The Legacy (5 page)

Ingo spends a few hours at the boutique with Cisely,
talking with her when she isn’t busy, and just watching her
when she is. He loves watching her interact with the customers
because she is such a natural, and they absolutely adore her.
The more time he spends with Cisely, the more he knows she is
meant to share his life someday. Even now, he wants that more
than anything. However, he doesn't want to scare her, so he
will continue to take things slow.

At least he will
try
to.

Later in the evening, Ingo takes me out to dinner, then to
a show at the Capitol Theater. Afterward, we go for a short
walk through downtown. Every moment I spend with Ingo is
wonderful and exciting. He is introducing me to a whole new
world and I am now doing things I've only dreamed about.

When we finally arrive home, Ingo asks me to sing
something for him, and I am flattered and nervous at the same
time. Other than in a high school program, I have never
performed for anyone, but I did promise him last night that I
would. I often think about the music teachers I had through the
years in school, and each time I sing or play now, my gratitude
for them is renewed.

Sitting at the piano, I am a bit nervous, but as I warm up
my fingers and the notes begin to fill the room, I am carried
away, my nervousness fleeing. I play Switchfoot's version of
“Only Hope,” my voice soon joining the music.

Discreetly glancing over at Ingo, I find him listening
intently, his eyes closed. At the song's end, he opens his eyes
and I am warmed by the emotion in them.

“Thank you.” Despite being nervous about performing
for him, I really did enjoy it, and I am happy he liked it.
“Promise me you will sing for me again,”
Smiling warmly, I say, “I promise.”

The following Saturday, Ingo and I go for a long drive
up Millcreek Canyon and have a picnic. I love the beauty of the
canyon. Some spots remind me of the Smoky Mountains in
North Carolina because they are so green. The trees are lush,
and a
continuous
breeze
gently
stirs
the
warm air.
The
temperature is comfortable, the weather perfect.

We have a wonderful time exploring and just being
together. I have never been the adventurous type, but Ingo
makes every experience exciting. With him, I feel like I can do
anything. Since this is my first real picnic, he promises we will
make a habit of it.

Later, with a big bowl of popcorn between us, we watch a
movie with Jessica.
Contentment washes over me as I rest my head against
Ingo's shoulder, his hand firmly clasping mine. The sadness I
have felt for so long is slowly fading, and I am beginning to
hope. Maybe I can finally let the past go. Each moment I spend
with Ingo loosens another brick in the wall of self-preservation
I have kept in place for so long.
Jessica glances over at me and smiles. She sees the
changes taking place in me, and I feel how much she cares. She
has wanted nothing but happiness for me, and I now realize
why the desire she'd felt to have me come to Utah had been so
strong. Like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time, I
am beginning to fly. And though I have no idea what is in my
future, I am certain moving to Utah and meeting Ingo is a
major part of it.

It has been weeks since Ingo arrived, and we have
become so close, it is hard for us to be apart when I have to
work. The only thing that keeps us going is the anticipation of
spending our evenings together. I have never enjoyed being
with someone so much, and I continually savor the innocence
of it all.

Having slept in this morning, I awaken to find a large
bouquet of red and white roses in a crystal vase on my bedside
table. It is the first time I have ever received flowers. I inhale
their sweet fragrance, then read the card.

Good morning, love. I missed you while I slept,
and I long to see your beautiful face.
Ingo
After gazing dreamily at the flowers another moment, I

quickly shower and change and do my hair, finishing the look
with some light makeup. I am about to head down to the
kitchen when Ingo appears at the door, carrying a breakfast
tray.

“You are supposed to still be in bed,” he says, his eyes
stern, but his voice is playful. I can tell he really is a little
disappointed I am already up. “I guess I’ll have to be a little
faster next time.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, raising on my tip-toes, kissing him. “I
didn’t mean to spoil your surprise. Would you like me to
change and get back in bed?” I smile sweetly, trying to make
him laugh and succeed.

“No, that’s okay, but I would like you to get back
on
the
bed so I can at least serve you your breakfast.”
I grin, immediately complying. When I am settled, Ingo
places the tray over my lap.
“Thank you,” I say, marveling at his thoughtfulness. Just
when I think there is nothing he can do to make me feel any
more special, he surprises me by showering me with even more
attention. “I’ve never had breakfast in bed before.”
“Well, then this will be the first of many times.” He
presses a hand to my cheek. “I’m glad that I can be the one you
experience so many firsts with. But before you start eating . . .
there’s something I want to tell you.”
“Now wait just a minute. You bring me this amazing
breakfast,” I say, gesturing to the tray, “and now you're telling
me I have to wait to eat it? You’re talking to the woman with
the mega appetite, remember? I can smell sizzling bacon a mile
away. You’re seriously telling me I have to wait?”
He laughs. “Just for a minute, if you don’t mind.”
“Oh, I mind, but I guess I’ll wait.”
“I promise it will be worth it.” His smile fades slightly.
“At least I think so. I hope so.”
“Okay.”
Setting
the
tray
aside,
I give
him my
full
attention. All playfulness is gone. This seems serious and I
hope there isn't anything wrong.
“I need to say something to you. But I don’t want to
frighten you. That is the very last thing I want to do.”
“Okay,” I repeat, trying to keep my voice neutral and not
let my imagination run wild.
He watches me looking at him expectantly, emotion
filling his expression.
“I love you, Cisely. So very much. I need you in my life,
more than I have ever needed anything.”

I have
never
heard anything
as
beautiful as
Ingo's
declaration of love and it leaves me in awe. Placing my hand
against his cheek, a tears slips unchecked down my own.

“I love you, too, Ingo. You’re the best thing that has ever
happened to me.”
He kisses my palm. Pulling a small red box from his
pocket, he places it in the same hand. “Will you marry me?”
My heartbeat speeds up a notch. Over the past weeks I
have let myself dream of this moment, and now that it is here, I
am speechless. I continue to stare at him, marveling at his
proposal. Yet doubt immediately intrudes.
“Are you sure you want to marry me? I come with a lot
of very heavy baggage. I know you are aware of that, but are
you really sure?”
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life, love.” He
moves closer, taking my face in his hands. “You mean more to
me than anything in this world. And as for the baggage, we can
carry it together.”
Releasing a deep sigh, I allow happiness to move through
me. Though I still feel unworthy of him, I can’t doubt his
feelings. Love shines through his eyes, making me feel like
Cinderella about to become a princess. “Nothing would make
me happier than being your wife, Ingo.”
“Is that a yes?”
“It is.”
His
eyes
shine
even
brighter
and a
grin
splits
his
handsome face, like he has just been handed the world’s
greatest treasure, which astounds me a little–no, not just a little,
a lot!
When did I become such a prize? How is it possible?
Interrupting
my mental musings, he presses his lips to mine, kissing me
slowly, then drawing back, takes the ring from the box and
places it on my finger.
“It’s beautiful,” I say, admiring the heart shaped solitaire.
“Just like you.”
Kissing him again, I touch my forehead to his. “I love
you.”
“And I love you,” he whispers. “More than you could
ever know. And Aunt Jessica will be very happy for us. I think
she has wanted this all along.”
That’s an understatement
. “I’m sure you’re right,” I agree,
remembering how Jessica practically pushed me into spending
that first day with Ingo. How grateful I am now that she did. “I
guess it wouldn’t do to disappoint her.”
“No, I guess it wouldn’t.” He places the breakfast tray
back over my lap. “All right, now you can eat. But hurry so we
can share our news with Aunt Jessica.”
“No need to tell me twice.” I take a bit of the bacon,
unable to stop smiling.