One Unforgettable Favor

by Nicole Vidal

  “I have some good news and some great news,” he states as I take a seat.

  “Mr. Elliott has requested to expedite your deal for his stake in Pemberton. He would like to close in two weeks if that is acceptable to you.” Joy, elation, and downright trepidation pulse through my veins all at once.

  “I would appreciate expediting the purchase. Please set it up. Let me know where I should send the funds.”

  Stacy nods. “The good news is Mr. Edson’s children would like to keep the deal in place as it is. Luckily, his will leaves everything to his children in equal shares. However, they need to admit his will to probate in New Hampshire to obtain the necessary power to re-execute the sales documents on behalf of his estate.”

  “How much additional time do you think that will be?” I ask hesitantly.

  “It might not be longer than the original closing date. It simply depends on the court and the speed of their probate attorney.”

  “Thank you, Stacy. I appreciate all of your arduous work on this.”

  “Of course. I’m thrilled you found what you are looking for both in your career and in your life.”

  “Thank you. What about you?”

  His face drops as he shakes his head.

  “I’m sorry. The perfect baby will come along for you and Jocelyn.” I hear my words and cringe, hoping that was the right thing to say.

  “Thank you.”

  My emotions are mixed as I leave his office. I’m ecstatic for me and Noelle. While this deal will take longer than I would like, it’s happening. On the other hand, I’m sad that Stacy and Jocelyn have been unable to find a baby to adopt.

  I hurry home to share the great news with Noelle. As I search for her, I shuck my jacket and tie. I find her tucked in the chair in the corner of our room with her laptop balancing precariously on her lap. As I fill her in, she closes her laptop, setting it aside. I explain everything that Stacy shared with me as well as my call with my father.

  Rising from the chair, she says, “I’ll be right back,” before hurrying from the room. Moments later, she returns with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. After setting it down, she retrieves a gift bag from the closet.

  “What’s all this?”

  “I have some news too.” Before continuing, she pours two glasses of champagne and hands me the gift. “Mallory said not only is my deal ready to close in a few weeks, but two female investors who wish anonymity have fully funded the deal.”

  “Sweetheart, that’s spectacular. You could have led with that.”

  “Your wins today are just as important as mine.”

  Palming both glasses of Taittinger, I reach for her hand and lead her to the bed. She follows with the gift in her other hand. I settle in the middle of the bed and draw her close, her legs over mine. I hand her a glass and we toast our new endeavors.

  “What’s in the bag?” I ask.

  “It’s for you.”

  “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

  “I know. It took some time to figure out the right gift. Honestly, you don’t really need anything, which makes it immensely hard to find something special. I was super close to asking Billie for help, but I found this before getting her input.”

  I peer into the bag as if something will jump out of it. Inside is a small, heavy box. I haven’t the slightest clue what it is. I open the box and find cologne, but it isn’t a brand I’ve ever heard of.

  She laughs. “You look confused.”

  “I am a bit. I’ve never heard of this company before.”

  “It’s a company based in New York. They create a personalized cologne for you based on a quiz on their website. I entered all the information I could find and researched the cologne you use and created one personalized for you.”

  I open the box and inhale the scent. It’s perfect. Fresh, clean, and spicy—it’s completely me.

  “It’s fantastic! Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you love it. It’s hard finding gifts for you.”

  Before I can lean forward to kiss her, she pushes me back to the duvet, kissing me with abandon.

  Over dinner, we discuss when she’s moving to Maine and how long she’ll be alone in our new home. Thankfully, I’m less worried about her security thanks to Jacob and his team. They met us at the house to explain our new system and the security measures of our property. There is one additional aspect that I plan to put into play. It will be available soon. It also helps my piece of mind that Nicholas and Kelly are a few doors away and Kelly has a member of Jacob’s team with her at work. If Noelle needs help, it’s nearby.

  50

  Noelle

  One month later

  A fresh cup of coffee in hand, I curl up on our porch. I wish Cash were here. It’s an odd feeling. When we first met, I only saw him over video chat and on the weekends. Then I moved into his home and spent every, single, possible minute with him. Now we’re apart again. I know it’s temporary, but the whole point of buying a home was to be together.

  It hasn’t even been long since he was here. Last weekend he was here finalizing the modifications to the basement gym. He also wanted to assist with the furniture delivery. It isn’t as if the furniture company would have let me place the pieces myself. His protective streak came out again in full force. I’m not sure why.

  I push away thoughts of Cash and finish dressing for work. I closed on my center three weeks ago, and I have loved every second of being the director of Bright Horizons. My consulting business is thriving. I spend each morning at the center handling my director duties and have each afternoon scheduled for handling my education plans. If there is an event at the center, I swap the time frames. So far, that system works. Today I’m heading to the center first. Later I’ll join the girl gang, as Billie affectionately calls us, for a girls’ night in at Kelly’s.

  Unlike when I worked with Sheila, running the center is pleasant and the staff competent. After a staff meeting, I head home for the afternoon. Before finishing the last few new intakes I have for this week, I change and settle myself with some yoga on our balcony. Everything about our new home is perfect. I keep reminding myself that being apart is temporary, just a few more months. I can handle it. We can handle it. I just don’t like it one bit.

  Once Mallory created the consulting aspect of my business, I’ve had a steady stream of referrals. So far, I have been able to handle them in a timely manner on my own. At some point, I may need to consider hiring someone for the center or assisting with these plans. It’s a problem I’m grateful to have.

  Near six, I walk along the private lane to the front of Nicholas and Kelly’s house. As I round the house, Mabel descends the front steps.

  Pulling me into her arms, she asks, “Noelle, how are you?”

  “Hi, Mabel. I’m great. I would prefer that Cash didn’t have to stay in New York, but he’ll be here soon enough.”

  “I’m so happy for you, my gorgeous girl.”

  “Thank you, Mabel.”

  After another tight hug, Mabel drives away. The front door swings open and Jacob and another huge guy step onto the front porch. I notice Jacob looks back inside once more. He isn’t looking at Kelly though. He’s looking at a gorgeous, tall brunette, Kelly’s sister, I think. I don’t readily recall her name. The longing in his eyes is unmistakable.

  “Good evening, Noelle.”

  “Hi, Jacob. Pleasure to see you again.”

  “This is Christoph. He works for me.”

  I’m taller than most women, but even I need to look up at him.

  “Nice to meet you.” I take his hand and note it dwarfs mine even more than Cash’s. A heaviness takes residence in my chest. Holy hell, I miss him so much.

  “Have a nice night with the girls.” Jacob states as he and Christoph walk to their car.

  I nod and step through the front door.

  Kelly is to my left in the kitchen. “Hey, Noelle. What can I get you to drink?”

  “White wine ple
ase.”

  Billie approaches and pulls me into a huge hug. “Hi, how are you?”

  “I’m hanging in there. I know this is temporary, and I’m not one to complain, but I feel a bit lost. I don’t like being away from Cash.”

  You would think it would be weird for me to drone on about my love life to Billie, especially considering Cash is her brother, but that isn’t the case. If I stay on the just enough side of intimate details, Billie and I can talk about Cash.

  “I don’t like when Peter is away for work either. I completely understand. When will he be back again?”

  “Next weekend he’ll be here. He’s flying this weekend. I didn’t even ask where. It doesn’t matter.”

  “Have you met everyone yet?”

  I shake my head, and Billie introduces me to Kelsey. I have heard so much about her and spend plenty of money at her bakery. She’s beautiful, and if the way she’s shielding her belly is any indication, she’s pregnant but hasn’t told anyone. Maggie is a tiny little thing holding a small baby named Caleb in her arms. The baby boy looks to be about six weeks old or so.

  Finally, she introduces me to the woman that Jacob was looking at. Then I remember meeting her briefly at the wedding.

  “Pleasure to see you again, Norah.” I take her extended hand.

  We all take a seat near the television, and Kelly selects Sweet Home Alabama as background noise. We chat about Kelsey’s bakery and her upcoming events. Maggie discusses the latest wedding at her job where the bride’s mother objected during the ceremony despite footing the bill.

  Norah moves into the kitchen to refill our drinks while Kelly brings over more snacks.

  “How is the house?”

  “It’s perfect, Kelly. Too big for just me, but eventually it will be fine.”

  “Are you?”

  “No, we just plan on having a bunch of kids when we’re ready.”

  “Are you?” I can’t wait to be an aunt.

  “Not yet but we’re trying.”

  “Yay!” Maggie rises, handing me her son so she can go to the bathroom alone. It isn’t unusual for women to hand their children to me, especially if they know I work in childcare. Kelly and I continue chatting about her newest costuming project and a custom dress she’s making for Lynn Smith, the lead in Nicholas’s last movie.

  When Maggie returns, I suggest she eat something in peace. The baby is cooing and happy swaddled in my arms. After a brief pause, Maggie walks to the kitchen for food.

  51

  Cassius

  Arriving at the house, I peer into the window and see my woman cradling a baby in her arms. I imagine when that will be our child. Once my heart beats again, I open the door. Our puppy escapes his leash, barreling into the house. Awws and reactions of cuteness surround me. As if we’re moving in slow motion, a woman takes the baby from Noelle and she leaps into my arms.

  “What are you doing here? I missed you so much.” She kisses me so deeply it borders on inappropriate given we aren’t alone. Her toned legs wrap around my waist, pressing the heat of her center against me.

  “I need you. I can’t be away from you any longer. I love you more.” I reply.

  A chorus of sighs erupt from the ladies in the room. She pulls back slightly before kissing me once more and unhooking her legs.

  I whisper, “I’m sorry for crashing girls’ night, but I need you to come with me.”

  After hurriedly saying goodbye to the girl gang, she follows me out the door.

  “Can you hold him?” I ask her, setting the furry bundle in her arms while I secure his collar around his neck again.

  “Why am I holding a puppy?”

  I set our unnamed dog on the ground, take her free hand, and lead her around the house. Intertwining my fingers with hers, we stroll along the private lane past our home toward the beach.

  “When everything was coming together, I looked into getting a dog for security reasons. I realize the security issues are significantly less here, but I knew you would accept a puppy as company. In my mind, a trained dog made me feel better about you being alone.”

  “He’s for me?” She stops in her tracks.

  “Yes, and he needs a name.” I can see her confusion with my presence dissipate as we start walking again. It could be because I’m still concerned about her safety or it could even be that I bought her another gift. That is never going to change.

  “What are you doing here? I thought you were flying this weekend?”

  “I did. I flew here, but I’m not flying back to New York.”

  She stops again as we reach the edge of the beach. There is a tent with a large blanket and pillows with a small table spread out on the sand. “Cash, what is going on?”

  “I had this set up for us and a bonfire for later.”

  “While I appreciate this, that isn’t what I meant, and you know it. Why are you here?”

  “You don’t want me here?”

  “I need you here more than anything, but there are at least three more months before that is a reality.”

  “I can’t do three more months away from you. I signed the paperwork for my deal with Mr. Elliott this morning. The probate court approved the Edson portion of the sale yesterday. I’m waiting for a time to sign the paperwork. Stacy is going to bring it to me here. I gave my notice to the firm two weeks ago.”

  “You did?”

  I nod.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I wanted to surprise you.”

  “You’re staying here?”

  “Yes, and for every night after tonight.” I lead her into the tent that is setup on the beach. We settle onto the blanket and pillows on the sand. The furry little monster curls up in my lap and promptly falls asleep. Despite the furball in my lap, my nerves are all over the place. I was nervous on our first date; it’s only natural to be nervous now.

  “This is for you.”

  “More gifts, really, Cash? Don’t you think a trained dog is enough for one night?”

  “Clearly not. Open it.”

  I watch her open the box. Inside is a bound book that opens as large as a map. On the map is every place we visited marked with a pin and a number. Along the side, there is an explanation and a date. There is a pin at the airfield in Los Angeles where I met her to bring her to Nicholas’s wedding, a pin at the hotel where she kissed me, the café near her condo, the pier, the beach, and her condo. I even put a pin in her old center for career day. Every location we have been together, including our new home and this moment right now.

  “This is amazing.” She leans forward and kisses me deeply. I set the sleepy dog on the blanket and pull her up to her knees facing me.

  “When you kissed me at the hotel, I was taken aback. I have never felt intensity so strong ever before. On our first date, we shared a second kiss more mind-blowing than the first. You make me a better man. Without you, I never would have considered chasing my childhood dream of owning a plane, much less an entire airline. I spent almost three years looking for you. I knew my forever was not in New York.”

  “Cassius….” she whispers as I dry a single tear falling from her eyes. I move so I’m on one knee.

  “Tesoro, you are my swan. I want to spend forever with you. Will you be my wife?”

  “Yes, I will marry you.” She captures my mouth, sliding her hands around my face as I cup her jaw. If every kiss is better than the last, this one adds a few notches for the next one to meet. I will thank Nicholas every day for the rest of my life. One favor for him led me to her, my forever.

  “Can we wait until tomorrow to tell anyone?”

  “Some of them already know.”

  “Who?”

  “Nicholas and most likely Kelly. I didn’t swear him to secrecy. I assume he told Kelly about my plans.”

  “You asked Nicholas for permission to marry me?”

  “I did.” A fresh batch of tears fall from her eyes. “Don’t cry, tesoro. I know how much you love breaking tradition, but that one
deserved to be honored. If your father were here, I would have asked him.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nodding, I pull her ring out of my pocket. As I slide my Asscher cut ring with an eternity band on her finger before pressing my mouth to her hand.

  “It’s….”

  I’m sure her instinct is to say it too expensive, too much, or any other “I don’t need this” expression. The truth is she deserves the world, and I intend to give it to her and every tiny human we create together.

  “What shall we do now, almost Mrs. Morgan?”

  “We should celebrate, Mr. Morgan.”

  I kiss my fiancée and lead her straight to our bedroom.

  Epilogue

  Cassius

  Two months later

  My stunning bride stands barefoot on the edge of the sand arm in arm with her brother Nicholas. Her custom, lace gown created by Kelly and Billie is perfection. It clings to her curves and dips low in the back with a mermaid fit, so I’m told.

  “Who gives this woman to be wed?”

  I see my future wife inhale sharply.

  “With the blessing of our parents, I do.” Nicholas kisses Noelle on the cheek. He whispers something else to her that I can’t quite make out before shaking my hand.

  The entire time our officiant is talking, I gaze at Noelle, recalling every moment of our life together thus far. Knowing that from this point forward, it’ll only get better with her as my wife. As she slides a platinum band on my finger and I slide a matching eternity band on hers, I whisper, “Thank you for being my swan. I love you more, tesoro.”

  “Thank you for being mine. I love you more, Cassius.”

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I kiss Noelle tenderly before dipping her as a small group of friends and family look on. Cheers erupt as we walk hand in hand down the fabric runner on the sand of our beach, and I feel truly whole.