Impossible Miracle's by L.J Banister (classic novels txt) 📕

“It’s Audrey, please” she says, smiling sweetly at me. I feel when mum places her hand on my shoulder calling back my attention.

“Darling, I would like to introduce you to Audrey’s daughter” I turn around to face Kaylee, though, much to my mother’s unknown knowledge, I don’t need to be introduced to her. “Chase, this is Kaylee, Kaylee, my son Chase” I smile sweetly at Kaylee, picking up her hand and giving her knuckles a tender kiss.

“It’s an honor to meet you” I say softly, staring into her eyes. She smiles softly at me, but I can still see the puzzlement in her eyes. I keep hold of her hand, my thumb stroking it softly. I turn to face the rest of the group. “Would you mind if I steal Miss. Moore away and show her around? Introduce her to a few of the guests?” I ask. My mother and Mrs. Moore- Ops, Audrey- beam at me, while Alexis pouts, I know I’m stealing her friend away.

“Of course, dear” My mother answers quickly. Before Kaylee can say a word, I sweep her away. I keep hold of her hand as I walk her around, letting her read the dreams of the kids, or look at the scenery of the garden. I introduce her to a few of the most important people here, and all the while, she doesn’t speak a word, but she smiles, or laughs with the others at a joke made. I watch her the entire time, her deep blue eyes sparkling in the light. She’s even more beautiful than I remember.

“You haven’t said a word” I say when we are alone, well as alone as we can be, on the edge of the garden behind the stage. We’re in the dark, the light of the full moon shinning down on us, giving us all the light we need. Kaylee looks up at me, her cheeks going red before she glances back down.

“Sorry” she whispers.

Kaylee

What are the chances? Here I was thinking I’d never see him again, and here he is. Right in front of me and I’m stunned into silence. I have never been more grateful for the crowd of people around us, wanting Chase’s attention to congratulate him on his work setting up the ball, and saying how beautiful it looks. I couldn’t say a word, too afraid that if I opened my mouth, I’d just blurt it out. So I kept it shut, enjoying the lively conversations around us… Until he led me away from the crowd of people, and out into the open night air. He still held my hand. He hasn’t let go of it once, and at first, it felt warm, inviting… But now, my hand is just sweating. I take in the scenery before us and it’s beautiful. The ocean glistening under the light of the moon. I breathe in deep, letting the ocean air fill my lungs. I always liked the ocean. I listened as the waves rolled in, crashing into the sand, one after another. Laughter from other guests dulled softly behind us. Then he spoke and all the other sound disappeared. I glance up at him to see him looking at me, and it took me a moment to remember what he said. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks in embarrassment, and looked away, hoping that he didn’t see me blush.

“Sorry” I whisper.

“No, no, don’t be sorry” He says quickly trying to catch my eyes again. I smile softly at him, looking back out to the sea, but I can feel his eyes still on me.

“I never thought I’d see you again” He whispers. I face him.

“Me too” I whisper back softly. His blue eyes catch in the moon light, framed by long black eyelashes, and all I could do was stare.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen” Caroline’s voice sounds through the speakers making me jump.

“Come on” Chase whispers. “We better go take our seats.” We quietly walk back, quickly slipping into our seats, which Caroline made quick changes to the seating plan, place mum and I at the same table as Chase and Alexia. Just luckily enough I was placed between mum and Alexia, which meant Chase had to let go of my hand.

“Firstly, I would like to thank you all for coming, and a very big thank you to my amazing son, Chase, for the work he has done in getting this all set up and making it look so wonderful” Applause sounds around the area, even a few whistles, before we all fall silent again to listen to Caroline.

“Now, I promise not to make this too long, so we can get back to the fun. Over the past few years, the Children’s Home Fund Committee has helped over 40,000 children. We’ve ensured a permanent for each one, gotten them back into school, or helped them to make a new life for themselves. 40,000 children. Your donations have helped them in ways you can never have imagined. So, on behalf of those 40,000 children, and the Children’s Home Fund Committee, we thank you, so very, very, very much. If I could get you all to raise you glasses” My mother shoots me a quick look, ensuring I hadn’t picked up the champagne, satisfied I had picked up a glass of water instead.

“I’d like to set this toast out, to all you wonderful people, for all the help you’ve given us, and to the children. May all our dreams come true.”

After the toast, everyone begins to mill around again, some to find others to talk too, others to dance.

“May I have this dance?” Chase whispers into my ear. I jump at his closeness, spinning in my chair to face him. He stands up straight, offering me his hand. Slowly, I take his hand and let him lead me out onto the dance floor. A slow song starts to play, and Chase pulls me in close. We sway slowly with the music, the heat from his hand on my lower back warming my skin.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” he says softly with a soft smile. I feel myself blush and shake my head, pursing my lips and holding back a smile.

“Well, you do. You look amazing” I smile shyly at him. We continue to dance in silence until the song ends, and Chase leads us off the dance floor.

“Oh, isn’t he a divine dancer?” Caroline exclaims walking towards us. Chase bows his head in embarrassment, while I laugh softly. “And I believe it is my turn, my dear boy”

I watch as Caroline leads Chase back onto the dance floor, laughing fondly at his mother. She was such an amazing.

“Having fun?” My mother’s soft voice says. I turn towards her.

“Yeah, a little worn out though” I say softly. “What about you?”

“Yes, it’s been great fun with Caroline” She smiles fondly, watching Caroline dance with Chase. “Kaylee, will you walk with me a moment?” her voice asks softly, in a motherly, serious voice that I know well enough to know she’s worried about something.

“Sure, mum” I say sweetly at her, looping my arm into hers as we walk out into the moonlight. Slowly we walk about the garden and its a few moments before she speaks.

“You’ve met him before, haven’t you?” She asks, looking at me, and in an instant I know she’s worked it out. I slowly nod my head. She’s silent for a moment, before stopping our walk and turning to face me. “It’s him. The baby’s father?”

I can see the worry in mum’s eyes, and the tears that begin to well up when I nod again. She nods her head, and breathes out in a rush, like she was holding her breath, a smile slowly spreading across her face. She taps my hand softly.

“You need to tell him, Kaylee. I know you’re scared but he has a right to know” she says softly. I feel my eyes begin to well up with tears and my throat close in on itself.

“But what if he doesn’t what it? What do I do then?” I say pushing past my closed throat, my hand resting against my stomach.

“Then you will have me, and your dad, and your brother there to help you, as well as Avery and Skylar” She says softly, placing her hand on top of mine, and smiling softly watching our hands. “You will not be alone, Kaylee. I promise.” She looks back up at me, still smiling sweetly. “But you have to give him the chance to decide if he wants this baby in his life or not.”

I nod as I take in her words, and pull her in for a hug. She holds my tight, giving me the strength to tell him. As we pull away, I smile at her.

“Thank you, Mum”

“No problem, darling. Now why don’t I go get the car pulled around and have them take you home? You look exhausted.”

“I need to tell Chase”

“No, not tonight, sweetie. You go home, get some sleep. I’ll have Chase come around tomorrow to see you. Okay? You can tell him then” I think about it for a moment before nodding. Mum gives me another quick hug before running off to get someone to bring the car around. I stand there for a moment looking up at the night sky and taking some deep breaths, and then I follow mum out the side gate and away from the party.

Chase

“She’s very pretty, isn’t she?” My mother asks, noticing how even though mum and I are out dancing, my eyes still haven’t left Kaylee. I look down at my mother. She never misses a thing when it comes to me.

“Yes, she is” I answer quietly, looking back over at Kaylee, watching her as she speaks with her mum.

“You like her, don’t you?” Mum asks, looking over at Kaylee. I look back down at mum, a small smile spreading across my face.

“You never miss a thing, do you mum?”

“It’s what mothers are for” she huffs. “She’s a very nice girl, Chase. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“I know, mum.” We continue dancing for a little while longer, and when the song ends, I give mum a kiss on the forehead, and go to search for Kaylee. I can’t find her amongst the crowd, so I go have a look out in the garden.

“Chase!” I spin around to see Audrey walking towards me.

“Mrs. Moore. I was just looking for Kaylee” I say as she reaches me.

“I know. She wasn’t feeling very well, so I sent her home”

“Not feeling well? Is she ok?” I feel a little panicked. Maybe that’s why she was so quiet.

“She’s fine. Just in need of some rest” Audrey smiles kindly at me before linking her arm through mine. “Chase, will you walk with me a moment?”

“Of course” Together we slowly walk around the garden.

“Chase, may I ask you a question?” For a moment, I am hesitant to answer, not knowing what Mrs. Moore is going to ask.

“Of course” I say slowly.

“What do you think of my daughter?” She asks quickly.

“I think…” I start saying slowly, a smile spreading as I think of Kaylee. “I think she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I really would love to get to know her better, but wasn’t very talkative tonight.” Audrey smiles kindly at me.

“I’d like to think you are a good man, Chase. And it’s because I think this that I have agreed to have you come by Kaylee’s house tomorrow.” I’m a little shocked by her words.

“What do you mean?” I ask softly.

“Tomorrow, I need you to go and see Kaylee. I know you two have met before, and while I don’t know the details of that encounter, there is something Kaylee wishes to speak to you about.” I’m going to see her tomorrow. As Audrey’s words sink in, I cannot wait to