A Most Graceful Life Ch. 10

"Wait, him?" Stephen asked, blinking.

"Yes, him. As in, someone that I'm dating, Stephen," Theresa smiled.

"That's so wonderful, Theresa!" Grace beamed, reaching in to hug the other woman. Theresa gave out a nervous laugh, watching her son still processing the news.

"Thank you, dear! Would you both like to meet him?"

"He's here? Now?"

"Of course," she laughed. "Why else would I go to such lengths to prepare this?" Theresa gestured for them to follow her into the family room. Sitting on the couch, and looking about as nervous as Theresa had looked earlier was an older looking man. At one time, he had pure sandy blond hair, yet the passing of time had diluted most of the edges to a softer gray. He was wearing a smile, and had kind green eyes.

He was dressed well for a date, too, wearing a dark gray sports coat, over a dark pair of blue jeans. Overall his look was smart, serious, and yet welcoming at the same time. Stephen found himself willing to give the guy a chance.

"Stephen, Grace, this is my new friend, Jim Reid. Jim, I'd like you to meet my son, Stephen, and his girlfriend, Grace," Theresa introduced for all of them.

Jim let out a wide grin, before hopping off the couch to shake his hand firmly, "It's a pleasure, Stephen! Your mother talks about you constantly, and I kind of feel like I already know you," he joked, before turning to Grace. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Grace!"

"It's good to meet you, too Jim, but I'm afraid this is the first time I'm hearing of you," he replied a bit too honestly.

The smile dropped from Theresa's face slightly. "That's partially my fault. I began talking with Jim the week before my father passed away. It wasn't until after the funeral that we decided to making things a little more serious. I wanted to be careful about dating someone new, and not exposing my children to a new man until I was sure there was potential with a relationship." Theresa scooted closer to Jim, and interlinked her arm with his. "I'm sure about Jim now, and that's why I wanted you both to know first."

"So, the twins don't know yet?" Stephen asked.

Theresa shook her head, "I think that might be a harder battle to fight. I figured you being the oldest, that you'd also be the easiest!"

"I guess I can understand that," he replied, before looking back at Jim. "Well, welcome Jim. If my mother thinks you're a good guy, then that's good enough for me."

Jim grinned and then gently patted Stephen's back, "Thank you, Stephen. That means a lot to me. After how much she's told me about you, I knew the first thing I wanted to do was try to earn your trust."

"Are you from around here, Jim?" Grace asked.

"Yes, born and raised. Not too far from Topeka actually. I really couldn't imagine leaving," he chuckled, before looking at Theresa, who simply smiled.

Both Grace and Stephen started to pepper him with questions. Nothing too serious, but just their way of getting to know the man that was now dating the matriarch of the family. Stephen found that Jim had an easy laugh, was very personable, and seemed to possess an easy charisma that seemed practically magnetic. It was hard to dislike Jim, even if you wanted to.

"Dinner will be ready in just a couple minutes," Theresa yelled out, as she opened the stove and pulled out a fresh tray of what looked clearly like a meatloaf.

As the table was set for four, Grace stepped away to help Theresa with the final preparations, leaving Stephen alone with Jim.

"So, what kind of work do you do, Jim?"

"I mainly sell agricultural equipment, and have been doing that for close to twenty years. Mostly harvesters and the like, with some occasional tractors," he grinned. "I do enjoy it though, and it pays the bills. Speaking of your career, your mother told me you recently got a pretty nice promotion at your job!"

Stephen felt his cheeks turning red. "Yes, I just got promoted to store manager. A bit too early to tell how that might work out, but I'm happy to have gotten the job."

"Well, congratulations are in order to you then," chuckled Jim, giving him a fatherly pat on the back. Stephen found himself liking Jim, which surprised him greatly. His first inclination, even if it was completely juvenile, was to dislike any new suitor of his mother, and even be suspicious of his motives. Despite his wish that she find someone, a tiny part of him never thought anyone would measure up as good enough to date his long sacrificing mother.

Yet, just from the brief time he had known Jim, he was more than willing to give him a chance. It was hard not to, with his easy laugh and interest in the family. He just might be the person to finally bring a measure of happiness to his mother, and that was something that Stephen longed to see.

After the dinner, the woman were cleaning up in the kitchen, while both Stephen and Jim sat around the family room, providing them with a moment of privacy. A question had been forming within his head, and Stephen used the moment find out how serious Jim was about the long term prospects with his mother.

"Jim, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I have an important thing to ask you. Something I'd like to hear your thoughts about," Stephen began, as he began to fidget his fingers.

"Of course. Ask away, Stephen," replied Jim.

"I'm sure a lot of what I'm about to say has been covered by my mother, but still, it doesn't hurt to preface my statement. For over ten years, it's just been the four of us: mom, me, and the twins. As you probably know, we didn't have the best experience with my real father."

Jim nodded, but otherwise remained silent.

"So, that's why it's so important to me that she finds someone who can really make her happy. Someone that can accept her for who she is, instead of what she's not. My own dad really screwed that up, and I know she was unhappy for the longest time, even though she would never admit it herself."

Stephen took a deep breath, and then started upon his main question. "I guess I just want to make sure that you are really in this for her? That you see some type of future with her? Seeing my mom the way she's been this afternoon has been really nice. She hasn't been like this in a long while. I just hope you see and feel the same kind of happiness for yourself. Beyond today?"

Jim nodded while Stephen spoke, letting him get out the entire question before responding. "I really appreciate that you asked, Stephen. You're a good son, and I know you have your mom's best interest in your mind. And to answer your question, it's a resounding yes. Ever since I met your mother, I've felt like a happier guy in general. She's so easy to talk to, and the connection with her is very easy, and personable. Talking with her, and spending time with her, is the best part of my day. I've become addicted to seeing her smile," he replied, chuckling to himself in nervousness.

"So to answer your question, I absolutely see this as long term. I hope she does, too because I'm quite smitten with her," he finished.

Stephen let himself relax, an easy smile forming on his face. "By her actions this afternoon, I'd say she is, too. I haven't seen her act this giddy in quite a while."

Jim nodded, "You know, she thinks very highly of your relationship with Grace. She's told me that last week, about how she wants to look at a man the way Grace looks at you. I think you both have inspired her to seek out the kind of relationship she'd like to have."

Stephen mulled that one over for a few moments before responding. A smile slowly slipped out at the thought of his mother approving of his relationship with Grace, especially given the fact that she had such strong suspicions in the beginning. It was a complete turnaround from her first impression, and he said a silent thank you about having her full approval.

Finally, he spoke up in agreement, "Well, Grace is pretty special." He grinned inwardly, thinking to himself if only Jim knew how special Grace really is.

He smiled, and said, "So is your mother."

From that moment on, Jim was A-okay in his book. He decided that he was going to be his own personal cheerleader, and support their relationship together. It wasn't easy to see a man attempt to date your own mother, but Jim was the man to do it for Theresa Willow.

Later on, after the women had joined them, it was time for Jim to head home. Stephen gave him a firm handshake at the door, and thanked him for coming over, leaving a moment of privacy for him and Theresa. Pulling Grace aside, he whispered to her, "So he's the one, right? The one that I wished for her?"

She nodded, practically bouncing up and down, "He's great for her, isn't he? I really like the guy!"

Stephen chuckled, "I do, too. And he seems really serious about her."

Grace put her hands on her hips, "That's what you asked for, remember silly?"

He kissed her to silence her sass. The look on her face of dreamy bliss after said his goal was achieved.

"Sorry, what were we talking about?" She asked, dreamily.

Theresa came back to them a couple moments later, wearing a nervous smile on her face. "Well, what did you two think? Did you like him?"

"He's great, Mom."

"Yeah, he's really nice, Theresa," they chirped back in unison.

Theresa clapped her hands together, excitedly, "I so hoped you would like him. It's been so nerve-wracking seeing him and knowing I still had to introduce him to the family. I don't think the twins are going to take it so easily, but it means a lot to have your approval."

Stephen reached in and hugged his mother, "I definitely approve. He's a good man, and he thinks the world of you. This one is a no-brainer, mom. We'd both be happy if you two kept seeing each other."

Theresa broke away, laying a kiss on her son's cheeks, before wiping a tear out of her eye. "It means so much to have your approval. I've been so worried about it."

Stephen chuckled, "Nothing to worry about at all. Just had to make sure he was good enough to date my mother, which he is."

Theresa almost let out a giggle, "What happened to my son? I swear, you're like a different person the last couple months. I so enjoy this new you, and the man you're turning into. You make me so proud, Stephen."

Finding his cheeks reddening, Stephen let out a small smile, before looking back at Grace. He knew the real reason things had changed so much, and a lot of it was due to her. Once again, he found himself saying a silent thank you, but this time, for finding her.

Later that night, as Stephen held a very sleeping Grace against him, his mind pondered over the changes in events of that afternoon. His mother was now in a relationship for the first time since their father left. And it was a good one, thankfully. He had been a little worried about how his wish for her might play out, but seeing how Jim was, and how he was a perfect match for her got him to thinking about all the other relationships he knew about.

From his mother and Jim, to Shelly and Jack, and even to Grandpa and Grandma, they were all, as far as he knew, perfect fits. Personalities that were meant to be together. He could, of course, say the same about him and Grace as well, but there was always a nagging feeling in the back of his mind when he compared their relationship with others: The other strong relationships he knew were together because they choose to be. They loved each other because they chose to love one another. As strong as his relationship with Grace was, she was compelled to be with him due to her supernatural design.

It had been on his mind a lot lately, seeing Shelly's wedding, and his grandfather's recent passing, and the nature of love. He admired greatly those that could sustain love willingly for so long, making a clear choice, fromboth people, to love each other. It was obvious to him that he loved Grace of his own free will. But could Grace ever love him the way he desired to be loved? Freely, and by choice?

He shuttered to himself, and the slight movement caused Grace to stir and press back against him more firmly. He felt a tear sting his eye at having such a perfect woman practically chained to him in slavery. Grace, despite stretching the limits of what was technically a woman, was incredible, and a perfect partner. A woman as amazing as Grace should get a say in the matter of who was her partner for life, not just because he had been lucky enough to open her portal and release her.

In that moment, Stephen felt ashamed. He felt no better than a slaveholder, who was keeping an innocent woman captive and in the illusion of love. Grace was too good for this, not to get a say in the matter, but the nature of her magical being dictated that she receive no choice.

He sighed, knowing there was one option: set her free. Then she could decide if she truly wanted to be with him, and he could stop having the moral quandary such as now. Yet, Grace shuttered in true fear at the thought of freedom. Surely, it couldn't be all that bad? He made a mental note to bring it up with her again soon. There was no problem that couldn't be solved by talking it out, right? There had to be a way forward.

Pulling her in tighter against him, Stephen managed to find sleep at last. Yet, the one thing he couldn't help but see was Grace's face, from the last time he mentioned setting her free. The look of abject terror was the last thing he saw before falling asleep.

---------------

With the steady stream of heavier paychecks coming, Stephen felt confident enough to begin looking for his own place. It had always been in the back of his mind, the shame, at still living at home at the age of twenty one. Yet, until recently, it had been a necessity, enabling himself and his mother to pool resources to stay afloat. Now with more than enough money pouring in, he felt like he could finally get back on track.

The next day, he had spent a considerable part of the morning searching online with Grace to find apartments that they could call their own. Of course, Grace seemed to be enjoying the process more than he was.

"Oh, look at that one! It even has a balcony, and a fireplace! Can't you just picture us curled up in front of the fireplace, baby?" Grace cooed, pointing her finger at the pictures on the screen.

"It does look nice," agreed Stephen, before looking at the monthly rent. "But that seems a bit high. Maybe we should come down in price."

Grace shuffled to another open tab. "This one has a balcony too, but no fire place. But it does have two bathrooms instead of one!" She continued on, pointing out everything she liked about the place. Stephen mostly just let her go, knowing that whichever place he ended up with would have to garner her stamp of approval first.

"Oh, what about this one, Stephen? This one has three bedrooms for a good price!"

Stephen chuckled, "What do we need three bedrooms for in a starter apartment?"

"You never know," giggled Grace, before giving a subtle rub of her stomach, which was largely missed by her oblivious paramour.

Soon enough, the two of them had picked three apartments that they wanted to go see in person. One was only five minutes away from his mother's house, in an older apartment building that Stephen drove by on the way to Price Chopper. The other two were in newer developments, closer to twenty minutes away on the other side of town.

They saw the older apartment first, which was closest to home. The pictures listed online detailed a newly renovated two bedroom apartment, with the balcony that Grace liked so much. Yet, after being shown around by a member of the staff, they quickly crossed it off their list. The building itself was older, and the parking situation was pretty bad. Grace further added that it just didn't feel like a home, with Stephen readily agreeing.

The next apartment they saw was a single bedroom in a newer development which was close to the center of the city. The parking situation here was much better, with its own covered garage and assigned spaces. There wasn't much not to like about the apartment, which had a great view of downtown from its large open windows. The apartment was a miniature community on its own, having a full gym, basketball court, convenience store, and laundry service inside the building. The only thing that Stephen didn't care for was the price tag.

"Grace, I like this place, I really do, but it's just too expensive for rent. We'd be right back in the same situation as before the new job with having to watch money. As much as I like the place, I don't think it's the one for us," he said, as they pulled out of the covered garage.

Finally, they pulled up to the last option of the day. This apartment was in a development that was about five years old. There was assigned parking out front and the front office staff was very friendly and courteous. The open apartment was on the fourth floor, and open entering the room, Stephen's jaw fell slightly open.

It was very newly renovated, all in the modern style, with a big open kitchen and dining room area. Right next to the dining room was a balcony for Grace that had an excellent view of a nearby park. Right off the dining room was the main living quarters, a big open room surrounded by windows, letting in all the natural light. Off the living room were two nice sized bedrooms, and a large full bathroom.

Standing in the middle of the bedroom, Stephen looked out the window, trying to imagine how life may be waking up in this room every day. There was something about the apartment, something welcoming, that was pulling him in, and telling him this was the one. Perhaps it was the 'homey' type feeling he received from the minute he walked in. Perhaps it was seeing the look on Grace's face, that one that said she too liked the place very much.

Whatever it was, Grace slowly slipped towards his front, wrapping her light frame against his. "What do you think?"

"I like it. What do you think?"

"Honestly?" She asked. "I love it. It's perfect for us. And I love that we have that second bedroom right now for the future," her eyes beamed.

"The price is good, too. It's very affordable. Do you think we'd be happy here?" He asked.

Grace nodded, "Absolutely. This is the place to start our own family."

Stephen smiled, loving how she already envisioned their own family being here, even though that was probably still years down the line. He liked that she thought ahead. He most liked that she wanted it all with him.

But does she do it out of free will, or because she's compelled to as a genie? The inner voice found its way into his thoughts. Stephen quickly shook his head, not wanting to spoil the moment with bad thoughts.

"Well, there's only one thing to do," he said, with a tone of finality, as he found himself transported back into the rental office of the complex. "We'll take it!"

"Wonderful!" beamed the lady in at the desk, an older woman with blue gray hair and an easy smile. "Let's get working on the paperwork!"

After about an hour, Stephen and Grace were on their way back to their now old home, hand in hand. Having signed their new rent, and deposited a check for the safety deposit, Stephen's wallet was a little lighter, but his heart was much happier. Now, he and Grace had a place to call their own.

The lease that they had signed started on the first of the month, which was only a week away. There wouldn't be too much to pack in that time, but they would need to start preparing right away anyway. Of course, it did help being partnered with a genie, whose things could be transported without any muscular endurance on his part. However, certain pieces of furniture like his desk, bed, and dresser would require more effort. Stephen made a mental note to check out the price of moving trucks in the near future.