With a broad smile revealing her pearly white, Shawney strokes his face, "You look as though you needed a night out, but never mind. I accomplished my gold. I wanted to see what San Francisco looks like, with all the lights on, and what better night could I have chosen? I could feel love in the air, knowing it would be perfect."
Unable to control the slight rage that was growing gradually, he wanted to know, "You are very persistent and determined to dine out, what is the main reason, Shawney?"
Shawney is never one to miss an opportunity when it arises, especially when it comes to learning or seeing something new.
Having no idea when she will be leaving San Francisco, Shawney plans to enjoy and appreciate the present moment. "Why shouldn't I? I don't stay any place for long, so I might as well enjoy the few days I am here."
Holding her closer to him, "Shawney, what are you saying? I thought you said you would work for me? So why are you talking about leaving when you now arrive?"
Avoiding his eyes, "I will stay a few days until you are better. After that, who knows what my Father's plans are?"
Anxious to know why she would be in a hurry to leave, she had only come a few days ago, "What do you mean by that, Shawney? Don't you have a family or a home to return to when the sun sets, and tell me, is your Father in San Francisco?"
Shawney felt loneliness fill her heart, smiling to cover the unpleasant feeling, but when she thinks about the goodness of God, she perks up,
"Oh, Torren, my Father always has a place prepared for me. He knows what tomorrow holds, and when the night comes for me to rest. He ensures that I am well taken care of; all might not be luxurious like this huge mansion, but it does not matter to me. As long as I am safe, I am happy, and that is enough to give God thanks?"
Torren silently listened to her words; he even glimpsed a slight discomfort thats appears on her face, but that disappeared in a split second. Wanting to know which father would inflict such pain in their daughter's heart, "Who is your father, Shawney, and doesn't he care about you?"
Shawney gently strokes his face, seeing that he is ready to ensure her happiness.
At that moment, Shawney recalled all the young men her dad had brought to their home to join an alliance with the family. Even being on the road for the last three years. Not one can look beyond the natural envy and greedy desires, and care for a person's feelings. None was ready to fight for her. I have given up all thought of expecting any companion, but seeing Torren's concern brings a special joy to my heart.
Most of them had rejected me because I wasn't ready to give up my inheritance, while others thought I was too poor to join their family statue. "God, what a set of sneeze balls."
Shawney blinked as she gazed at Torren, when he gently asked, "Please give me the address to where your father is staying, Shawney, and I will ask for his permission for you to stay if that will make you happy. What do you say?"
Shawney felt a sense of safety and comfort from those words; her eyes contracted as the tears blurred her vision. She felt as though her heart melted, her voice hoarsely asked, "Will 814you do that for me, Torren?"
Shawney couldn't help but admire the way he quickly said with excitement in his voice, "Yes, yes, please believe me, Shawney, and don't worry about a thing, I will make all the necessary arrangements for you to stay immediately."
Holding in her tears of joy, Shawney gently replies, "That is so sweet of you, Torren, but there's no need to be concerned about me. You see, Torren, my Father cares a lot about me. He is aware of all I have been up to this last week. He has been keeping a close eye on me and watching my every move."
Thinking, 'If only he knew who I am speaking about, but he believes it's my earthly father I am speaking about. Oh my Lord, he still thinks like a child so innocently. Please heal him, and I know he is very smart and kindhearted. And very soon he will start feeling better and will certainly catch on as soon as all the confusion is dispelled.'
Shawney heard Torren ask, "Is he living somewhere in San Francisco, Shawney? Tell me and I will go to him immediately to get his permission."
Avoiding his question Shawney taking his hand that was holding her face between his palms, "Shawney, please give me his address. I will personally go and speak with him?"
Torren heard her laugh, but there was something about how she was laughing, unable to believe what he was seeing. 'It seems to radiate a glowing beam on her face, and when she did speak, it was with such joy, Oh God, how is that possible?'
When she did speak, it brought him back to his senses, hearing her say, "He never leaves me alone, Torren, anywhere I'll go, He always goes with me like a shadow, but He always stays out of sight."
THE GOWN
Torren becomes perplexed and asks, "Shawney, does your father follow you around?"
With a light chuckling, she whispered, "Something like that, Torren, but you don't have to be afraid or worry. He seeks my interest the most and never allows anyone to hurt me."
Shawney heard Train asking at that very moment, "Are you ready to go, my child? Come on, you will need these?"
Hurrying to Train's side, Shawney said, "As ready as I will ever be, Sir, see you later, Torren." Shawney calls as she goes to change.
Watching as she waves and runs behind Dad. Taking the riding clothes to change into as they head towards the stable
Hearing them converse so happily, Torren couldn't help but wonder aloud, "What sort of relationship is Dad getting involved in? But he calls her child, I wonder where they have met? She is so full of life and with such determination, so why does she have to be so persistent and want to dine out?"
Becoming a bit confused, muttering, "And what does she mean by her travelling on the road and not taking along clothes? She confuses me, but she is Dad's friend, whichever way I look at it."
Scratching his head as he looked in the direction they went, "How is it that when I am with her, I feel so relaxed? I suppose Dad feels the same way, and I am already responsible for his unhappiness. So I can't destroy his happiness again.'
Recalling the way they were both conversing as though they didn't have a care in the world, "Oh God, they sound so happy, something that hasn't happened to Dad in a long, long while."
Torren closed his eyes, whispering a silent prayer. "Lord, if you are listening to me, I need your help. Lord, am I such a bad person that I cause others to be unhappy around me?"
Torren looks at them as they both ride alongside each other. She looks so carefree.
Entering the house, Torren thought back to when he rushed out of the house. 'The way he was feeling so stifled before. He no longer feels like that anymore; in fact, he feels very relaxed and calm.
Noticing a bag on top of the table, "Does this bag belong to Shawney?"
Torren opens the bag and sees small gift boxes. Removing a few boxes and then opening the lids.
Whispering to himself, "Where did she get all this jewellery from? They are very costly, Dear God! Isn't she afraid someone will rob her? How could she be so careless, leaving such valuable things so loosely?"
Noticing a pocket in the bag, Torren unzipped it, only to see a few dollars. Unable to help himself, he laughed, thinking this was madness, "So how on earth does she plan to pay for dinner with this measly few dollars?"
Recalling the closeness in the garden, 'It does not seem she had any money stashed away in her. Oh God, she is crazier than I am, but who cares? She was able to calm me down and made me smile."
Torren took up her bag and wondered, 'Why does she carry this heavy bag around?' About to head up the stairs when the doorbell rings.
Wanting to see who was visiting, Clyde, the butler, hurried to check. Seeing the delivery driver enter, "Sir, I didn't know you were home?" Gill addresses the Young Master
Torren smiled as he responded casually, "No one is aware of my return, Gill, and it is only a week now, so what brings you over?"
Torren notices when he raises his hand displaying the gown, "I am here because your Dad ordered these dresses not too long ago and asked that they be delivered immediately."
It was only then that Torren came back to his senses and said, "Thank you." 'Why didn't I think of that?'
Gill replies, "You are welcome, Sir, and Sir, I am so glad to see you are home, and you look well."
Agreeing with Gill, "I am much better, Gill, and thanks, Gill, tells me how everything is going at the factory these days?"
Still holding on to the gown and the few dresses, he said, "We are busy as always, Sir."
"Thanks, Gill, I hope you don't mind me asking, but will you just take it up to the room with the yellow door, please? I will appreciate it." Obeying his order, Gid hurried up the stairs to the yellow door room.
Torren then calls out to Liz, "You call Sir?"
TORREN WAS PLEASED
"Yes, Liz, will you rack up those dresses, please?"
Hurrying to do as she was asked, not wanting the Young Master to get angry, but he seemed to be in good spirits compared to how he was earlier. "Are we having a guest, Sir?"
"Yes, Liz, Miss Wayman will be staying for the weekend."
Happy to hear that the visitor who was here two weeks ago has returned. "Oh, that is so good. The children like her a lot. They will be so happy when they see her. Did you know, Sir, they don't like everyone that visits the mansion?"
Liz got scared when she saw how he started pinching his brow. She knew from past experiences that when that happens, he always misbehaves. 'Oh God, why did I open my big mouth?'
"Liz, Miss Wayman is not here to babysit. And try to keep your children quiet, their crying irritates me a lot."
Shocked by his response and behaviour, which normally never happened. He is a bit too calm, although he is angry. Liz just said quickly, "Yes, Sir, I am so sorry, I will keep them out of your way."
Two hours later, Train sits quietly, glad for the peace as he relaxes while waiting for Shawney to come down to go for dinner.
Reflecting on the conversation they shared when they went riding. 'She mostly relates what Dr Joseph had discussed with her concerning Torren's treatment and his health. Not once did she reveal anything about her plan or mention anything about my proposal to her.'
"I know I must be patient with her, and if I push her too fast, she might leave. I must be thankful for whatever assistance she is offering. Especially with him still adjusting to his returning home after two years. And to help him with his anger problem and how to keep it intact and under control."
When Carl spoke, Train was startled, "Are you going out to dinner, Dad? And who were you speaking with a second ago?"Carl asks, looking to see who the visitor was. He became confused when he realised that his Dad was speaking aloud.
Being caught off guard, Train hoped Carl didn't hear exactly what he said. Having no choice, he avoided the question with a broad smile on his face.
With a pleasing smile on his lips, he took a few seconds to admire the way his precious son looked so handsome and said.
"Yes, son, it is Valentine's Day, and a friend came to visit, so she invited me to join her for dinner. It seems you and Careen are also dining out. Seeing you are all dressed up to go out."
Carl smiles as he sits next to his dad, "Yes, we are dining out, and she will be down any minute now."
Carl and Train were sitting with a glass of wine when Torren entered the lounge. "Carl, when did you return home?"
Carl saw the happy smile and stood up. He was happy to see Torren looking so well, giving him a loving hug, "Not too long ago, big brother and you look extremely well."
Torren had always liked Carl a lot. Seeing him after so long, he enjoyed the embrace, "Thanks, Carl, I feel much better, and you are looking rather dashing tonight. I am sure Careen must have been ecstatic when she saw you."
Just then, Torren notices Jeff, alighting the stairs, all dressed up as well.
Torren felt somewhat alone seeing his brothers going out on this special day.
Taking courage knowing Candis will be home, Torren said, "It looks as if Jeff is also taking Lasandra out for dinner."
Train knew when he saw Jeff earlier, he was so angry he didn't have the opportunity to mention anything about dinner. "He didn't say anything when we met earlier."
Saying that, Train is concerned that Torren might be all alone. Not delaying the nagging concern, he said politely, not to offend him, "Torren, why don't you join Shawney and me?"
"I am sorry, Dad, but there's no need for you to worry. Candis and Travis will be home," Torren replies.
"I don't think so, Son, look for yourself." Train said, and they all focused on the couple alighting the stairs.
When Candis came and kissed Train, he couldn't help mentioning how lovely she looked.
Her dress was amazing, it was a lovely royal blue with silver working from the right side shoulder all the way straight across to the hip line on the left. She looks so much like her mother, Nancy.
Their beauty was mind-blowing, but their heart seemed to be misplaced when it came to loving and caring for others.
Travis, on the other hand, was wearing a baby blue suit, looking quite dashing. "I see you two made dinner plans as well, so where are you taking my daughter tonight, Travis?"
Being a bit inquisitive, especially how they were both smiling as though they were keeping a secret.
When Travis said, "Dad, the only place I could get a reservation was at Grand Royal Restaurant"
Being pleased with his choice to take his daughter to dine out, Train said, "Good choice, Son, that place is nice."
Turning to Carl, and ask, "Carl, my Son, where did you make your reservation?"
With a gentle smile, he replies, "Dad, the only place Careen could get a reservation at short notice was at the Yacht Club."
Being satisfied with their choice, Train responds happily, "Not bad, my beautiful Daughter-in-law," looking in Careen's direction and seeing all smiles, giving her his thumbs up.
Admiring how beautiful she looks in the pink gown with silver work, It matches perfectly to Carl's white suit, making them the perfect couple. This Daughter-in-law is super gentle and kindhearted, which he loves very much.
"And where are you all dressed up to go, Daddy?" Candis asks unexpectedly, drawing everyone's attention.
To be honest, Train didn't hesitate a bit, revealing what was in his heart, "I don't know my child, I just got invited and am excited to see what the evening brings."
DIDN'T MAKE A MISTAKE
Torren responded by saying, "Well, Dad, Shawney told me, she made her reservation at The King's Palace."
"But that's impossible, I tried there a week ago," Lasandra replies, observing all eyes on her, feeling a bit embarrassed knowing her words came out a bit too harsh.
Angry with Lasandra's outburst, he was also disappointed to know he was a bit too late when he called to make a reservation. "Come on, Lasandr, we will get late, see you all later."
Watching Jeff leave, 'Train knew his son so well that he understood that he was displeased when Lasandra responded to Torren's remark.'
When Torren said, "But Dad Shawney only came Tuesday to San Francisco, so how is it possible for her to get a reservation and Lasandra couldn't? You all heard what Lasandra said."
"Never mind that Shawney always seems to find a way, she is so talented and versatile, you will be amazed, my Son. I don't know how, but she does it, and talking about her, here she comes."
Her dress was blood red with silver work.' 'My God, Mavis sent the perfect fit and accessories to match, she looks stunning and very appealing.
Seeing all heads turn toward the stairway, Train stood up immediately, touching Torren's hand, which seemed lost in her beauty. "My Son, I need you to go with me, or I will get killed trying to protect her."
With her eyes open wide as a saucer, Candis held her breath, seeing the raving beauty, "Who is she, daddy?" Candis asks, with a shaken expression, especially when Travis couldn't take his eyes away.
Unable to control her anger and jealousy, Candis hits Travis, saying, "What is wrong with you? Stop staring at her."
Carl whispers, "Dad, is she your date for tonight?"
"Yes! Son, we met in Chicago a few weeks back. I invited her to stay here anytime she visited San Francisco. It never crosses my mind that she will take up my offer seriously."
When Carl chuckles, "Are you sure you can keep up, Dad? She looks quite young, and I haven't seen someone quite that beautiful in a long time."
Train chuckles, "Oh, she is quite a gentle soul, my son." Knowing his children so well, Train was fully aware of what they were all thinking.
Train couldn't help but admire how beautiful and alluring she looked. Confirming deep within his heart once again, he didn't make a mistake by choosing Shawney for his Torren. She was the perfect match for Torren, his Young Prince in the MacCarty family. If only Torren could change his mind and join us for dinner, I know the evening would be exceptionally superb.
At that moment, Train was convinced in his mind without a doubt that Shawney would help Torren to relax and realise that he was ready to start all over.
Carl replies, as he continues to chuckle, "I hope so, Dad, I really hope so."
"Will you two stop it? She might hear you, and for your information, Carl, she is a missionary. Do you think she will even have such evil thoughts in her heart?" Torren responds angrily, feeling his heart racing. He wished with all his heart that he hadn't rejected her proposal to be her Valentine.
Carl couldn't help but observe how his father and brother's eyes were glued on her, "She is! Oh my! She sure is a beautiful missionary. All hearts will follow her wherever she goes?"
"Yes, Carl, that she is, but not how you are seeing it," Train replies, knowing what his hidden agenda.
"You also know her, Torren?" Carl asks, curiously wanting to hear what his response will be.
Torren looked at their face, seeing the suspense as they awaited his answer, "Yes, Carl, we met a few times, that is how I knew she and Dad were friends."
"You did, so tell me how that was possible, when you said she only came Tuesday, and she is Dad's friend?"
"Carl, she was here Sunday to meet Dad, but he didn't reach home until after lunch. And the others went to the beach, so she helped me prepare lunch and then left.
Noticing how Carl seems so lost in her beauty, he touches his hand. "Carl, I also met Shawney a few times during visitation in the hospital and the clinic. So that is how we had the opportunity to talk."
Carl observed how his Dad went and stood at the bottom of the step, and the way she alighted the stairs so gracefully towards him.
They both seem lost in each other's presence. 'How could this be happening? Is Dad in love with her? After Mom left, he never got involved with anyone, and this girl is less than half of Dad's age.'
She extended her hand. towards Dad, "My child, you look magnificent." Kissing her hand, Torren notices how she bows, saying her thanks to Dad. "Come, child, I want you to meet my other children."
They were all in shock as they admired her raving beauty,
As Shawney walked alongside Train, she stopped next to Torren, looking up at him, saying. "Torren, won't you please change your mind and join us? I will be right there with you, I promise."
Smiling up to him, but deep within her heart, she kept praying he would join her to this special dinner.
Hearing him say, "You promise?"
Shawney observed his anxiousness as his beautiful fox-like eyes radiated, not to mention the smile that brightened up his handsome face, making him even more handsome. Stroking his face, "I promise I will be with you, no matter what."
Unable to reject her a second time, Torren responded immediately, "Then, I will hurry up and change."
Feeling her heart leap for joy, she released the breath she was holding in. Calming her mind, not revealing her intention to his family, she said, "Okay, hurry up or we will be late."
"I will," The family notices the excitement when he runs up to his room. Candis, on the other hand, was so angry with Travis for the way he was gloating at the young lady.
Unable to contain herself, she held his hand, saying, "Okay, Dad, we are also getting late, so we will be leaving."
Travis was so lost he didn't hear a word Candis said. Feeling the tug on his hand, he became alert from his drooling and said, "Let us hurry up and go darling."