by Kay Phoenix
Regina had picked Polly from accounting and had brought her a Sponge Bob Squarepants bath set. She figured, Polly had a young boy, so it would at least get some use.
Betty read off each name for each package, and finally Andrew’s name was called. He received a bathroom golf putter set, and a pocket guide for London. After all the names had been called, it was clear that one had not.
Regina’s.
Andrew pushed the sleeves up on his shirt and kissed her on the cheek before walking over and borrowing the microphone from Betty. He whispered something to her and she pulled a chair from one of the tables onto the dance floor.
“Regina, can you come sit up here for me, please?” He said.
Regina suddenly felt very hot and glanced nervously at Melissa, who urged her to get up and go.
When she was finally seated, Andrew began, “I wanted to share a story with all of you,” he said to everyone. “It’s a very important story about time. See, I met a wonderful woman one day, and we made plans. But, life threw us a curveball and I never made good on those plans. It was my fault. It always seemed like we’d have more time. And, as more time went by, I found all kinds of flimsy excuses as to why I didn’t just go ask her out like I’d wanted to. You know – company policy and all that.” A few people in the crowd laughed. “But none of that matters anymore now though, because here she is, sitting in front of me.”
Everyone hooted and hollered, and Regina was afraid she’d turned nearly the same shade of purple as her dress.
“Now,” he went on, “I found out that I’m going to be leaving sooner than I’d thought, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. See, I finally got up the courage to make good on my word yesterday, and we had a great time.” He smiled at her and her heart responded by quickening its tempo.
“But, back to time. Time waits for no man. I don’t even know who said that, but I like it, because it’s true. I also believe that everything happens for a reason. The reason why Regina’s name wasn’t called for a gift is because I was the one that drew her name. And, sorry Betty, but I knew ten dollars wasn’t going to cut it. So, Regina, I do have a present for you.”
From behind the DJ stand, he rolled out the purple suitcase.
Everyone clapped.
“There’s something inside. Open it,” he told her.
She leaned down and unhooked the side. Inside was an envelope with a British Airways logo on it. She slid out a voucher for four round trip tickets.”
“I hope you use those to visit me.”
Regina’s eyes were watering. “I will. Of course.” She wiped at her eyes and stood, hugging him.
She glanced at Melissa who was standing close to the edge of the dance floor with a big grin on her face.
Andrew spoke into the microphone again, turning to the employees. “I have a question for all of you. How would you feel about erasing that stupid rule off the books, officially?”
Everyone clapped.
“About time!” Someone said.
“I agree. Ok everyone, let’s party.”
The DJ took over.
Later, after dancing a few songs, Andrew whispered in her ear, “Take a walk with me.”
She followed him outside. The Rio’s pool area was deserted as December wasn’t really an ideal time to think about being in water. Far above them, riders of the zip line whizzed past.
“I’m glad you’ll use those tickets,” he said.
“Like I said, of course I will. I can’t wait to come visit you.”
“How about New Years?” He asked.
“Wait, that’s in like two weeks? That isn’t enough notice to put in the time with Bianca.” She shook her head. “I’d love to, but I can’t.”
“I’ve already arranged it with her,” he informed her.
“Oh, you did? Wow. Okay, well in that case, of course I’ll be there.” She beamed.
They stopped, and he turned. “There’s something else, too.”
“Oh?”
He took her hands. “I know that we have something special, something amazing. I’ll always kick myself for not doing anything about it sooner, but I can’t leave Sunday without solidifying this.”
“Solidifying?”
“Yeah, probably not the best word, but hear me out. See, the thing is, I don’t want to be without you. I know this is taking a huge leap of faith but… I love you, Regina. Will you marry me?”
Her mouth gaped and her heart stopped.
He pulled a gray box out of his pocket and opened it. Encased inside was the prettiest oval diamond solitaire ring she’d ever imagined. She tried to form words but couldn’t. Instead, she just stared, open mouthed.
“Let me try again.” He got down on one knee. “Regina, will you marry me?”
“Yes!” Her answer came hoarse and fast. “This is crazy, but nothing’s ever felt so right! Yes, yes, yes!”
They embraced a long time, under the stars and zip liners, slowly rocking back and forth. He slipped the ring on her finger and it fit perfectly.
“If you don’t like that one, I can exchange it,” he offered.
“Are you kidding? It’s perfect. I love it and I love you!” She answered, not able to stop smiling. Her lips felt like they were stuck to her teeth.
Andrew was the proudest man in the room when they arrived back to the party and Regina excitedly showed Melissa her ring. Pam and Bianca admired it as well.
A twinkle of light caught his eye and he looked to the direction it came from. There, against the wall was Nicolas, the salesman from Dillards, with a white-haired woman at his side, raising champagne glasses in his direction.
Just then, Regina joined him at his side and squeezed his hand.
“Do you see them?” She asked.
“Yes,” he answered.
“That’s the lady that sold me this dress!” Regina whispered in awe.
“…and that’s the man that sold me the suitcases.” Andrew squeezed Regina’s hand then grabbed his wine glass from the table and raised it in the couple’s direction.
He and Regina watched as Nicolas and Jessica hooked arms, turned and disappeared into the kitchen.
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About the author:
Ms. Phoenix is a rare bird herself, a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She belongs to Las Vegas Romance Writers and has served on the board for eight years. She is also a PAN member of Romance Writers of America.
Prior to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry and holds degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. She currently works in an elementary school library. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping and photography. Her art and photography are displayed in Las Vegas art galleries several times a year.
Kay writes in the contemporary and paranormal romance categories, as well as non-fiction articles.
Other Titles by Kay Phoenix
The Plane Truth
Under the Granite Lies
Steele and Stone
An Unexpected Knight
Chartreuse
Connect with Kay Online:
Website: http://www.kayphoenix.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KayPhoenix_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KayPhoenixAuthor
My blog: http://kayphoenix.blogspot.com/