Читать книгу Tall, Dark And Irresistible - Joan Elliott Pickart - Страница 9

“I’m here as summoned,” Ryan Sharpe said, smiling as he sank onto the butter-soft leather chair next to the fireplace in Robert MacAllister’s study. His grandfather sat in a matching chair across from Ryan, the leaping flames of a warming fire crackling in the hearth separating the two men.

“I’m honored to be included as one of your grandchildren in your secret mission to give each of us a special gift at a time of your choosing.”

“You know that I’ve considered you my grandson ever since Ted and Hannah adopted you in Korea when you were six months old,” Robert said. “The Sharpe family had always been a part of the ever-growing MacAllister clan.

“I’m very proud of you, Ryan. You’ve worked extremely hard and are a valued member of the team at MacAllister Architects.” He chuckled. “And like the others who have already received their gifts, you’re early for our meeting.”

Ryan laughed.

“As you know, it’s up to you whether you choose to tell anyone what I give you this evening. That’s entirely your decision to make.”

Ryan nodded.

Robert frowned and studied Ryan for a long moment before speaking again, causing Ryan to shift uncomfortably in his chair under his grandfather’s intense scrutiny.

“I wish I had some magical words to say to you, or a mystical wand to wave,” Robert finally said quietly, “that would create peace within you, Ryan. I’ve watched you struggle with your mixed heritage for so many years, and it’s heartbreaking to know you feel as though you don’t really fit in here—or in Korea.”

Ryan sighed. “I hoped that the trip I just made to Korea would bring me that peace, make me feel as though I’d found the place where I really belong, but it just didn’t happen.

“So, here I am, half and half, not fitting in anywhere. People stared at me in Korea because I’m six feet tall like my birth father and have wavy brown hair, yet my eyes are almond shaped like my birth mother, and my skin is tawny. The journey to Korea only emphasized to me that I’m different.”

“Mmm,” Robert said, nodding.

“Please don’t misunderstand me, Grandpa,” Ryan said, leaning forward. “I have the greatest, most loving parents that any guy could have. I’m very grateful for them and for the entire MacAllister family. My problems are my own. I’m beginning to believe, though, that I’m never going to get a handle on this war I continually fight within myself.”

“Which brings us to the subject of your special gift,” Robert said, getting to his feet.

He crossed the room to his desk and returned to settle again in the chair, holding a white box that was approximately a ten-inch cube. He stared at the box, then extended it toward Ryan.

“I give you this with love,” Robert said, “and pray that it helps you quiet your demons.”

Ryan set the box on his thighs, then carefully removed the lid. He pushed back the white tissue paper, then his breath caught. With hands that were not quite steady he reached in and gently withdrew the special gift.

It was a globe.

Nestled on a dark, wooden stand was an exquisite, intricately detailed antique globe, the creation being a total of about seven inches tall. It was made of such fine china that the glow of the flames from the fire could be seen through the sphere.

“It’s…it’s beautiful,” Ryan said, awe ringing in his voice. “Absolutely incredible. I…I don’t know what to say, Grandpa.”

“Then just listen to me please, Ryan,” Robert said quietly, as he leaned forward. “You’re holding the world in your hands at this very moment. Don’t you see that you are so much bigger than it is, than the prejudices that world might have?

“The whole world is yours. Oh, my dear boy, don’t be so driven to find your place in it, to feel that you must choose between your two unique cultures. Embrace them both, realize how blessed you are to have them. Each gives you rare and wonderful gifts. Accept who you are and be at peace.

“I hope that whenever you look at the globe, you’ll remember what I’ve said tonight. I pray that it will ease your pain and make your path easier in the future. I love you, Ryan.”

“I love…” Ryan said, then tears filled his eyes. “I love you, too, Grandpa. I’ll treasure this gift for the rest of my life, and I swear to you that I’ll try even harder to find that inner peace. I’ll look at this globe every day and hear your words and…thank you.”

Ryan swallowed heavily. “But thank you isn’t big enough to express how I feel. You put so much thought and love into choosing this globe for me and…” Emotions closed his throat and he shook his head.

“Your thank-you will do just fine,” Robert said, smiling. “Now, go home, Ryan. Take your globe…your world…with you, along with a firm resolve to become a man at peace with who and what he is. God bless you, my beloved grandson. Good night.”

Ryan nodded, replaced the globe carefully in the box, covered it and got to his feet. Unable to speak past the lump in his throat he gazed at his grandfather and saw tears matching his own shimmering in the older man’s eyes.

After a long moment, Ryan turned and walked from the room, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.