting. The deep tones just seemed to talk right into your ear drums in a pleasing way.
Jesse smiled now, thinking he could imagine Franklin preaching and the whole congregation being moved to a standing ovation. They'd arrived on Sunday afternoon so he'd missed the opportunity but he knew tomorrow he'd be there.
"That was quite a trick you played, this morning," Franklin said as they docked the boat.
Jesse chuckled. "I can't believe you thought that I'd propose twelve hours after telling you that I have intentions. She doesn't even know yet."
Franklin laughed out loud. "My baby is smart. She knows."
"I honestly hope she does." With a friendly slap on the back, Franklin led Jesse, who was carrying Pablo into the restaurant where they were meeting Franklin's wife and daughter.
"Just to be sure," Franklin chuckled, "let her know soon. She deserves that much."
"Yes, sir," Jesse grinned, "I will."
Seeing Jesse laughing and chatting with her father was a wonder for Pearl. She'd never brought a man home before and she definitely wasn't regretting it. Jesse seemed to be a hit with both her mom and dad. Of course, he was Vivienne's son, so that made things a little different, but Pearl was sure it wasn't just that.
Every time she saw them together, Jesse had an easy smile on his face or her father's brown eyes were twinkling, even if his expression was serious. Her mother had said it was because her father had found someone worthy in intellect and intent. His upbringing, who his parents were and his chosen career path said something about his mind. The fact that he was ready to adopt as a single father spoke a lot about his heart- and she knew the heart was important to both her parents. But particularly to her father.
She loved the fact that although the trip was mainly about her and her health, Jesse would still take time for Pablo. Just the two of them. They'd go off on adventures almost every day.
After one such excursion, Pablo had returned with a crab hidden in his pocket. When he took it out to show Jesse, it'd taken a while for his papa to convince him to let it go. Franklin had watched the exchange and laughed about it later, telling Jesse that Pearl had been the same way, making them worry whenever she brought home animals. From that point Jesse had been even more open about discussing how he was experiencing fatherhood. Franklin liked that. Pearl knew Franklin had enjoyed the couple nights this week that Jesse had stayed up with him and spoken on an array of topics.
Her reflection was cut short because her mother leaned over and said in a low voice, "Pearl, doll, you're staring at him."
The flush that travelled up her neck into her cheeks caught his attention. The smile he gave her in return as he sat down was way too sexy for lunch with her parents and a child.
Kissing her cheek, he asked how their morning had been. Regaining composure, she told him a quick summary of what they had gotten down to.
He took hold of her hand to inspect the nails and then looked up into her eyes saying, "You look beautiful."
She blushed again and thanked him.
"Did I see you boys on the water, just now?" Corra asked, tickling Pablo, who was seated in a high chair beside her.
"Yes, dear, that was us. This young man has quite the arm."
Pearl knew it was true, but she found her eyes wandering to his well-formed biceps only slightly visible in the cardigan he'd put over his shirt. He was looking very much like the preppy yacht boy, she thought, amused.
Her mother kicked her gently under the table. With a sigh, she met her mother's gaze. The woman gave her a dry look and mouthed 'focus'. Pearl couldn't help laughing.
She really should have been used to his looks by now, but there was something about him today… Out loud, she said, "How were the visits to the Hinley's and the Butler's?"
"Good. Pablo was our star today. Just what the doctor and the pastor ordered." Franklin smiled. "Something about a child lifts an ailing spirit."
It happens that Pablo had sung the song he'd learnt from Hermano to both sick people. They'd enjoyed his company immensely.
"So whose footsteps is he going to follow?" Pearl asked Jesse teasingly, without realising at first what she'd implied. Jesse was halfway through his sentence when her blush became more pronounced.
His smile widened. "Pablo can be whatever he wants to be. If he wants to save lives like his dad or save souls like," he looked at her knowingly, "your father... that's a noble endeavour." He turned to the little boy and ruffled his slightly curly hair. "But he doesn't have to. He could be a skateboarder, I'd still love him."
Pearl chuckled. "I might have to remind you of that in a few years."
Jesse looked at her with warm eyes. "I'd like that."
Pearl cleared her throat. "Okay." Pause. "We should order now."
"I love you."
She heard the words and the next thing she knew, Pearl was tripping on her own two feet.
"What?" she stammered as Jesse held her up and steadied her.
Leading her off the dance floor, Jesse took Pearl outside. The moon was bright in the night sky. A warm breeze teased their hair and light clothing. The faint sounds of music carried onto the beach. It was something right out of a romance movie. Right down to the tall, gorgeous blond guy making declarations.
He sat her down on a bench in a secluded spot. Sitting next to her, he smiled.
"What did-?" she began.
"I love you," he cut her off, his eyes never leaving her widened brown ones. "I'm in love with you but it's also more." Caressing her hand with his thumb, he said, "So, I just wanted to give you one more thing tonight."
"Jesse!"
He'd already given her a gold watch with mother of pearl inlays on the face and a chain with a cage in which to hold the pearl Pablo had given her.
"It's nothing material," he quickly assured her. "But-" he hesitated, "-it's the most important to me."
Any protest died on her lips when he said that.
"I tried to think of something that would totally show you what you mean to me. I came up with superficial and physical solutions," he smirked, "but everything failed to completely illustrate where my head is now."
He lifted her hand and placed it on the left side of his chest. "Do you remember the night I first put your hand here? When we started dating?"
She nodded, afraid to speak and break the spell.
"So you recall me saying the way I care for you is that constant."
Pearl nodded again.
"Good. Tonight I am just taking it a step further. Last time my heartbeat was an example. This time my heart is a gift." He swallowed. "For as long as you want it. It is- and all I am- is yours."
Tears pooled in her eyes, and he kept going. "I know that might make me sound like I'm putting you before God, but if I'm honest I think it's because of Him that I'm here pouring the truth out like this. I know I'm in your life for a reason…and unless I am proved wrong, I will always be here for you. To take care of you and love you."
"Jesse," Pearl said through tears. "Wow." Half laughing, she brushed her fingers under her long lashes.
"I don't expect you to say-"
"How can I not?" she laughed again. "I'm crazy about you. Everything you're saying has made this the best birthday I've ever had." She put her hands on either side of his face and kissed him.
It wasn't like a kiss he'd ever gotten from her before. It was deeper, slower, more meaningful and its value doubled- trebled- when she broke it off to speak.
"I'm inextricably in love with you, too. Your heart, your face," she giggled, "your personality, your little boy… I love all of it."
"Say that again," he whispered, in shock.
She kissed him again. "Jesse Murray. I love you."
He closed his eyes and let out a breath he hadn't noticed he was holding. "Honey, that brings such relief and happiness- you have no idea."
She smiled up at him, her hand still against his chest, where she could feel his heart beating faster than normally. It didn't matter because hers was ready to burst through her ribs.
"That's a great present, by the way," she said softly. "I gladly accept it."
"Thank you," he said solemnly. Pause. "There's something I think I can say now…"
Her eyebrows went up. "What is it?"
"I want- very badly want you to be my wife."
Pearl gasped. Her heart leapt into her throat and she couldn't speak.
Jesse made a face. "I shouldn't have said it like that." Pause. Pearl watched several emotions flicker on and off his face. "Pearl Guthrie, I want," he began sincerely, "to be your husband. To hear you admire me, for you to keep me on speed dial, for you to be the mother of my son and other children," he said quietly.
She was still incapable of speech.
Jesse was saying he wanted to marry her. He'd just knocked her socks off with a declaration of love and now he was taking it up another notch.
He watched her eyes widen. Jesse knew he'd surprised Pearl with the suddenness of what he'd just said. But she didn't look unhappy.
Now came the hard part.
"I want us to be together completely, entirely," his voice was husky, "biblically even."
Pearl blushed and averted her eyes shyly.
"But that can't happen."
Her eyes snapped back to his in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, frowning slightly.
Jesse smiled. His stomach had done a flip as he'd told her the truth but now it was melting with adoration for the woman in from of him. She was saying she had a problem with not marrying him. That brought him indescribable joy. But it also made the next part unbearably difficult.
"I don't want to marry you until I have full legal custody of Pablo."
Her perfect eyebrow barely moved but he knew he had her full attention.
"I don't want anyone thinking I married you because I wanted to keep the boy who became my son the day I picked him up for the first time. They need to know I am marrying you because you're the woman I love. And for no other reason."
The tears were back. "That's so sweet. I don't care what people think."
"I know you don't," he said wiping a solitary tear off her smooth skin. "And I don't care what people- like our family or friends- may think but I do care how the Bolivian government will see it. I'm not a citizen of the country, but I'm going to appeal… the process has already started and I need everything to be transparent."
Pearl understood. "We better start praying the adoption goes through fast, then, huh?"
Jesse leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. "I've been praying, honey. I want this- Pablo and you- more than I want a job."
She chuckled. Her hand caressed his face. "That's not a good selling point. Don't tell the Bolivians that part. I think they're expecting you to better the child's situation at least."
Jesse laughed. Then he got serious again. "Pearl."
"Yes, Jesse?" she teased.
"Thank you. For being patient and kind, and for loving Pablo even though I never really gave you a choice. And," he kissed her once, "for loving me. I don't take that for granted."
"I did have a choice," she said. "I could've walked away from you and Pablo weeks ago." She giggled. "Or I could've chosen Richmond Grett."
That made him laugh out loud. He stood and pulled Pearl to her feet. Hugging her against his chest, he murmured, "Thank God you didn't choose him."
Thank God you chose me, she thought, hugging him back.
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