Free Holding On by Karen Stivali Page B

He lowered his face to hers. His tongue licked gently against hers, and she melted into him like the chocolate had melted in her mouth.
    “Oh sorry,” Ruth said.
    Marienne looked over to see Ruth standing in the doorway. “Don’t be sorry. I hear you’re watching Ella for the night. Thank you.”
    Ruth waved her hand. “Don’t thank me. It’s my pleasure.”
    Daniel grabbed one of the smaller flower boxes and walked over to Ruth. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
    Ruth’s eyes widened. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
    “Of course I did. You’re helping to make our anniversary extra special.”
    She lifted the top off the box. “Oh, they’re beautiful.” Her mouth spread into a smile as she lifted out a teacup filled with miniature red roses. “Thank you.”
    Ella skipped into the room. “I wanna see.” She came up alongside Ruth. “Ooo, pretty flowers.”
    Marienne eyed the other small box on the counter as Daniel reached for it.
    “I’m glad you think so,” he said, handing the box to Ella.
    “Careful.” Marienne guided her hands as she opened it.
    “Grandma, look! It’s a teacup just like yours, only mine has pink flowers.” She grinned at Daniel. Marienne’s heart swelled. “Thank you, Daddy.”
    “You’re very welcome.” He crouched next to her and reached into the shopping bag. “But I have more.” He handed her a gold heart shaped candy box and a tiny white velvet box.
    She set them down on the kitchen table and climbed onto the chair. Her eyes were wide as she knelt, looking at the boxes, clearly debating which to open first. Marienne knew she loved the moment of mystery. She chose the candy box first. “Can I have one?” she asked as soon as she saw the chocolates.
    “One,” Marienne said. “You and grandma will be having dinner in a little while.”
    She nibbled on the edge of a chocolate heart then shoved the whole thing in her mouth, chewing with a big smile on her face. She reached for the white box and cracked it open. A small gold heart shaped pendant with a tiny diamond chip sparkled up at her. Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, Daddy.” She touched it with her finger, as if she was trying to make sure it was really there. “Can I wear it?”
    “Of course.” He took the box from her hands and gently took the chain out the slits that were holding it in place. He undid the clasp and reached around Ella, fastening it behind her neck. He was clearly pleased that Ella liked his gift. The look on his face was pure contentment. We’re so lucky. Marienne caught Ruth’s eye. She had a sad smile on her face, and Marienne wondered if she was thinking about what a good father Daniel was. A better father than Frank was capable of being. For a moment she felt as though she might cry.
    “We should get going,” Daniel said.
    “Oh, okay.” Marienne shook her head to clear it. “Where are we going? What should I bring?”
    “All you need is an overnight bag and a change of clothes.”
    “But where are we going?”
    Daniel answered with a smile. “You’ll see.”

Chapter Thirteen

    “Seriously,” Marienne said, as Daniel drove down Route 27. “Where are we going?”
    “You’ll see when we get there.” He turned to glance at her, a smiled tugging at his lips. “I love it when your face gets all scrunched like that.” He exited, heading toward Route 1.
    “Ah ha,” she said. “We’re going to the Hyatt.”
    Daniel smiled. “You’re too clever for your own good.”
    The outside of the hotel glistened under a coating of snow, just as it had on their wedding night the year before. Daniel pulled the car under the porte-cochere to unload their bags.
    As he reached for the door handle Marienne put her hand on his arm.
    “It’s perfect,” she said, leaning in and kissing him.
    He stroked the side of her face. “I’m glad.”
    The doorman held Marienne’s door open while Daniel lifted the bags from the trunk. “Let me get those for you, sir.” He took the bags