Accidental Love

by Lydia Rose

  “Someone would have cared, Rachel. Tom was innocent and eventually someone would have recognized that fact,” Marnie assured her.

  “Innocent people go to jail every day because they can’t afford a good attorney,” Alan Reynolds added.

  “Well, I was glad I could help.” She turned to Leslie. “And look what I got?” Marnie smiled at Leslie. “I got the most beautiful woman to fall in love with me and a wonderful group of friends with the people in this town.” Marnie chuckled. “Not to mention, I might live past my fiftieth birthday.”

  “We’re all happy you’re here, Marnie,” Rachel said for the group.

  Leslie squeezed Marnie’s leg showing her agreement and Marnie rested her hand on top. “Thanks,” Marnie said feeling her heart fill with love.

  “What time do you have to be in court?” Leslie asked.

  “Ten.” Marnie looked at Leslie. “Are you free tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can I pick you up at four?” Marnie received an affirmative nod from Leslie. “At home?”

  “Yes,” she answered moving closer and stealing another kiss.

  Before the kiss ended, Marnie pulled her close to her body. “Do you think the neighbors are reaching for their guns yet?”

  Leslie rested her head on Marnie’s chest. “They all love you too.” Leslie leaned back so she could see Marnie’s face. “They know what you did for Tom and in finding the ones who really committed the crime. They are very grateful for that. The longer you live here, you will see we are not all bigoted and racist.”

  “I hope you’re right because I don’t want to have to go back to New York without you.”

  Leslie laughed at her comment. “You are not going anywhere, you belong to us now.”

  They separated a few minutes after kissing each other thoroughly and had no idea that Rachel had been watching. When are you going to ask that girl to marry you, Marnie? Or at least move in with her?

  CHAPTER 29

  Marnie was nervous as she drove over to Leslie’s house. Her fingers tapped against the steering wheel and she went over her speech in her head. Before she could put the car in park, Leslie was out the door and on the way to the car.

  “Hi,” she said leaning over as she kissed Marnie softly.

  “Hey. Did you have a good day?” Marnie asked reaching for her hand.

  “I bet yours was better,” she said smiling and squeezed Marnie’s hand.

  “Yeah. The boys will not see the light of day for at least twenty years and that makes me sad, but they did bring it on themselves.”

  “Did they cry?” Leslie asked turning in her seat.

  “Rodney did, but not Steve.”

  Leslie now faced forward and watched as Marnie pulled into the driveway of the sold colonial. “What are we doing here? Are we going to have another picnic in the yard?”

  “Nope.” Marnie got out of the car and went around and opened Leslie’s door. Her hand came out to help her out.

  “Marnie, we can’t keep coming here. Someone is going to call the sheriff.”

  Marnie laughed. “No they won’t. I have permission from the owners.” She walked up to the porch still holding Leslie’s hand. Marnie unlocked the door and motioned for Leslie to go inside. She watched as Leslie stood in the foyer looking around. Marnie walked up to her and whispered in her ear, “Welcome home, baby.”

  Leslie spun on her heels and her jaw opened and closed before she could find her voice. She finally asked, “What are you talking about? Or should I ask, what did you do? Are you trying to tell me that you bought this house? I can’t believe you own this. Am I right?” Leslie finally stopped her questions.

  “Yes, I bought the house.” She wanted to continue, but Leslie cut her off.

  “Why?”

  “Why?” Marnie asked chuckling.

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Because I love you and I know you love this house.” Leslie opened her mouth and Marnie put her finger on Leslie’s lips. “There is nothing that I wouldn’t do for you, Leslie. My moving here is a start, but...” Marnie now dropped to one knee and watched the shocked expression on Leslie’s face. “Nothing would make me happier than for you to become my wife.” Marnie took Leslie’s hand. “Leslie, will you marry me?” She now pulled out the ring from her pocket.

  Leslie stood there staring at Marnie for what seemed like an eternity in Marnie’s mind before she jumped into her arms and knocked her onto her back. “Yes, Marnie, I will marry you.” She kissed her soundly. “I can’t believe you bought this house.”

  “It’s our house. That is if you want to live with me here?” Marnie asked wrapping her arms around the woman lying on her chest.

  “How much money do you have anyway?” Leslie asked tilting her head and looking down into the blue eyes.

  “Believe it or not, this house was cheap compared to the prices in New York.”

  “What about furniture?” Leslie asked getting off the floor and holding out her hand to Marnie.

  “Buy whatever you want. I’ll give you my credit card to shop.” She walked up to Leslie. “Can I put the ring on you now?” She slipped the ring on Leslie’s finger.

  Leslie grinned. “I guess I didn’t let you get to that part.” She held the ring up. “It’s beautiful, Marnie.” Her finger came out now pointing. “I’m going to help pay for the furniture.”

  “Are you going to make me go with you?” Marnie asked grumbling.

  “Yes. I want to make sure you like everything.”

  “I’ll like whatever you buy,” she said grinning.

  “Nice try.” Leslie now grabbed Marnie’s hand and dragged her up the stairs.

  “Where are we going?” Marnie asked as she was being pulled.

  “To our bedroom,” Leslie said smiling.

  “But we don’t have any furniture.”

  Leslie stopped in her tracks. “Any towels?” Marnie shook her head seeing the disappointment on Leslie’s face.

  “I still have that blanket in my car.”

  Marnie watched as Leslie broke out in a smile again. “Go get it.”

  Marnie ran back up the stairs carrying the blanket and a couple of pillows. “I forgot I had these in the car too.” She stopped in her tracks when she saw Leslie standing by the window. Her arms were crossed and she could hear her softly crying. Marnie dropped the things on the floor and rushed over to her. Her arms wrapped around her. “What’s wrong?”

  Leslie turned into Marnie’s body and buried her face in her shirt. “I can’t believe you did this.” Marnie swallowed hard at her words. “I mention that I had been in this house and you go out and buy it.” Marnie didn’t comment and waited for Leslie to continue. Leslie lifted her head and looked at Marnie with tear filled eyes. “Do you know how much I love you?” Marnie’s head nodded up and down. “Good, because you didn’t have to do this.”

  “I know, but I wanted to,” Marnie finally said. “I like your house, but it’s too small for us.” She paused for a heartbeat and smiled at Leslie. “For us and our future family.” Her words started another round of Leslie tears. Marnie pulled her close to her body. “Don’t cry. I love you so much, baby.”

  Leslie was now looking over Marnie’s shoulder. “Where did you get the pillows?”

  Marnie chuckled. “They were in my trunk since our first picnic here.” She was now lowering Leslie to the floor kissing her the whole time. Clothes disappeared off their bodies quickly and hands caressed each other. Soft moans filled the empty room as hands and mouths fulfilled each other. Both women were slick with sweat as they laid back on the thin blanket. “We better get furniture quickly because I don’t think my body can survive making love on the floor again.”

  Leslie whispered into her ear. “But, honey, we’ve got more rooms to christen,” she said with a snicker only to hear Marnie’s loud moan.

  CHAPTER 30

  Marnie sat with Leslie at her table in the café having breakfast. Their night had en
ded at Leslie’s house. They both awoke to a beautiful Saturday morning more in love than either woman thought she could ever feel.

  As Dot refilled the coffee cups, her eyes caught sight of the sparkling diamond on Leslie’s finger. “Oh my god,” she said grabbing Leslie’s hand. “What does this mean?”

  Both Leslie and Marnie laughed. “What do you think it means, Dot?” Marnie asked with a tilt of her head.

  “You’re engaged?” Dot asked staring at Leslie.

  “Yes, Dot. Marnie and I are engaged.”

  “When is the wedding? Do your parents know? Where are you going on your honeymoon?”

  “Stop, Dot,” Leslie said laughing. “We haven’t set a date yet,” Leslie said smiling at Marnie. “No, my family doesn’t know yet and don’t go calling them,” she said pointing her finger.

  The door flew open a few minutes later and Rachel came charging into the café. “I didn’t tell her,” Dot said holding up her hands.

  Leslie looked around the café and saw all her patrons were smiling. “Is it true?” Rachel asked reaching the table.

  “Yes,” Marnie and Leslie said in unison.

  Rachel grabbed Marnie first. “I’m so happy for the two of you,” she said before moving over to Leslie and giving her the same hug. “I was wondering when you were going to pop the question,” she said looking at Marnie. “Let me see the ring.” Leslie held up her hand. “It’s beautiful, sweetie. Your dad is going to be so happy.” She turned to Marnie. “Did you call your family?”

  “Not yet,” Marnie answered.

  “When is the wedding?”

  Before Rachel could ask another question, she put her hand up. “We don’t have a date yet and we don’t know where we are going for the honeymoon,” Leslie said already anticipating her questions.

  Rachel stood up. “Come to dinner tonight so we can celebrate.”

  Leslie opened her mouth to decline, but Marnie’s eyes stopped her. “We will be there and don’t tell Tom or Alan. We want to be the ones to tell them.”

  Rachel looked down at Marnie grinning. “Dear, I’m sure by now they both have heard the news. This town can’t keep a secret.” She turned to leave, but they paused. “By the way, I love the house you two kids bought.” Then she quickly left the café.

  Leslie was giggling as Marnie held her head. “I’m surprised she didn’t say anything about us having kids together.” She banged her head with the palm of her hand. “This is going to take some getting used to, everyone knowing our business.”

  “You mean, it wasn’t like that in New York?” Leslie asked standing next to Marnie and pulling her head to her body.

  “Not even close. I could have died in my apartment and none of my neighbors would have missed me.”

  Leslie wrapped her arm around Marnie. “Get used to it honey, because we all watch out for each other down here.”

  “I better call my parents before someone from down here calls them.” She kissed Leslie’s cheek. “I’ll see you later.” A chuckle followed her as she walked toward the door. As she passed each patron, congratulations were quickly on their lips. Once in the car, she pressed the phone button. “Call mom.”

  “Hello, honey. How is Georgia?” her mother asked.

  “Great, Mom. Is dad there?”

  “He went to the hardware store. Why? What’s wrong?” Kathy asked sucking in a breath.

  “Nothing, Mom. I just wanted to tell you two together,” she said softly.

  “You asked Leslie to marry you,” she said giggling.

  Marnie shook her head. “How did you know?”

  “Honey, I knew when you left New York that you were going to ask her. Why did it take three weeks?”

  “I wanted to make sure that she wouldn’t say no.”

  “Oh, Marnie. There was never a doubt. That girl is head over heels in love with you.”

  Marnie smiled. “Yeah, she is. I bought her a house.” She couldn’t believe she was saying that.

  “I’m so happy for you, Marnie. Really I am, but I’m going to miss you so much.”

  “We want you and dad to come down. That is once we have furniture,” she said snickering. “I know you already met Leslie, but the circumstances weren’t the best at the time,” Marnie said remembering that they had met her after her collapse and then Leslie left.

  “Have you called your sister?” Kathy asked.

  “Not yet.”

  “Your dad just walked in. Let me put the phone on speaker.”

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “Hi, Marnie. Do you like Georgia?” Bill asked moving closer to the phone.

  “I do, Dad. I asked Leslie to marry me last night.”

  Bill looked at his wife and smiled. “I’m assuming she said yes.”

  “Yes, Dad. Leslie said yes.”

  “Good. I’m happy for you both.”

  Kathy interrupted her husband. “You let us know when the wedding is and we will be there.”

  “Thanks, Mom and Dad. I appreciate the support.” Marnie chuckled. “I’ll let you know when we have furniture so you and dad can come down.”

  “Okay, Marnie. Now go make the rest of your phone calls.”

  Marnie’s next call was to her sister who was thrilled to hear the news and promised to come down for the wedding. Her next call scared her the most.

  “Hey, bitch. You move to Georgia and you don’t call your friends anymore. I haven’t heard from you in two weeks.”

  “I’m sorry, Sheila. It’s been kind of hectic here.”

  “Yeah, I bet. Do you ever let that woman out of bed?” Sheila asked trying not to laugh.

  “I’ve been busy with my new job. So get your mind out of the gutter.” Marnie teased her friend.

  “So, to what do I owe this phone call?” Sheila asked sarcastically.

  “I called to see if you would be my maid of honor.” Marnie covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing.

  “What? You asked her to marry you?”

  “Yep.”

  “And she said yes?”

  “Small wonder, huh?” Marnie asked, this time allowing herself to feel the giddiness she felt.

  “You lucky, lucky woman.”

  “Don’t I know it, Sheila? She said yes to me. To me. Can you believe it?”

  “I can,” she answered softly. “You are a very lucky woman. You both are. I am really happy for you, my friend.”

  “I know, Sheila. I’m so happy that I just want to jump around and scream.”

  Sheila chuckled. “So when is the wedding?”

  “We haven’t chosen a date yet, but I don’t want to wait too long.”

  “No. You better lock that deal up quickly before Leslie comes to her senses,” Sheila tormented.

  Marnie sighed. “So when are you going to come down and visit me?”

  “You just left New York. Give me some time to miss you.”

  “Hey, I miss you.”

  Sheila lowered her voice, “I miss you too, sweetie.”

  CHAPTER 31

  “I would like to introduce the two brides who will now dance their first dance together.” The music began and everyone stood up and watched as Leslie and Marnie stood in the middle of the makeshift dance floor in the backyard of their home. The house had been furnished and the yard was decorated with white lights and flowers.

  Marnie leaned into Leslie and whispered in her ear as they danced close together. “I love you so much. Thank you for marrying me.”

  Leslie took Marnie’s hand and held it to her chest. “I never thought I would be this happy. My heart was empty until you came into my life and I think I fell in love with you the moment you walked into my café.”

  Marnie pulled Leslie closer to her body. “You will have my love for the rest of my life, Leslie. I know we will fight, but we will always make up before we go to bed.” She chuckled. “I’ll try not to try your patience too much.”

  “I promise you the same, my love,” she said as her one hand stroked Marnie’s face
softly.

  Marnie spun Leslie out of her arms and twirled her around as the rest of their guests took to the dance floor to join the happy couple. Marnie’s dad tapped her shoulder and asked, “May I have this dance?”

  “Yes, Dad,” Marnie said with a wink at Leslie who was now in her own father’s arms.

  The two mothers stood off to the side smiling as if they had just won the lottery. “I don’t think there is another couple here tonight that is as happy as those two,” Kathy Winters said to Rachel.

  “I know what you mean. I never thought they would ever get together. I’m glad that Marnie had the sense to come down here and get her gal.”

  “I miss her dearly, but I’m happy for her, Rachel. So happy.” She put her arm through Rachel’s. “So do you think they are going to give us grandchildren?”

  Rachel laughed. “I already asked that question to Leslie and was told that if and when they decided to have children, they would let me know.” The women laughed.

  “Yeah, I got kind of the same answer from my daughter.” Kathy squeezed Rachel’s arm. “I guess we will have to keep working on that.”

  “I’ll do my part if you will do yours,” Rachel teased.

  “Count on it.”

  Marnie and Leslie were back in each other’s arms and looked over at their mothers. “What do you think they’re talking about?” Marnie asked whispering in Leslie’s ear.

  “Probably about us having kids,” Leslie answered laughing.

  “You know they are going to hound us until we have a baby.” Marnie couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice as she voiced her displeasure.

  “Yeah, I know, but they also know we will have to go through a lot to make that happen. Do you think that will keep them in line?” Leslie asked looking up at Marnie.

  “I doubt it. Those are two determined women.” They both laughed at Marnie’s answer.

  EPILOGUE

  Two Years Later

  “Your Honor, the defense attorney is testifying. The trial hasn’t even begun yet,” Marnie said standing up.

  “Mr. Harris, unless you wish to talk to the Assistant District Attorney about a plea, the trial will begin on Monday.”