Kimber thought she could probably fly at this moment if she wanted to she was so happy. It was going to be wonderful, she would be in Ireland with the man she loves and they would raise a beautiful family. She ran through the house to her mother's sitting room, "Mom, I have incredible news!"
"Is that my baby girl causing a ruckus out there?" a deep voice rumbled and Kimber stopped short in the doorway.
"Daddy?!" and a tall proper looking man stood and held his arms out to her. She flew into the room to hug him but pulled up short again as he made the last few steps towards her, he was injured. He had a pronounced limp and had to walk with a cane but still walked with every ounce of dignity he had. She felt herself being pulled into a bear hug only a dad could give and it felt like home, her whole family was finally together again."What happened Daddy?" she said looking up into his warm blue eyes, he was well over 6 feet tall.
"I took a bullet to the leg, not life threatening but enough I couldn't stay at the front. It doesn't look good baby, the South is in ruins." he said stroking her cheek lovingly.
"Magnolia... is it still standing?"
"Proud as ever darling but Charlestown Landing hasn't fared as well." It broke Kimber's heart to think of her beloved home city being ruined, the War was so unfair. However, she would never have met Mark if she wasn't in California.
"What was your news you wanted to tell me sweetheart?" her mother said holding out her hand to Kimber.
"Oh Mother, it's so wonderful. Mark's family was given back their land in Ireland so he can go home and he's asked me to go. I told him yes."
"No way in hell is my only daughter is going off to Ireland, not while I still breathe air." her father said making them both jump.
"Daddy, you don't know Mark. He's incredibly kind, smart, a hard worker...he's been here over a year as a faithful employee."
"You want to run off with a worker? Have you been letting her run wild?" he asked accusingly to her mother and she stiffened her back.
"Kimberly is a very intelligent, capable young WOMAN who has a mind and a will of her own. She is accountable for herself, and if you took the time to get to know her and Mark you would see they belong together." Kimber was in shock, her mother rarely ever spoke like that to her father and it being in her defense was even more special.
"So when can I meet this paragon of virtue?" he said dryly and there was a small cough from the door.
"Right now if you'd like sir" Mark said hat in hands. He just happened to be dressed in a nice suit because he had gone out with his family to celebrate, at least he didn't look like a slob.
"Well come in and stop hanging about. Robert Mahaffey" he said offering his hand and Mark shook it as confidently as he could, Mark was tall enough but Robert towered over him. It took all he could do to not be intimidated by him, this man was a force to be reckoned with injured or not. Mark sat next to Emma, Kimber's mother and Robert put his arm around Kimber protectively, as if declaring she is still mine. "I hear you own land in Ireland. Why are you working for my family in California then?"
"I was the cause of a fatal accident and I foolishly ran, letting fear rule my heart. I'm not going to do that anymore and that's why I'm being totally honest with you. I know she's your daughter but she's my world. I'll love her until the day I die and then some. I'm willing to do what it takes to make you realize I can make her happy. No harm will ever come to her." Kimber was so proud of him and willed her father to give him a chance.
"Thank you for being forthright but now it's my turn. A nice speech and promises from you don't mean a thing if I don't know you. She won't leave this country until I'm sure you are proper husband for her. You've lived a much more colorful life than Kimberly."
Not thinking Kimber blurted," I lived in France for a year Father. I've been a downright angel here compared to..." but stopped when she saw the three shocked faces looking at her. Damn mouth working before the brain.
"We'll be moving back to our home Magnolia Place in the next couple of months. If you're serious about Kimberly I'll ask you to be our guest there until I think you're suitable. If you can't do that then you might as well go now."
Mark looked at her parents and then with a huge smile at Kimber, "I'd be honored to be your guest, Kimber has told me wonderful things about your home."
She moved from her father's arm and sat next to Mark, taking his hands in her own. "You want to go home so badly, you don't have to do this."
Mark took her face in his hands not caring if they were watching, "It won't be a home without you. I'll wait until my last day on earth for you."