New Happiness, Begins
The Part 44

"Thank you for taking care of my son" Luisa told Kendall in earnest.

"Together," Kendall murmured, misbehaving.

"Don't miss your appointment with the doctor" Mrs said. Booker, his voice was anxious, "but surely you have time to sit down with your mother and have a glass of tea, right?"

David looked at Kendall with his eyebrows raised. Kendall nodded without speaking and sat on the edge of one of the sofas. After all, they still had to give the ring to David's mother. But Kendall already felt so uncomfortable, she was not sure she wanted to witness such a very personal event.

After hours of being close to David in the car, Kendall is tense, completely aware of every inch of David's large, muscular body pulling on her. As the man bent down to sit next to her on the sofa and their knees touched, Kendall's feelings grew chaotic.

Especially since Luisa was watching over them like an eagle mother.

"Without sugar for you, Kendall," he said, handing him a cold glass. "And sweet to you, David."

"Thank you" said Kendall, then sipped the tea, hoping the cold drink would calm the nerves.

"Are you one of those brides-to-be, honey?" luisa asked, her eyes widened without sin.

Kendall choked on a drink, then swallowed it. "Wedding candidate?"

"The average woman comes to Happiness to find a husband, right?"

Kendall tongue. Fortunately David was still able to speak up.

"Mom," she rebuked, "the woman who answered the ad was not looking for a husband.at least not all so." He's cleared his throat. "During this time Doctor Jenner received patients and helped us build the clinic. He's a very valuable asset in our development efforts."

Luisa smiled. "So you helped my kids rebuild Happiness." He looks sad. "That place is so special. I have so many wonderful memories there and of course my late husband is buried there." His eyes sparkled with tears, then he tilted his head. "When you're ready, Happiness is a good place to live quietly and raise a child."

Did David's knee press his knee harder? Kendall tightens the grip on the glass. "That's how I heard it."

"Hmm, Mom," David tapped into the shirt pocket to pull out the ring box, "Kendall and I have a surprise for you."

Luisa's mouth gawked. "You're engaged!" He clapped. "I'd guess. As soon as I saw the two of you together, I thought, 'They're a compatible couple!'"

Kendall almost dropped the glass.

"Mom.." - David.

"I have to admit, David, with your reputation as a female conqueror, I thought you'd never get married..."

"Mom..."

"And obviously I never imagined you were among my first children to fall..."

"Mom!"

Luisa. "What?"

Luisa's brows furrowed immediately, she looked at Kendall and David alternately. "No?"

Kendall wished the floor was open and swallowed it. He nodded, unable to look at David.

"No." David scolded. "May I finish my sentence first?"

Luisa took the tea and sipped it. "sure."

David hesitated and Kendall felt that in David's eyes the moment was broken. When he turned his head and saw the man's shoulder sag, he was encouraged to help save the awkward atmosphere that enveloped. Instinctively, he placed one hand on the man's knee.

"Mrs. Booker, David asked me to accompany him today because while exploring Happiness, I found yours."

Luisa frowning. "My stuff?"

David opened the ring box and stretched it out toward the mother. As soon as Luisa realized what she saw, her brilliant blue eyes were instantly filled with tears. Trembling he put down the glass, which Kendall immediately saved so that the contents would not spill. But Kendall was glad there was something to do, as she herself was about to cry.

"My ring is beautiful" said Mrs. Booker was amazed, taking the box. "I thought I'd never see her again." He took out the gold ring. Kendall knew David had asked Molly to clean up. The ring was as shiny as new. As Luisa slips it to the finger, Kendall imagines the woman remembering the day of her wedding, the first time David's father pinned it on the finger. Tears flooded Luisa's cheeks as she reached out to admire the thing. "My husband bought this ring for me. You can't imagine how much it meant to me to get this ring back." Then he rubbed his face and stood up to extend a hand towards Kendall. "How can I thank you, dear?"

Surprised, Kendall stood up and welcomed the woman's embrace. "No need to thank me." Luisa hugged Kendall tightly and patted her back, it felt so pleasant. Kendall glanced at David, who was watching them with a curious face.

"Mom, you can crush his bones, "worshipped David cheerfully.

Luisa retreated and laughed, still wiping her eyes. Then he advanced his body towards David and hugged him as well. "It's the best day since the storm. I can't wait to get back to Happiness."

"Harry and I were impatient, too" said David, then stuck a kiss on Luisa's wet cheek so hard that she giggled like a girl.

Kendall watched the scene with mixed feelings, astonished. Even when her mother was alive, their relationship always had conflicts. There are rarely hugs, let alone kisses. She never doubted her mother's affection, but she missed pats on her back and shoulders and hugs. His eyes were fixed on David's eyes and he wanted to take his eyes off, afraid that David would see everything he felt. But he couldn't. After a few seconds, David winked, then squeezed his mother's shoulder.

"We have to go, Mom. Doctor Jenner has been kind enough to make me an appointment with a famous orthopedic doctor and I don't want to be late."

"Of course not" his mother agreed, very pleased.

David stood up to take the crutches. Kendall stood up, relieved to leave. He led David to the door. There, he had to receive another tight hug before Luisa Booker said his farewell.

"I saw the way David looked at you" he whispered in Kendall's ear.

As Kendall retreated, she could only smile at the typical observation of a mother. Of course Luisa was imagining things to be desired in this kind of situation. "I'm glad I got a chance to meet you, Mrs. Booker."

Luisa grunting. "You talk like we'll never see each other again. But we'll meet when I come to Happiness and you can stop by here anytime."

Kendall felt David looking at her. He won't be in Happiness when Mrs. Booker's home. He didn't want to lie, so just let out a smile. "Good bye."

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